People are scrolling the internet, finding misleading headlines that state “Oregon’s Crater Lake is closed to the public until 2029.”
Travelers are changing their plans, vacations to Crater Lake are being canceled, and attendance to the glorious Crater Lake National Park is down.
What is actaully closed in the park is the Cleetwood Cove Trail to the marina and there will be no boat tours until this reopens. The area has suffered from erosion, the marina has been damaged by boulders and slides.
Crater Lake is a fragile ecosystem, and after careful consideration, it was decided this area needs to be renovated to be safe for the visitors and the wonderous beauty that is Crater Lake. The 1.1 mile Cleetwood Cove Trail is going to be rehabilitated, retaining walls rebuilt, and the trail head improved. The failed bulkhead is going to be rebuilt, floating dock and a pier are going to be installed. New composting toilets are going to be installed at the marina.
Why is this project going to take so long? This is an extensive project with many facets and phases. There is an incredibly short construction season at Crater Lake. In fact, it snowed a bit at the park yesterday, 5/26/2026. Snow is in the forecast all week. We can use the snow, but snow and construction are not that compatible.
Is it still worth visiting Crater Lake? Absolutely, there are still many ways to enjoy the park. Here is a link to what is currently open at the park: Current Conditions at Crater Lake And while the Cleetwood Cove Trail and Marina is a important aspect to the park, only about 10% of park visitors actually hike the trail and go to the water. I have been to Crater Lake countless times and have not hiked this trail or swam in the lake.
So, if swimming in Crater Lake is on your bucket list, you will have to visit another time. But if you want to see one of the most spectacular natural wonders on earth, come visit Crater Lake National Park. It is one of those “the pictures do not prepare you” experiences.
