Hike Crack in the Ground, Oregon

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Over time, earthquakes and volcanos have split and splintered the earth’s surface. Such shocks to the system are not uncommon over the span of six billion years. But still, they have caused many cracks and blisters in the ground. So…why doesn’t more of our earth look like the Grand Canyon, if not “Land of the Lost?” Rock rubble, along with hardening lava, generally serve to refill and patch up fissures. As the earth cracks, so it fills itself. But not all breaks mend equally. Crack in the Ground is a volcanic fissure over two miles long and up to 70 feet deep in Lake County, Oregon. The length of the fissure can be hiked, as there is an established trail along the fissure’s bottom. Normally, fissures like this one are filled in with soil and rock by the processes of erosion and sedimentation, but because Crack in the Ground is located in such an arid region, very little filling has occurred. As a result, Crack in the Ground exists today nearly as it did shortly after its formation. When you get there it is easy to cool off, as the bottom of the crack can be as much as twenty degrees below the surface temperature. Open Season Crack-in-the-Ground is open YEAR ROUND. Trail Difficulty is moderate, with a 70’ elevation gain and sand and rock surface. Universal Access Restroom available. No Drinking Water available. Trail Open to foot travel only. Motor Vehicles, Mountain Bikes, and Equestrians are PROHIBITED. Access is via rugged dirt roads that may be impassable at times. Four-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended. Facilities at the Green Mountain facilities include 6 designated campsites, a vault toilet, picnic tables, and fire grates. This is a primitive campground so please pack out all of your trash. The fire lookout atop Green Mountain is manned from June through October. The nearest services are in Christmas Valley, Oregon. A trail along the fissure's bottom allows for visitors to hike the crack’s length - and cool off, due to a temperature up to twenty degrees lower than the surface. From Christmas Valley, Oregon, head east on the Christmas Valley Highway for approximately 1 mile. Turn north (left) onto Crack-in-the-Ground Road and continue for about 7 miles, being sure to turn left onto Lava Craters Road, following signs to Crack in the Ground.

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