Hole-in-the-Ground
Hole-in-the-Ground
3.5
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A volcanic explosion crater that was formed between 13,500 and 18,000 years ago.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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3.5
18 reviews
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4snickers
Gig Harbor, WA234 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
We heard about Crack in the ground and since we were out we gave it a try. There is an 8 mile gravel road that can be flooded, snowed, or have large potholes so it is not for the risk averse! Also there really are not many facilities, (restos or gas) or anything else near this area. Can be terribly hot in the summer and brutally cold in the winter! But if you continue on to the parking spot walk about half a mile you come upon this natural wonder where the locals would come to make ice cream in the summer months as the ice sometimes would not melt in the bottom of this 75 foot hole. Kids and adventure seekers love climbing over the rocks and I love all the formations from the lava flows that once blanketed this area. The verdant greens, the shadows, the dearth of other people and the lovely coolness at the bottom are all reasons for me to explore. Also the area is home to amazingly large junipers and wildflowers. Jackrabbits are plentiful as are chipmunks on the road into the area so be alert. Bring water as it is Very dry out here. There is a porto potty at the trail head. This is NOT handicap accessible. You need to be able to climb large boulders and keep your balance. Also the rocks can fall from the walls as seen below. So be aware at all times, otherwise enjoy! Photographers delight!
Written June 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
XplorerMike
Tacoma, WA464 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
I don't think many people go here, as I presume it can be a little difficult to find (no sighs off 31). At around ~25 mile from 97, look for a little BLACK mailbox with "OUTBACK STATION" sign on the right...across is NF-3145 road "Y" split. Take this and just follow it. You will drive around a ranch. Its about 2.5 miles to the rim. If you have GPS, it will be very helpful to decipher all the forestry roads.
Anyways, if you have time you can go around the perimeter (About 1 mile in diameter crater). Of even go down into the it hiking or with a bike (no vehicles).
Anyways, if you have time you can go around the perimeter (About 1 mile in diameter crater). Of even go down into the it hiking or with a bike (no vehicles).
Written July 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob M
Gresham, OR15 contributions
May 2013 • Family
We went to Hole In The Ground, Oregon. About all we could say is: Wow!! However, not too far from there is a very interesting and little know geological destination: Crack In The Ground
I would have written a review but tripadvisor doesn't list it, so:
This "crack" runs for miles, it's between ground level (filled with drifting sand) to about thirty (30) feet deep. There is a dirt road from the highway and an ample parking lot, you can enter the "crack" in two directions, but the southerly direction is the most interesting. Although this is obviously a place where the ground has split, parts of the walls look like a hydro event has eroded pockets. The floor of the "crack" is composed of sand that has drifted in, quite smooth and easy for even smaller children for about 1/2 mile, then it has a few rough spots. Lots of things to look at on the walls and floor if you're observant.
The crack runs for several miles, but you arrive at a spot about 3/4 of a mile in that leads you back to the surface before continuing on. If you've got a good sense of direction you can go back to the parking lot across country, possibly finding small arrow heads that were used for rabbit hunting. A GPS makes this an easy walk.
A absolute MUST while taking this trip is to eat at the Cowboy Dinner Tree restaurant. Rustic isn't a bold enough word for this place, it is truly a dining experience that you will remember for a lifetime, and you'll tell everyone you know about it. Even though this is located about two miles south of nowhere, you HAVE to have reservations, even on a Tuesday evening.
If you've seen Hole in the Ground and Crack in the Ground and you still have time before the restaurant opens, go see Fort Rock. It's another geological point of interest.
PS: Take along warm clothes, it's cool in the "Crack" and lots of wind at Fort Rock
I would have written a review but tripadvisor doesn't list it, so:
This "crack" runs for miles, it's between ground level (filled with drifting sand) to about thirty (30) feet deep. There is a dirt road from the highway and an ample parking lot, you can enter the "crack" in two directions, but the southerly direction is the most interesting. Although this is obviously a place where the ground has split, parts of the walls look like a hydro event has eroded pockets. The floor of the "crack" is composed of sand that has drifted in, quite smooth and easy for even smaller children for about 1/2 mile, then it has a few rough spots. Lots of things to look at on the walls and floor if you're observant.
