Cleetwood Parking Lot To Close During Parking Lot Expansion Beginning August 15

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Date: August 11, 2016
Contact: Jennifer Evans, 541-594-3002

Cleetwood Cove Trail Access Will Be Limited to Visitors Taking a Shuttle from Rim Village

Beginning on August 15, the Cleetwood parking lot will close during a major construction project that includes expanding the parking lot by more than 70 percent, installing two permanent vault toilets, and improving trailhead access. From August 15 through September 5, the only way to access the lake for boat tours, hiking, swimming, or fishing will be to take a paid shuttle from Rim Village. Shuttles will be available to boat tour passengers and to a limited number of independent hikers. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only trail that leads to the shore of Crater Lake.

After September 5, shuttle services will end and the trail will close to the public for the remainder of the 2016 season while crews work on the parking lot and trailhead, and make critical repairs to the Cleetwood Cove Trail. The newly expanded parking lot and the trail will reopen in the summer of 2017.

Superintendent Craig Ackerman said, "It is difficult to close roads and facilities or limit access during our peak summer season, but due to the snow and temperatures that make construction impossible in the fall, winter, and spring, we must temporarily restrict access so that safe and secure infrastructure can be maintained. We have no alternative but to conduct this work when conditions allow. This project will alleviate many parking issues at Cleetwood Cove trailhead and provide much needed visitor facilities, such as permanent restrooms in this popular area."

Crater Lake National Park and Xanterra Parks and Resorts will continue to offer a limited schedule of boat tours from August 15 through September 5. Beginning on August 15, four boat tours will be offered daily, at 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:15 p.m. During this time, boat tour tickets will be discounted to $32.50 for adults and $20 for children ages 3 to 11. Children under 3 years of age are not permitted on boat tours. Visitors can purchase boat tour tickets by calling 888-774-2728 or 303-297-2757, or by requesting a ticket on Xanterra's website at
https://secure.xanterra.net/forms/pub/crater_volcano.php.

The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only legal access to the shore of Crater Lake. It is a strenuous trail with a steep grade. The hike to the shore is 2.2 miles round trip (3.5 km) with an elevation change of 700 feet (213 m) each way.

The cost for a round-trip shuttle from Rim Village to Cleetwood Cove trailhead is $15, and tickets will be available on the day of travel from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Community House in Rim Village. Boat tour passengers will need to show their boat tour tickets when purchasing shuttle tickets. Shuttles for boat tours will leave Rim Village one and a half hours before scheduled boat tour departure times. Independent hikers will be able to purchase shuttle tickets on a first come, first served basis beginning at 7 a.m.

For more information on Cleetwood Cove Trail access and shuttle services from August 15 through September 5, call the Steel Visitor Center at 541-594-3100 or contact Jennifer Evans, Public Information Officer, at 541-594-3002.



Last updated: August 11, 2016

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Crater Lake National Park
PO Box 7

Crater Lake, OR 97604

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541 594-3000

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