Crater Lake, Oregon is Banning Visits Until 2028 – This Summer is Your Last Chance

America’s Deepest Lake is Closing for 2 Years

Crater Lake is one of those places you need to see at least once in your life. If it’s part of your bucket list, make plans to visit ASAP.

The National Park Service has confirmed that Crater Lake National Park is closing access to tourists for multiple years. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Gorgeous Blue Crater Lake

As the deepest lake in the US at 1,943 feet, this stunning blue wonder formed about 7,700 years ago. Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed, creating a huge bowl that was filled with rain and snow.

With no rivers flowing in, the water stays incredibly clear, giving it that famous deep blue color that shifts depending on where you stand. Hundreds of thousands of people visit each year to see this Oregon gem.

Crater Lake Closes Until Summer 2028

The National Park Service will close access to Crater Lake at the end of summer 2025, that’s expected to last until summer 2028 at the very least.

During this time, no visitors can approach the lake itself. Only park scientists will be allowed near the water during this long closure.

They’ll Be Fixing the Damaged Trail to Crater Lake

The park is closing because they need to fix the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which is the only legal way to reach the lake.

Years of heavy foot traffic have damaged the trail and its walls. They’ve also found several dangerous spots with serious rockfall hazards.

The bathrooms at the trail’s end can’t handle the number of visitors they get, and the dock needs major repairs. Another goal is to remove and replace the old dock with a more structurally stable marina at Cleetwood Cove.

About the Cleetwood Cove Trail

Cleetwood Cove Trail is a 1.1-mile steep path that’s the only legal way to reach Crater Lake’s shore. It’s the most used trail, with thousands of hikers tackling it every summer.

Trying to reach the lake any other way is not only against the rules but also dangerous. People have died attempting to climb down the cliffs.

No Swimming Or Boat Tours For Years

While the park is closed, you won’t be able to swim, wade, fish, or take boat tours. The marina that serves as the starting point for boat tours around the lake and to Wizard Island will also be closed throughout the project.

Summer 2025 Is Your Last Chance

If you want to swim or boat in Crater Lake before the closure, you need to visit during summer 2025. The lake is typically only open from mid-June to late October each year because of the weather.

Plan your trip soon, as this will be your last chance to experience the lake up close for nearly three years. Expect more people than usual as many try to get their final lake visit before it closes.

You Can Still See Crater Lake From Above

Park spokesperson Marsha McCabe confirmed that while you can’t access the lake itself, you can still enjoy looking at it from above. The lake has a road around it with many spots to pull over and take in the view.

Other Park Activities Stay Open

Despite Crater Lake being off-limits, there’s still a ton of things to do. You can enjoy hiking in old-growth forests, cross-country skiing during winter months, snowshoeing, camping, picnicking, and scenic driving around portions of the park that remain accessible.

Other Great Places In Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon has many other great places to visit during the closure. The area features the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Rogue River, Oregon Caves, and numerous vineyards, chocolatiers, and cheesemakers.

Consider adding these spots to your trip. They offer everything from cultural events to outdoor adventures, all within driving distance of Crater Lake.