Traversing a Volcanic Wonderland – Belknap Craters – Pacific Crest Trail – Central Oregon – 4K

My goal of these wilderness trail videos is to 1) show reverence for the beauty of the land, and 2) give YOU actionable trail information that can assist you in planning your own hike here.

This was a day-hike in Central Oregon, hiking the world famous Pacific Crest Trail and climbing to the top of Little Belknap Crater and Belknap Crater, and going further down the PCT to the Mount Washington Wilderness Burnout Area with expansive views of Mount Washington to our turnaround area, approximately 10 mile Out and Back and 1600 FEET Elevation Gain. You start in the Alpine Zone and hike a few tenths of a mile through a gorgeous Forest, cross a brief Volcanic Field as an appetizer, hike through the Forest for a few more minutes, then you cross a massive lava field for around an hour to the Craters and beyond. This is a popular backpacking area so there are many thru hikers. HIGHLY RECOMMEND wearing hiking boots due to the hours of loose lava scree rock you will be crossing and doing this earlier in the day with fluids on your person because this entire 4 - 5 hour hike is FULLY EXPOSED to the SUN. The temperature was classic Summer weather, low in the 40's early in the morning with a high in 80's in the heart of the day. This was hiked on 8/5/2022 and there were fortunately no mosquitoes. As far as road conditions, it's highway to the dirt turnoff area just off the highway. In my opinion, the road does not require 4-Wheel Drive, however do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.