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Signs & Maps

Established Camping

Crack-In-The-Ground

Crack-In-The-Ground is located near a volcanic fissure in Oregon, offering a unique terrain of rocky formations and open spaces. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Fort Rock State Natural Area and the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes, providing opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Crack-in-the-Ground is an ancient volcanic fissure over 2 miles long and up to 70 feet deep. Normally, fissures like this one are filled with soil and rock by the processes of erosion and sedimentation. However, because it is located in such an arid region, very little filling has occurred and Crack-in-the-Ground exists today nearly as it did shortly after its formation thousands of years ago. An established 2 mile trail along the fissure’s bottom offers a unique hike, where the temperature can be as much as twenty degrees cooler than at the surface. Know Before You Go: 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. Point of Interest: 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. ADA Access: Restroom

Fee Info

No Fees.

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Location

Crack-In-The-Ground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

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.

Coordinates

43.33281053 N
120.67600097 W

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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3.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Short hike. Neat feature!

This location is primarily used for day hikes.

Ccoming from hwy 14 near Christmas valley the turn off for crack in the ground is a gravel road. When we took it was freshly grated, but as you go along there are some rough patches where it may be difficult to pass with a small car or a vehicle with low clearance. There are sparse opportunities to fit two vehicles on this road once you make the left up the hill.

The parking area is marked and well kept, including the restroom (basic vault toilet).

Trailhead is opposite of parking where there is room for maybe 10 vehicles.

This is a very dry and open area. As you travel down the trail maybe .25 miles there is a trail log box where you can sign in as well. Picnic benches are available here (2).

From here you can see the Crack in the Ground! Start your journey into the crack where it is nearly 30 degrees cooler. Quite nice on a 100 degree day!

This is a down and back trail through the crack, but you also may return on trails above ground level.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Crack-In-The-Ground by Nicolaus N., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Crack-In-The-Ground by Nicolaus N., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Crack-In-The-Ground by Nicolaus N., August 31, 2018
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Crack-In-The-Ground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Crack-In-The-Ground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Crack-In-The-Ground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Crack-In-The-Ground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Crack-In-The-Ground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.