The general manager of Crater Lake Resort has sent out an SOS of sorts to let the public know the National Park is open. Liz Ashley says that widespread misinformation has resulted in massive cancellations. The only closures at the park are the Cleetwood Cove Trail that leads down to the lake and boat tours. All other areas, including scenic drives, overlooks, other hiking trails, the visitor centers and resort, are open.
Ashley says national news headlines and social media coverage have been misleading. A cursory search online finds a PennLive.com headline reading, “Major U.S. attraction now closed for years: Here’s why”, as well as one from The Weather Channel stating, “Crater Lake Access To Be Closed For Years Starting in 2026.”
Ashley says, “Unfortunately, many travelers were left with the impression that the entire National Park had shut down. That misunderstanding has had serious consequences for tourism-dependent communities throughout southern Oregon.” She says local resorts, motels, restaurants, guides, campgrounds, gas stations, shops and family-owned businesses are all feeling the impact.
Ashley told the Source that Crater Lake Resort, which is seven miles outside the south gate, has seen a 50% drop in business. It’s normally 60% full in May but this May, it was 30% full. She says, so far, reservations between Memorial Day and Labor Day are only half of what’s usually booked.
The owners of Horseshoe Ranch in Fort Klamath told the Herald and News that normally they’re fully booked in July and August by mid-February but this year they’re barely booked. The owner of The Aspen Inn motel, also in Fort Klamath, says the impact has been devastating.
“I started seeing headlines last year that were misleading. It was frustrating but I didn’t think too much about it,” Ashley says. “Once March hit, and we were only at half of our normal reservation numbers, I knew something was going on. That is also when I really started noticing cancellation calls coming in regarding the “closure.”
Work at Cleetwood Cove includes removing dangerous rocks, overhauling the trail, replacing the dock, pier, restrooms and ticket booth. The area is expected to reopen for the 2029 summer season. About 10% or 54,000 park visitors, hike that trail each year.
Ashley hopes that renewed public awareness and accurate reporting will help restore confidence in visiting the park and support the local economies that depend on it. “Crater Lake National Park is one of the most important economic drivers for our region,” she says. “We may not be able to get our normal occupancy numbers up this summer, but hopefully 2027 and 2028 will improve.”
This article appears in the Source June 4, 2026.
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The trail won’t be open until the summer of 2029? Why so long? Why does it take so long to get things done? And why are the boats closed?
They can only actually work on the trail for about 3 months out of the year, so that is why it will take until 2029. The boats will not be running tours because the trail will be closed and that is the only trail to the water.