Hole-In-The-Ground | Central Oregon

Hole-In-The-Ground is a crater created by a volcanic steam explosion, also known as a maar. Some people previously claimed this nature’s wonder is a result of a meteoroid hitting Earth, but this is not correct. Just like Fort Rock, the hole has a volcanic origin.

The site is located in Central Oregon about 7 miles away from Fort Rock. The hole is roughly 300 feet in depths and a mile in width. The crater is practically a clear area with occasional trees here and there.

One 2-mile out and back trail would take you around the crater, while two others of a half-mile in length lead you to the crater’s bottom. Hole-In-The-Ground is accessible year-round unless the temporary closure by snow.

Open: Year-round
Managed by: Bureau Land of Management (BLM)
Location: Fort Rock Basin

Amenities: None
Activities: Hiking, nature viewing, photography

Trail Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Hike difficulty level: Moderate
Elevation gain: 400 ft (122 m)

Road access: High-clearance vehicle is recommended, the road can be inaccessible in winter
Day-use fees: Free

Elevation: 4,600 ft (1,402 m)

Hole-In-The-Ground is located:

• 58 miles southeast of Bend
• 134 miles east of Eugene
• 239 miles southeast of Portland.

From La Pine,

• Drive 2 miles south on Highway US-97 to Highway OR-31
• Turn left onto Highway 31 and travel 25 miles to the Forest Road NF-3125 between mileposts 25 and 26
• Turn left onto NF-3125, go 0.8 miles then slight left to stay on NF-3125 for 0.3 miles
• Turn right onto NF-200 and continue 0.2 miles/
• Bear left for NF-3130 and continue for 1.3 miles to NF-200.

GPS: N 43°24.756' W 121°12.319' | 43.412594, -121.205315