Crater Lake Water Access to Close in 2026

After the 2025 summer season, Crater Lake National Park’s only water access and boat launch will be closed to the public for renovations. According to the National Park Service, the Cleetwood Cove Trail at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, which offers the only access to the lake, will close in 2026 for construction. Erosion from the elements has rendered much of the trail in need of repair, while rockfalls present a hazard to park visitors. The marina bulkhead failed, and a temporary dock currently allows visitors access to the park tour boats when they are in operation. The temporary dock structure requires continual adjustment to accommodate changes in water level, and its location is 100 feet along the shore from the original marina landing.

The reconstruction project at the marina and trail is expected to take three years. If construction remains on time, the trail is expected to reopen in summer 2029. Crater Lake is located inside a caldera that formed thousands of years ago following a volcanic eruption. It is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the clearest lakes in the world. Approximately 500,000 people visit Crater Lake each year, with an average of 54,000 visitors hiking the 1.1-mile trail annually. Tour boats and research vessels only are permitted on the lake. During construction, only the Cleetwood Trail and parking area will be closed. The park will be open for visitors to get views of the lake from many of the overlooks around Rim Drive or from hiking on other trails.