Belknap Crater
Crater Volcanic cinder cone within Oregon's Newberry volcanic field
Belknap Crater belongs to Oregon’s Cascade volcanic zone; hikers find lava flows, cinder cones and high-desert trails in this less-visited volcanic landscape.
How to Get to Belknap Crater #
Belknap Crater is in the central Oregon Cascades near Sisters and McKenzie Pass. Access requires driving forest roads off Highway 20 or Highway 126 depending on approach; many access routes are unpaved and require high-clearance vehicles. Check local U.S. Forest Service maps for the most current access routes and closures.
Tips for Visiting Belknap Crater #
- Approach with a topographic map and GPS - trails are minimal and the lava fields can disorient on windy days.
- Check volcanic advisory notices and weather forecasts before heading out; conditions on the Cascades can change rapidly.
- If hiking, give space to any researchers or permit-only groups - parts of the area are managed for geological study and habitat protection.
Best Time to Visit Belknap Crater #
Late summer into early fall provides the most reliable conditions for approach and exploration; always plan for sudden weather changes.
Weather & Climate near Belknap Crater #
Belknap Crater's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -8°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1852 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Heavy rain (286 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Heavy rain (215 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (197 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Heavy rain (274 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (304 mm).
_-_40.JPG?width=600)
