Crater Lake National Park remains open despite trail closure, impacting local tourism

Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is open to visitors, despite the closure of the Cleetwood Cove Trail for rehabilitation work expected to last several years. Liz Ashley, general manager of Crater Lake Resort, reported a significant decline in bookings, with occupancy at only 10% during Memorial Day weekend compared to 60% the previous year. Many potential visitors are mistakenly believing the entire park is closed due to misleading headlines from national news outlets. Heidi McLean, owner of the Aspen Inn, also noted a similar drop in interest, attributing it to the misconception and other factors such as high fuel prices and inflation. Local businesses are feeling the effects, leading to reduced operating hours and fewer seasonal hires. Both Ashley and McLean have reached out to the National Park Service for assistance in clarifying the situation but have not received a response. In 2025, Crater Lake recorded 681,842 visitors, a 23% increase from the previous year, possibly influenced by the anticipated trail closure.