Goodbye to swimming in the deepest and one of the most famous U.S. lakes for two years, government explains why

Known and loved for it’s stunning, breathtaking views and crystalline clear, deep blue waters, Crater Lake is main draw for tourists visiting Crater Lake National Park in south-central Oregon.

Crater Lake, the deepest and one of the cleanest in the US

The lake fills a 2,148-foot-deep volcanic caldera that was formed 7,700 years ago. The water reaches depths of 1,949 feet, making it the deepest lake in the US and the second deepest in North America. It is also one of the cleanest lakes and home to a rich variety of wildlife including Black bears, golden-mantled ground squirrels, Canada jays, American marten, snowshoe hare and many more.

But this summer will be the last chance to visit and enjoy a swim or boat ride out on the lake for some time. The National Park Service has announced the Crater Lake Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan (SETP) - a major renovation of the park’s access point, the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which will begin 2026, with the trail expected to reopen summer 2029.

Access to the trail will be cut off at the end of the 2025 summer season. During the closure, privately-run boat tours will be suspended. Construction will begin in 2026 and will continue through the 2027 and 2028 summer seasons, the NPS explain.

The only visitors to Crater Lake’s shores will be scientists - at least until the resort reopens in the summer of 2029.

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