Crater Lake’s only trail to the water is closing in 2026. Here’s what’s happening, how long the closure will last, and what it means for your next trip.
A few years back I tried to make it down the Cleetwood Cove Trail to Crater Lake's shore. I'd been to Crater Lake nearly a dozen times, camped and hiked various trails throughout the park, but had yet to go down to the lake's edge. I made it about five minutes down the trail and decided it was too sketchy for me and turned back. Loose dirt and pumice made the narrow trail (which slanted towards the lake in many spots), slippery, and I was convinced I was going to slide right off the edge and tumble down a thousand feet below into the lake's icy blue waters. Now, that same trail (one of Crater Lake National Park’s most iconic experiences) will be closing for repairs.
What's Going On With The Cleetwood Cove Trail At Crater Lake National Park?
The only access point to Crater Lake's shoreline, Cleetwood Cove Trail is gearing up for a multi-year closure starting in 2026. With around 54,000 visitors making the 1.1-mile descent to the water each year (all braver than I am), this trail has long been a favorite for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and hopping on a scenic boat tour. But it’s also showing serious signs of wear.
Park officials are preparing for an extensive rehabilitation project that’s been years in the making. The upcoming work will address major safety concerns and improve aging infrastructure, all while taking steps to protect the lake’s fragile environment.
Why Does The Cleetwood Cove Trail Need An Overhaul?
Crater Lake’s rugged caldera is no stranger to erosion. The steep terrain and unstable soils have taken a toll on the Cleetwood Cove Trail, leading to crumbling trail surfaces, undercut and weakened retaining walls. On top of that, geotechnical surveys identified dangerous rockfall zones looming above sections of the path and posing real risk to hikers.
The marina at the bottom of the trail is also in poor shape. Its dock system failed back in 2016, the composting toilets are overwhelmed by current use, and the overall design can’t handle today’s visitation levels. That’s why this rehabilitation project goes beyond a simple trail fix: it’s a full-scale effort to bring both the trail and marina facilities up to modern safety and accessibility standards.
What Work Will Be Done On The Trail And Marina?
Once construction begins in early summer 2026, crews will begin scaling back loose rock from the cliffs, rebuilding the trail tread, and reinforcing retaining walls. The existing marina will be removed and replaced with a floating dock system and a new pier for lakeside views. Plans also call for upgraded restrooms and a lakeside ticket booth to improve the visitor experience once the project is complete.
But it won’t be a quick turnaround. Crater Lake’s extreme weather limits construction to just a few months per year, typically July through September. That means the project is expected to span three summers, with completion projected for 2028.
What This Means For Visitors To Crater Lake
During construction, the Cleetwood Cove Trail will be completely closed to the public. Helicopters will be transporting materials to and from the site, and crews will be knocking down loose rocks, making it unsafe to be anywhere near the trail or lakeshore. The adjacent parking lot will also be used to stage construction equipment and materials.
No boat tours will run on the lake during the closure, and lakeshore access via Cleetwood Cove will be off-limits. However, the rest of the park will remain open. There are still plenty of places to take in the lake’s breathtaking views, especially along Rim Drive and other scenic trails.
Though it’s hard to imagine visiting Crater Lake without that iconic trek down to the water, these updates are essential to keeping the trail safe and sustainable for future generations. When the trail finally reopens, it’s set to offer a better and safer experience for all who make the journey down to Crater Lake’s vivid blue waters.
