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Established Camping

Jordan Craters Area of Environmental Concern

Jordan Craters Area of Environmental Concern is located near the Jordan Craters Wilderness Study Area in Oregon. The terrain features volcanic formations and rugged landscapes. Campers can explore the nearby Owyhee River and Succor Creek State Natural Area, with temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Jordan Craters Wilderness Study Area

Overview: Jordan Craters is a volcanic field, covering 27 square miles with olivine basalt. This otherworldly scene is the result of lava flow that occurred in two main phases, both less than 30,000 years ago. This ancient lava field features craters, lava tubes and pahoehoe (a Hawaiian term meaning "ropy," describing the smooth, billowy lava flows), showing just how mobile a lava flow can be. Drive right up to Coffee Pot Crater, a well-preserved, steep-sided crater that covers two-thirds of a square mile. Hike through or take photos of this alien-like terrain and explore the area's beautiful and geologically violent past. Know Before You Go: The area is full of rugged terrain; footing is precarious. Lack of trails, sharp lava formations and open pits can be dangerous for the most experienced hiker. The lava fields can reach temperatures of more than 120 degrees during the summer. Dehydration is a very real and very dangerous possibility. Bring enough water to remain hydrated. Roads become nearly impassable when wet. Winter weather can make access difficult. High-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. Point of Interest: Coffee Pot Crater: the only crater on site to offer vehicle access. This area also features roughly aligned spatter cones - blocks of lava that have welded together, forming cones.

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Location

Jordan Craters Area of Environmental Concern is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

Jordan Craters is located in the southeast corner of Oregon in Malheur County. From Highway 95, 8 miles north of Jordan Valley, turn west at the Jordan Craters sign onto Cow Creek Road. Follow BLM Jordan Craters access signs for 25 miles to the site.

Coordinates

43.14614894 N
117.461025 W

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1 Review

Reviewed May. 24, 2021

Other worldly

This place is a HUGE lava flow (extinct) that covers thousands of acres of land in eastern Oregon. It is about an hour of the main road on gravel roads that are in good shape. It is beautiful and mysterious. It is easy to spend several hours here looking at all the amazing lava structures left behind from thousands of years ago when this lava erupted and engulfed this area. There are obvious vents to see where a lot of lava blew up out of the ground. Coffee Pot Crater is an amazing blend of colors and rock types. The road by the same name ends right at the crater and there is a small display/sign that describes the history and features. There are some small lava tube caves you can go into where the hot lava retreated leaving empty space. Evidence of lava rivers and flows are everywhere.

SiteBLM land, boondocking near a small lake
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Jordan Craters Area of Environmental Concern by Mike E., May 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Jordan Craters Area of Environmental Concern by Mike E., May 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Jordan Craters Area of Environmental Concern by Mike E., May 24, 2021
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