📷 Bureau of Land Management, Public domainCrack-in-the-Ground
Christmas Valley, OR
A volcanic fissure about two miles long and up to 70 feet deep that you can walk through. It stays cool inside even in summer; the access road is gravel.
Crack-in-the-Ground is a volcanic fissure in Oregon's high desert, in Lake County near Christmas Valley, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is over 2 miles (more than 3 kilometres) long and up to 70 feet (about 21 metres) deep.
A moderate foot trail of about 2 miles over sand and rock runs along the floor of the fissure, with roughly 70 feet of elevation gain. Atlas Obscura adds that side branches can be explored.
Access is via rough dirt roads that may be impassable at times; the BLM strongly recommends four-wheel drive. There is no drinking water, and the nearest services are in Christmas Valley. The site is open year-round and free. The Green Mountain facilities have 6 primitive campsites with a vault toilet, picnic tables and fire grates; pack out all trash. The fire lookout is staffed from June to October. Check the condition of the access road and sites in advance (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Christmas Valley, OR
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 43.3308, -120.6741
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Green Mountain CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Crack-in-the-Ground
- Lakeside RV ParkMotorhome stopover6 mi from Crack-in-the-GroundMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowed
- The Pines RV ParkMotorhome stopover7 mi from Crack-in-the-GroundMotorhomes
- Valley View RV ParkMotorhome stopover10 mi from Crack-in-the-Ground · 68 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Peters Creek CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Crack-in-the-Ground
- Duncan Reservoir CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Crack-in-the-Ground
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Crack-in-the-Ground?
Crack-in-the-Ground is in Christmas Valley, OR, at GPS 43.3308, -120.6741. It is about 40 mi from Paulina Lake.
Can you camp near Crack-in-the-Ground?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Green Mountain Campground, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Crack-in-the-Ground?
Crack-in-the-Ground is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Oregon Outback: volcanoes and high desert.
What is there to see near Crack-in-the-Ground?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fort Rock (20 mi), Summer Lake Wildlife Area (26 mi), Lava Butte and Lava Lands (53 mi) and Diamond Lake (75 mi).
When is the best time to visit Crack-in-the-Ground?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)