This Two-Mile-Long Crack In The Ground In Oregon Was Created Millions Of Years Ago, And You Can Hike It
By Catherine Armstrong|Published April 29, 2020
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Catherine Armstrong
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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Are you looking for a unique hike to get you out into the fresh air? Oregon has hundreds of hiking trails, but there’s one in particular that’s quite uncommon. For a surreal hiking adventure, head to Christmas Valley and check out Crack-in-the-Ground.
Christmas Valley is a fascinating spot in central Oregon. It's a peaceful, remote stretch of sagebrush prairie that's the perfect place to explore if you want to get far away from it all.
There are hidden treasures to find here, and one of them has the nickname Crack-in-the-Ground. It's a two-mile-long volcanic fissure that was created by volcanoes in the area millions of years ago.
To explore Crack-in-the-Ground, drive to the town of Christmas Valley, then take the Crack-in-the-Ground road and follow the signs for seven miles. The trailhead has a small parking lot and a vault toilet.
Make sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection along. While the crack itself offers plenty of shade, the surrounding environment is typically hot and dry.
Crack-in-the-ground is as much as 15 feet wide, and as deep as 70 feet below the landscape. The temperature is much cooler down here, and it's an other-worldly place to explore.
...and you'll have fun navigating up and over various rocks along the path. Some of the scrambling can be difficult, but there are spots where you can climb out and then descend into the crack again to avoid them.
Crack-in-the-Ground is a fun hike for just about everyone. Kids love to explore along this fascinating trail, and you can bring your dog (just make sure to clean up after him).
