Main image

Lee Siebert, Smithsonian Institution CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Diamond Craters

Crater

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.

Diamond Craters Portland, OregonSalem, OregonEugene, OregonHillsboro, OregonGresham, OregonBendKlamath FallsAshlandDiamond Craters
In this guide

Diamond Craters essentials

Country: United States
Driest months: Jul-Sep
Pay in: Dollar ($)
Language: English

Diamond Craters at a Glance

When to Go

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.

Late spring to early autumn (May-Oct)
May-Oct · 5-25°C
Generally mild and dry; accessible weather for hiking and exploring.
Winter (Nov-Apr)
Nov-Apr · -5-10°C
Colder conditions; snow can make some routes impassable.

Weather & Climate near Diamond Craters

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 27 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
-7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -7° - 5° -4° 25 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
February - -5° - 8° -2° 19 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
March - -3° - 11° 1° 28 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
April - -2° - 15° 4° 26 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
May - 2° - 20° 11° 30 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
June - 6° - 25° 15° 24 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
July - 9° - 31° 20° 11 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
August - 9° - 31° 20° 16 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
September - 4° - 27° 16° 15 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
October - -1° - 20° 8° 19 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
November - -4° - 10° 0° 28 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
December - -7° - 5° -5° 25 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

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.