Crater Lake's Only Legal Access Trail to Close for Years Starting in 2026
Crater Lake’s Cleetwood Cove Trail—the only legal access to the lake—will close in 2026 for major renovations. No swimming or boating will be allowed until at least 2029, as the park improves safety, infrastructure, and the marina. 2025 will be the last chance for lake access for years.
CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK, Ore. – In a major development affecting tourism at one of Oregon’s most iconic natural landmarks, Crater Lake National Park will close the Cleetwood Cove Trail — the only legal access point to the shoreline of Crater Lake — for an extensive construction project beginning in 2026.
The closure is expected to last at least two full years, covering the 2027 and 2028 summer seasons, with officials aiming to reopen the renovated trail in summer 2029. However, there’s a slim possibility that the work could be completed in time for a 2028 reopening, depending on conditions and progress.
“This project proposes to rehabilitate the trail and related infrastructure to ensure safe access to the lake, provide needed visitor services, and protect the environment,” the National Park Service said in a news release.
No Access to the Lake During Construction
During the closure, no swimming, boating, or trail access will be allowed. All lake-level activity will be suspended, and visitors will only be able to view the lake from above. Only park scientists and authorized personnel will be permitted to approach the waterline.
“This coming summer (2025) will be the last opportunity for visitors to swim or take a boat tour for several years,” said park information officer Marsha McCabe. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the most heavily used trail in the park, offering thousands of visitors each summer a route down to the lakeshore, boat tours, and a chance to jump into the clear blue waters of the nation’s deepest lake.
Why the Trail Is Closing
Crater Lake’s caldera walls are steep and hazardous. Accessing the lake outside the designated trail is both illegal and dangerous, with past incidents of rescues, injuries, and fatalities.
The upcoming project aims to:
- Rehabilitate the full 1.1-mile Cleetwood Cove Trail, including trail tread and retaining wall improvements.
- Mitigate rockfall hazards in high-risk areas.
- Remove and replace the failed marina bulkhead/dock with a structurally stable facility.
- Upgrade the outdated composting toilets located near the marina.
Planning, design, and environmental compliance for the project are already complete. The park is now preparing to solicit bids for the construction contract.
Crater Lake remains a top destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. While the temporary closure may be disappointing, officials emphasize that the improvements will ensure long-term safety and sustainability for future generations of visitors.
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