The crack runs for several miles, but you arrive at a spot about 3/4 of a mile in that leads you back to the surface before continuing on. If you've got a good sense of direction you can go back to the parking lot across country, possibly finding small arrow heads that were used for rabbit hunting. A GPS makes this an easy walk.
A absolute MUST while taking this trip is to eat at the Cowboy Dinner Tree restaurant. Rustic isn't a bold enough word for this place, it is truly a dining experience that you will remember for a lifetime, and you'll tell everyone you know about it. Even though this is located about two miles south of nowhere, you HAVE to have reservations, even on a Tuesday evening.
If you've seen Hole in the Ground and Crack in the Ground and you still have time before the restaurant opens, go see Fort Rock. It's another geological point of interest.
PS: Take along warm clothes, it's cool in the "Crack" and lots of wind at Fort Rock
Written August 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken E
2 contributions
May 2021
It is an incredible geological feature that one needs to experience. A little difficult to find because people have taken all of the Forest Service signs home for souvenirs. (Not appreciated.) Turn East on black cinder road at milepost 22. No signs, about 4 1/2 miles to the "Hole". Or you can follow Google Maps, dirt roads and a little over 2 miles off of the pavement. (Pay attention though.) Will visit again. You need to allow enough time to either hike of drive to the bottom of the crater (maar) to get a true perspective of the feature. 2 thumbs up.
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindve S
21 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
It was hard to find, but we followed a hunch and took a dirt road off of highway 31 that had signs for "Outback Station" and "camping" fastened above a black mailbox. We thought we were wrong but asked at the station and were directed to continue straight on the road(stay left at the semi fork and stay left again at the next fork, drive through more trees and then we stayed right as we say a ridge and clearing ahead. It is unmistakable and huge. If you walk down through it or take an atv or horse it is like walking back in time. Absolutely quiet.
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jim a
Roseburg, OR104 contributions
Apr 2016 • Solo
With the tall Douglas Pine all around and deafening quiet the large hole is cool to do photos, travel around (with enough clearance on your vehicle), enjoy solitude and camp out nearby. The hole itself is huge and looking down one sees tiny trails w-a-a-a-y down where those who've ventured must've looked like ants from the rim. Had to make the High Desert Museum before days end, but would've loved to go below.
Written August 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrGodzilla
Eugene, OR155 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
So this review is for the place called "Crack-in-the-Ground". It's not listed by Trip Advisor as a destination, but I think it is more interesting than the Hole in the Ground. It is basically a fissure in the ground that goes probably 30 feet down. It is located about 8 miles from Christmas Valley (past Fort Rock). Just outside of Christmas Valley (heading East) there is the Crack-in-the-Ground road. Take that for about 8 miles. When I was there, there wasn't a sign, but there is a cut out in the dirt road with a little green outhouse. Right across the road from that is the beginning of the trail. It is an easy hike to the crack. Take the crack to the right. I read that the trail is 2 miles, but I think it is shorter than that. There is some scrambling over large boulders. Although above the crack could be very hot (bring water!), inside the crack is noticeably cooler. Maybe 20 degrees! My boys and I had a great adventure. They mentioned that it reminded them of some scenes from Lord of the Rings. It is way out in the middle of nowhere, but if you are adventurous, it was fun and rewarding!
Written June 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy H
Bend, OR31 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
After 4 miles on a rutted dirt road we arrived. The geology of the area was interesting but the hole was not.
Written April 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ccrowe3
Lakeside, CA509 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
On an out of the way trip to the Fort Rock area we visited the Hole-in-the-ground. It isn't difficult to find and the road was easily passable for our low to the ground minivan, even in the on again off again rain, thunder and lightning we experienced. I think the weather probably made for a better adventure than if it had been a hot sunny day.
Written July 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NWPhil
Hillsboro, OR561 contributions
Jul 2015
Nice place to have some quite picnic, or simply stretch your legs.
Not really much to do and see, aside enjoying the fresh air and pine tress around
Not really much to do and see, aside enjoying the fresh air and pine tress around
Written July 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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