Crater Lake National Park, where the United States’ deepest lake is located, will be undergoing extensive rehabilitation work that will affect visitor access to the lake. Beginning at the end of summer 2025, the park’s only lake access point, Cleetwood Cove Trail, will be closed for approximately two years to allow for repairs and upgrades that are needed.
The shutdown of Cleetwood Cove Trail will temporarily suspend all uses dependent on direct access to the lake, such as swimming, diving, and boat tours. The public can continue to experience panoramic vistas of Crater Lake from the rim’s raised elevation and other vantage points throughout the park.
Reasons for Rehabilitation
Closure of the trail is based on a number of reasons related to intense human traffic and attendant long-term wear and tear:
- Erosion and Trail Damage: The trail’s erosive soils have experienced extensive tread loss, resulting in retaining wall damage and heightened vulnerability to rockfall hazards.
- Infrastructure Failures: The marina bulkhead and dock system failed in 2016 and needs stabilization to maintain visitor safety and operational integrity.
- Insufficient Facilities: The restrooms that compost at the end of the trail are not enough to serve the number of visitors, requiring improvements to be able to keep up with demand.
Construction Timeline and Challenges
With Crater Lake’s high yearly snowfall, the construction window is short a few summer months annually. With this seasonal limitation, the project must be stretched over several years to have time to finish the work that needs to be done. There will be potential contractors in the summer of 2025 to plan cost proposals, with construction in 2026 anticipated. Depending on weather conditions and delays that occur unexpectedly, the completion of the project is liable to shift.
Visitor Information
Although lake access will be direct but not available in the rehabilitation period, Crater Lake National Park remains open to the public. The park rim road provides several pull-outs and viewpoints for visitors to enjoy the lake’s remarkable blue waters and fascinating geological aspects, including Wizard Island, a cinder cone volcano rising from the surface of the lake.
About Crater Lake
Created more than 7,700 years ago after the eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama, Crater Lake is famous for its deep blue hue and clear water. With a depth of 1,943 feet, it is the deepest lake in the United States and draws visitors from across the globe.
The upcoming closure of Cleetwood Cove Trail is a proactive step to protect and improve the natural beauty and safety of Crater Lake National Park. Visitors making plans for trips during the affected period are advised to consider alternative park attractions and remain informed of project progress through official park announcements.
