Just did the Cleetwood Cove Trail at Crater Lake one last time before it closes for a massive 3-year rebuild, and wow it was equal parts stunning and sketchy. The descent into the caldera offers dreamy glimpses of the lake through pines, but the trail’s wear and tear is no joke. Between past rockslides and crumbling support walls, it's clear this path needs more than a patch-up.
Hiking back up Heartbreak Hill is brutal, especially if you’re not prepped with water. I passed a rescue team carrying out an injured visitor, and it really hit how critical this renovation is. While it’s sad to lose access to the lake for a few summers, I’m hopeful the upgrades will make it safer and more accessible. Anyone else squeeze in one last hike? Or got alternate trails you’d recommend while Cleetwood’s closed?
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