La Grande Parks & Recreation Announces a Seasonal Closure Change for Morgan Lake Park
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, December 5th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – During a city council meeting on Wednesday, December 3, La Grande Parks and Recreation Director Stu spence announced changes to Morgan Lake’s seasonal closure policy, including the opening of the park for limited day use during winter. See the following release from La Grande Parks and Rec for more details:
(Release from La Grande Parks and Recreation)
Several requests have been made to allow Morgan Lake to remain open for limited day use during the winter months, whereas the site has traditionally been fully closed during this season.
Effective Monday, December 8, 2025
- Restrooms and direct lake access at Morgan Lake remain closed for the winter season.
- The park will be open for walk-in day use only.
- Fishing, camping, and fires remain strictly prohibited.
Questions can be directed to Stu Spence, Parks & Recreation Director at 541-962-1348 or sspence@cityoflagrande.org
Reasons for the policy change discussed during the meeting included the minimal fiscal impact by allowing limited winter access, the unnecessary strain on local law enforcement resources caused by low-level trespassing reports at the park, and the frequent requests by some residents to allow winter access.
Note that, while Morgan Lake Road is maintained during winter, the park access road is not. Snow may pile up and make vehicle access difficult.
