Black Crater Trail

The Black Crater Trail #4058 begins from the Black Crater Trailhead with a steep climb and then slightly moderates until it reaches the summit and its outstanding views. This trail is considered more difficult.

The Black Crater Trail enters the Three Sisters Wilderness shortly after leaving the trailhead. Wilderness permits are required for both day use and overnight stays from this trailhead. See "Permit Info" below for more details.

At a Glance

Permit Info: There are two types of entry permits required between June 15 and October 15 for entering the Three Sisters Wilderness from this trailhead.
  • Overnight Use
  • Day Use
    • Free, self-issue Wilderness Permit (available at the trailhead) between June 15 and October 15.
Check out Recreation.gov for more information or call 1-877-444-6777.
Restrictions:
  • Wilderness restrictions apply
  • Limited Entry Area Permit required for Obsidian area
  • Maps of areas where special restrictions apply: 
  • Stock users must use weed-free feed; click here for more information.
  • Motorized and mechanical equipment (including bicycles and drones) are prohibited in the wilderness.
  • Groups must be under 12 people and 12 head of stock.
  • Build campfires at least 100 feet away from water.
  • Pack in / Pack out!
  • “Take only pictures, leave only footprints”—please refrain from cutting, damaging or gathering vegetation or other forest items, i.e. rocks, etc.
  • Please bury human waste 6-8” deep and at least 200’ away from water.
Closest Towns: Sisters, Oregon
Information Center: Sisters Ranger District
201 N. Pine Street
PO Box 249
Sisters, OR 97759
(541) 549-7700

General Information

Directions:

Location: Hwy. 242 near Windy Point

From Sisters, OR: 11.5 miles west on Hwy. 242

Black Crater Trailhead.


Activities

Day Hiking

From the trailhead, the trail begins with a steep climb. The grade moderates slightly as the trail continues through thick forest stands of mountain hemlock on the north side of the crater. The upper section of the trail gradually emerges onto open cinder slopes until reaching the summit.

The summit is a rocky outcrop which used to house a fire lookout and offers hikers outstanding views of the North Sister, Mount Washington, and the McKenzie Pass lava flows. The panorama extends west over the crest to the Upper McKenzie Valley, east over Central Oregon to Prineville, and as far north as Mt. Adams.

Horse Riding

See day hiking description.

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
3.8 miles

  Elevation : 
4900 - 7251