The Cleetwood Cove Trail at Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park will close for several years as part of a major rehabilitation project. The mile-long trail is the park’s only lake access, winding down through pine forests and offering glimpses of the lake’s deep blue waters. Hikers have long marveled at the trail’s scenic views, but years of erosion, rockfalls, and fallen trees have made the trail increasingly unsafe. The park has relied on annual maintenance for decades, but officials say the damage has now reached a point where temporary fixes are no longer sufficient.
“The trail has been worn down by decades of use, rockfall, and tree damage,” said the park’s public information officer. “Support walls are failing and must be completely rebuilt to ensure visitor safety.” While the descent to the lake is breathtaking, the return hike is physically demanding. Hikers climb nearly 700 feet along nine switchbacks, including the steepest section dubbed “Heartbreak Hill.” The climb is challenging even for experienced visitors, and the trail’s current condition raises serious safety concerns.
This summer highlighted the urgency of the repairs. A 26-year-old hiker fell near Discovery Point and broke his leg. Rescue crews struggled to locate him in the dark, and the climb up the deteriorated trail with a motorized stretcher was slow and painful. On the same day, a woman experienced heat exhaustion while ascending, demonstrating how even mild conditions can become dangerous on the trail. These incidents underscore why the Cleetwood Cove Trail must undergo comprehensive improvements.
The park plans to create a more durable, compacted trail with consistent cross slopes, making it safer and easier to navigate. Improvements will also aid search and rescue teams, reducing the risk for visitors and emergency responders alike. Trail planning began in 2017, with multiple geotechnical assessments to address unstable slopes and rockfall risks. The project will be managed in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration. Pre-solicitation notices estimate costs between $30 million and $40 million, with the project scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026. Construction is expected to take three years, focusing on the short season from July through September.
While the trail is closed, visitors can still enjoy Crater Lake’s beauty from numerous overlooks and other hiking routes leading to peaks and waterfalls. Only about 10% of park visitors typically hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail, so most guests can continue to experience the park safely from alternative locations. At the base of the trail, the park is improving visitor services with new restrooms, an upgraded marina dock, and a permanent ticket booth. These enhancements aim to support visitors who may not be prepared for the lake hike and to improve overall safety along the shoreline.
Officials emphasize that the Cleetwood Cove Trail rehabilitation is essential for long-term safety and visitor enjoyment. Though the closure may inconvenience hikers, the extensive improvements will protect both visitors and the natural environment, ensuring that Crater Lake remains a safe, iconic destination for generations to come.
