Diamond Craters
Crater Lava field with volcanic craters and basalt features
In Oregon’s high desert, Diamond Craters preserves lava flows, cinder cones and basalt formations; visitors come for geology, hiking and remote dirt-road exploration of volcanic features.
How to Get to Diamond Craters #
Located in remote southeast Oregon; access is by paved and unpaved roads from nearby towns (e.g., Lakeview or Burns). A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for some approach roads; consult Bureau of Land Management (BLM) maps.
Tips for Visiting Diamond Craters #
- Bring sturdy footwear; the lava fields are sharp and uneven.
- Visit at low sun (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light on pahoehoe flows and cinder cones.
- Observe posted closures - parts of the area are protected for geological study and access can be seasonal.
Best Time to Visit Diamond Craters #
Best visited in late spring through early autumn for reliable access and pleasant temperatures; avoid winter storms and snow unless prepared.
Weather & Climate near Diamond Craters #
Diamond Craters's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -7°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 9°C. The driest month with just 11 mm.
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August
August is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 27°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cold with highs of 20°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is the coldest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall.
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