Nestled within a two-mile-long volcanic fissure that’s over seventy feet deep, Oregon’s Crack-in-the-Ground offers one of the state’s most distinctive hiking experiences.
“It’s interesting to note that usually, erosional forces would fill such fissures with soil and rocks. But given its location in a dry region, the Crack-in-the-Ground remains largely unchanged from its original form, which formed millennia ago.”
Overseen by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management, their official website provides essential information: accessibility throughout the year, absence of drinking water, restroom facilities at the main parking lot, restricted to foot traffic, and a strong recommendation for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
We ventured to Crack-in-the-Ground recently and can vouch for these details. Expect a six-mile off-road journey peppered with ruts, muddy patches, and rough terrains. A four-wheel drive isn’t mandatory but is certainly beneficial. We were hoping for a map or some informative material at a wooden kiosk en route, but surprisingly, only details about native bats were available. This made the start of our journey slightly challenging.
Inside the fissure, temperatures tend to be about twenty degrees cooler than on the surface. We found some parts covered in compact snow and ice patches, which made the descent a tad risky. I took a tumble early on and thought crampons would’ve been beneficial for added grip. If faced with an emergency here, cellular reception is fairly reliable, but help could take time to arrive.
Digital maps are available on Alltrails.com, but cross-referencing with another reliable source might be useful. Our route took us on an upper trail parallel to the fissure, leading us to an alternative entrance. This entry provided a vantage point to peer into the fissure and also to tread a drier, shallower path. It’s crucial to note the absence of safety features like guardrails or warning signs, especially if traveling with young kids or unrestrained pets.
This trek might not suit everyone. If you’re not keen on navigating tight spaces or clambering over rocks and boulders, you might want to reconsider. It’s advisable to keep hands free for balance and climbing. Although we didn’t carry water, having a day pack during hotter months could be beneficial.
Accommodation Tips:
While La Pine is the closest sizable town offering various accommodations, Sunriver and Bend are also convenient options for day trips to Crack-in-the-Ground. On this particular journey, we pitched our tent at the Summer Lake Hot Springs near Paisley and had a memorable experience.
Journey safely and enjoy the adventure!
