If visiting Oregon’s stunning Crater Lake is on your travel bucket list, you’ll want to act fast. The National Park Service (NPS) has announced that access to the lake’s only official shoreline trail, Cleetwood Cove Trail, will close following the 2025 summer season and remain inaccessible for more than three years.
Why the Closure?
The closure is part of a major rehabilitation project aimed at improving the trail’s infrastructure, enhancing visitor safety, and protecting the fragile volcanic landscape that surrounds this natural wonder. Construction work is expected to kick off in 2026 and span through the 2027 and 2028 summer seasons.
According to the NPS, the work is necessary to address long-term issues, such as:
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Erosion control
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Rockfall hazards
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Visitor safety improvements
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Environmental preservation efforts
About Cleetwood Cove Trail
The Cleetwood Cove Trail is more than just a hiking path; it’s the only legal route down to the lake’s edge at Crater Lake National Park. Thousands of visitors hike it each year to reach the deepest lake in the United States, renowned for its brilliant blue waters and remarkable clarity. The trail is also the starting point for boat tours, offering visitors an up-close view of the lake’s volcanic origins.
Once the trail closes, boat tours will also be suspended until further notice.
What Makes Crater Lake Special?
Crater Lake isn’t just the deepest lake in the U.S. at 1,949 feet; it’s also among the top 10 deepest lakes in the world. Formed within the collapsed caldera of Mount Mazama after a catastrophic eruption nearly 8,000 years ago, the lake has no inlets or outlets. Its mesmerizing blue water is sourced solely from rainfall and snowmelt.
Limited Access Until 2029
During the closure period, only scientists conducting research will be allowed near the water. For the general public, this means no hiking down to the shoreline, no boat tours, and no lakeside access until summer 2029, when the trail is scheduled to reopen.
The NPS has stressed that this project is critical for preserving the visitor experience for future generations while also addressing long-standing environmental concerns.
Looking Ahead
If Crater Lake is on your must-see list, it’s wise to plan your trip before the 2025 summer season wraps up. Once the trail closes, visitors will still be able to enjoy the park’s scenic rim drives, overlooks, and hikes—but not the hands-on experience of touching the lake’s famous waters.
