Why a Trip to Crater Lake National Park This Summer is Still an Absolute Must-Do!
Hey, adventure seekers! Thinking about a trip to Oregon? We know that no Oregon bucket list is complete without a stop at Crater Lake National Park. While you might have heard some people ask, ‘Is Crater Lake closed?’, we’re here to tell you that the coming year is still the perfect time to experience its world-renowned beauty. The truth is, the magic of Crater Lake extends far beyond the water’s edge, and with incredible adventures just outside the park gates, you can craft a full-blown, unforgettable Oregon experience.
Why is Crater Lake closed?
As your local insider, we want to give you the honest scoop so you can plan the perfect trip. The short answer is: it’s not closed! The park itself is open and ready to welcome visitors. However, a specific part of the park is undergoing important renovations beginning in summer of 2026 through 2029.
What is closed at Crater Lake National Park?
For those hoping to get down to the water, it’s important to know that the Cleetwood Cove Trail and the marina at the bottom of the trail will be closed for a multi-year rehabilitation project from summer 2026 through 2029.
What this means for your summer visit:
- You won’t have access to the lake shore via the trail.
- Swimming in the lake is not permitted from this location.
- The famous boat tours on the lake will not be operating.
We know it’s a bummer, but trust us, the park is just as spectacular from the rim, and there’s plenty more to do! For the most current and official park information, you can always check the National Park Service’s website.
Can people still visit Crater Lake National Park?
Yes, absolutely! Crater Lake National Park is open, and all the incredible rim level activities are available. You can still drive the scenic Rim Drive, a 33-mile loop that circles the caldera, offering over 30 breathtaking overlooks. You can also hike many of the park’s other fantastic trails, from easy walks to challenging summit climbs with panoramic views. The visitor centers, campgrounds, and iconic Crater Lake Lodge are all open and ready for your visit.
Why don’t most people visit the lake level at Crater Lake National Park?
Getting down to the lake is a serious journey! Even when the Cleetwood Cove Trail is open, it’s a very steep, 1.1-mile hike down to the water, dropping over 700 feet in elevation. While it’s the only legal way to access the shore, many visitors choose to enjoy the park from the rim for a few key reasons: the high altitude makes the hike strenuous, the water is famously cold (around 38°F just below the surface), and the most iconic views are from the overlooks high above. The breathtaking, postcard-perfect scenes you’ve been dreaming of are all right there from the rim!
What else is there to do near Crater Lake National Park?
While in-park lake access won’t be available, your adventure doesn’t stop at the park boundary! As a local business, we know that Southern Oregon is an outdoor playground, and there’s a world of excitement waiting just minutes from Crater Lake’s front gates.
- Soar Through the Trees with Crater Lake Zipline: Ready for an adrenaline rush? Just a short drive from the park, you can experience the thrill of flying through the forest canopy with us at Crater Lake Zipline! It’s an exhilarating way to see the regional landscape from a whole new perspective and add an unforgettable high-flying adventure to your trip. We offer adventures for ages 5+, so everyone can join the fun!
- Explore Local Waters on a Kayak Tour: While boat tours on Crater Lake may not be running, the surrounding lakes and rivers offer fantastic opportunities for paddling. Our guided kayak tours on pristine, spring-fed waters like Spring Creek or the Upper Klamath Canoe Trail are a perfect way to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the region’s aquatic ecosystems. It’s an experience you won’t find inside the park—and a perfect way to spend a peaceful afternoon on the water
- Explore the Southern Oregon Outback: Take a scenic drive along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway to discover spatter cones, lava tubes, and beautiful forests.
- Catch a Ranger Program: Join a ranger-led talk or a guided hike to learn about the national park’s unique history, geology, and wildlife.
- Watch a Stunning Sunset: The high elevation and lack of light pollution make Crater Lake a premier spot for stargazing and catching a magnificent sunset.
- Spot Wildflowers and Wildlife: In summer, the park’s meadows come alive with colorful wildflowers, and animals like pikas, marmots, and black bears are most active.
This summer, make your visit to Southern Oregon a multi-faceted adventure! Pair the iconic beauty of Crater Lake National Park with the thrilling experiences of Crater Lake Zipline and our serene local kayak tours. While some in-park access points are undergoing important maintenance, the heart of Crater Lake—its incredible views, diverse trails, and peaceful landscapes—is waiting for you, complemented by exhilarating outdoor activities just around the corner. Come discover it all with us!
