Belknap CraterBelknap Crater at a Glance
When to Go
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.
Summer
June-September · 5-25°C (41-77°F)
Best access window for higher-elevation hikes, with longest daylight and least snow cover.
Spring/Autumn
April-May & October · 0-15°C (32-59°F)
Variable weather; trails can be muddy or soggy, and snow patches linger into spring at higher elevations.
Weather & Climate near Belknap Crater
Climate
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.
Air Quality:
AQI 26
Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -8° - 1° | -8° | 286 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -7° - 2° | -7° | 215 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -7° - 3° | -7° | 197 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -6° - 5° | -4° | 131 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -3° - 10° | 3° | 97 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 1° - 14° | 5° | 74 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 4° - 20° | 12° | 31 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 4° - 21° | 13° | 41 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 2° - 18° | 8° | 72 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -1° - 13° | 3° | 130 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -5° - 4° | -5° | 274 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -8° - 1° | -9° | 304 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
Getting There & Around
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.