Crater Creek Ditch
This roadside route starts at Todd Lake and ends at the west terminus of Forest Road 378. You'll pass through a variety of forest types traveling to this site including shady forests of thick-trunked mountain hemlock or subalpine fir, and large dryland openings of forbs and grass-like plants. Forest undergrowth is typically sparse at this elevation. Whole trees and woody debris laying on the ground are ample sign of the abundant snowfall that trims or topples alpine trees. Dwarf huckleberry wears brilliant colored foliage in September and October.
Caution: Due to deep winter snows Rd. 4600-370 is generally only open July through October. The road beyond Todd Lake Trailhead is narrow, steep, wet, and not rocked for traction, so high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. PLEASE remain on designated roads or trails because alpine soils are thin and extremely vulnerable to erosion. Biting insects are prolific here from June through August.
At a Glance
Fees: | No fee |
---|---|
Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
Restroom: | Vault Toilet |
Operated By: | Forest Service |
Information Center: | Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Bend: Travel on Cascade Lakes Highway (Highway 46) for 22.4 miles to Forest Road 4600-370 (gravel), Turn north onto Forest Road 4600-370 for 3 miles and then turn left onto Forest Road 378 for .5 miles and you will arrive at the site.
Activities
Viewing Wildlife
The most exciting find here could be a reclusive boreal owl. Unfortunately, you need to search in early spring when deep snow still covers the ground and the bird is vocal at night. Consolation species for daylight and more accessible seasons of year include gray-crowned rosy-finch, three-toed woodpecker, calliope hummingbird, red crossbill, pine siskin, and evening grosbeak. Rocky Mountain elk and American marten are occasionally seen. You may even hear the sharp alarm whistle from yellow-bellied marmot hiding in rock talus. Wildflowers sprout color in July and August.
Other Attractions: Todd Lake and a wildflower meadow are 1/4-mile west from the south terminus of this route.
Featured Wildlife Groups:
- Birds of Prey
- Songbirds
- Hoofed Mammals
- Weasels/Skunks
- Squirrels/Rodents
- Butterflies
- Wildflowers
Habitats:
- Alpine
- Forest - Mtn. Hemlock / Subalpine
- Wetland - Engelmann Spruce
- Wetland - Stream
- Wetland - Meadow
-
Rock - Outcrop
Alerts & Warnings
- West Bend Area Trail Closures (Dec. 11, 2024)
- Bachelor Complex Fires Emergency Closure (November 15, 2024)
- Firestone & Flat Top Fires Emergency Closure (October 11, 2024)
- Blue-Green Algae Information (Summer 2024)
- Recreating in the Cedar Creek Fire Burned Area (June 2023)
- Willamette NF Fire Closures