About Crack-In-The-Ground
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.
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Crack-In-The-Ground
Heading to Crack-In-The-Ground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Crack-In-The-Ground?
No central reservation system listed for Crack-In-The-Ground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/262730) for the latest entry policy and availability.
Is Crack-In-The-Ground accessible?
No accessible facilities.
How do I get to Crack-In-The-Ground?
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.
How do I contact Crack-In-The-Ground?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-947-6100 or email: BLM_OR_LV_Mailbox@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
