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.
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Restrictions: |
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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
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.
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