Crater Lake National Park, one of Oregon’s most iconic natural landmarks, will soon undergo significant changes that will affect visitors for several years. Starting in 2026, access to the lake’s shoreline will be closed to the public to allow for extensive rehabilitation of the Cleetwood Cove Trail and Marina. This closure is expected to last until the summer of 2029 and means that visitors will not be able to swim, fish, or take boat tours on the lake during this period.
Why the Closure?
The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only legal and maintained trail that leads down to the shore of Crater Lake. It’s a steep, 1.1-mile path that over 500,000 visitors use each year to reach the lake for various activities such as swimming, fishing, and boarding boat tours. However, the trail and marina have suffered from years of heavy use and environmental wear and tear.
According to the National Park Service, the trail has experienced significant erosion. The retaining walls have begun failing, and the trail surface is becoming unstable. There are also concerns about rockfall hazards along the trail, which pose serious safety risks to hikers.
The marina’s bulkhead and dock system failed in 2016 due to unstable slopes, rockfall damage, and high-energy waves, and now necessitates a complete redesign and replacement. In addition, the composting restrooms near the marina are outdated and insufficient for current visitor numbers.
What Will Be Done?
The rehabilitation project aims to address these issues. Planned work includes:
- Rockfall mitigation to remove dangerous rocks hanging over the trail.
- Rebuilding the trail to improve stability and safety, including repairing or replacing retaining walls.
- Constructing a new and structurally stable floating dock system and a pier for visitors.
- Replacing the outdated composting toilets with new restrooms.
- Installing a new ticket booth along the lakeshore at the end of the trail.
The construction work is scheduled to begin in early summer 2026. Due to the park’s high elevation and significant annual snowfall, the construction season is limited to a few months each summer.
As a result, the project is expected to take approximately three years to complete.If there are no delays, thee trail and marina will reopen in the summer of 2029.
What Does This Mean for Visitors?During the closure period from 2026 until the summer of 2029, visitors
Visitors will not have access to the lake’s shoreline via the Cleetwood Cove Trai9. This means that swimming, fishing, and boat tours will be unavailable.
The park itself will remain ope,n however, and visitors can still enjoy the breathtaking views of Crater Lake from the rim. The Rim Drive offers numerous scenic viewpoints where visitors can take in the lake’s clear and deep blue water, and the surrounding landscape.
For those planning trips to Crater Lake before the closure, the summer of 2025 will be the last opportunity for several years to experience the lake up close. The NPS encourages visitors to take advantage of this time to enjoy the full range of activities the park currently offers.
Looking Ahead
While the impending temporary closure of lake access is undoubtedly disappointing for many people, the rehabilitation project is essential for ensuring the long-term safety and sustainability of Crater Lake’s most popular access point. The improvements will enhance the visitor experience and help protect the park’s natural resources for future generations.
The NPS will provide updates on the project’s progress and any changes to the timeline. Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s official website for the latest information before planning their trips.
Crater Lake National Park will continue to offer a wealth of natural beauty and recreational opportunities during this time, from hiking and wildlife viewing to photography and stargazing.
Even without direct access to the lake, there will still be scenic views, hiking trails, camp sites, and access to other park locations like the Steel Visitor Center and the Crater Lake Lodge.
For more information on the Cleetwood Cove Trail and Marina Rehabilitation Project, visit the National Park Service’s official page: Cleetwood Cove Trail and Marina Rehabilitation.
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