Complete Guide to Oregon’s Crack in the Ground

By Mariah Cannon

If there’s one thing Oregon has going for it, it’s super unique trails and the Crack in the Ground is no exception to that! It’s out in the middle of the Oregon high desert, dogs are allowed, and you’ll find some solitude as it’s not a super well known area. So without further ado, let’s get into it!

What is the Crack in the Ground?

Although it might be pretty self explanatory, the crack in the ground is pretty spectacular! It’s a volcanic fissure that sits in Western side of the Four Craters Lava Field and is predicted to have formed more than 14,000 years ago. The crack is about 2 miles long and at times 70 feet below the surface in areas. Overtime, sedimentation typically would fill up fissures like this one, but due to it sitting in the high desert, it has not changed much from the time it was formed. Super cool! It feels like a whole different world when you’re down exploring.

Where is the Crack in the Ground?

From Bend, it’s approximately 2 hours south or about 104 miles. Head South on US-97 for 30 miles, then turn left onto OR-31 for 29 miles before turning left onto County road 5-10. From there continue 12 miles and keep a slight right to stay on the county road and another slight right in 9 more miles to keep on the county road. After 1 mile, turn left onto Christmas Valley road/Highway 5-14. Stay on 5-14 for 13 miles and then turn left onto 5-14C/Millican road for 3 miles. From there, turn left onto Raven Ridge Lane and in 1 mile you’ll turn right onto Crack in the Ground road and follow that for 1.4 miles before turning left onto Lava Crater road. This is a slightly bumpy dirt road and you’ll follow it for 2.8 miles before you see the small parking area to the Crack!

The closest town to the crack in the ground is Christmas Valley, Oregon and here you’ll find a small gas station and a couple of places to eat some really good food!

Things to Know Before Visiting

Once you get off of the first county road, you’ll begin the dirt/gravel roads. These roads are mostly maintained until you get to Lava Crater road and then it’s pretty bumpy with some medium sized rocks. Most vehicles will make it up here and four wheel drive is not required.
Cell service is limited out here, make sure to have the directions or trails map downloaded and let someone know where you’ll be if going solo.
Amenities are also limited, make sure to fuel up before leaving Bend and bring food, water, and other essentials you may need on your journey.
Down below, there are some areas that drop down anywhere from 10-20 degrees cooler than above ground temperatures. So bring a thing jacket depending on what time of year you visit.
Visiting on a Summer or Fall weekday will be your best bet for some solitude and a chance to really appreciate the area. Though, the weekends are not overly crowded as it’s a lesser known Oregon attraction. We went on a Thursday in May of 2025 and had it completely to ourselves.
Prepare for a little scrambling! There are some large lava rocks that you’ll need to climb over and around throughout the crack. Having dogs on a leash can be a little tricky as far as balance goes, a hiking pole could help with that!
As always, make sure you have your 10 Essentials with you on any adventures. Being prepared is a good thing.

Hiking the Crack in the Ground

This is probably one of the most unique trails in Oregon, I mean who knew Oregon had a massive volcanic fissure that we’d be able to frolic around in?!

Distance: 1.5 miles approx.

Elevation: 43 feet roughly

Hike Type: Out & Back

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

There is a section of the trail where you can go left or right, if you choose to go to the left, you will need to army crawl through a small rock arch, which is super fun – be prepared to get dusty and dirty! Right will keep you up on your feet and still provide a fun adventure.

Final Thoughts

There are sections where you’ll be 70 feet below the surface and let me tell ya, it makes you feel incredibly small. It’s the neatest feeling to look up and be staring up at these lava walls so far above you. It really feels like a different planet and if you’re in the area, you definitely need to stop and check it out! This area was on my list for so long and even though it’s a ways out here, I would definitely visit again – it blew my expectations out of the water!

Enjoy this guide to exploring Oregon’s Crack in the Ground? Be sure to save this for future adventures!

Let’s Get Adventuring!

Mariah 🙂