Belknap and Little Belknap Craters

Belknap Crater and Little Belknap Crater are two summits within the middle of a lava flow along the Pacific Crest Trail. Feeling more like a walk through Mordor than a forest of the Pacific Northwest, the terrain would be impassible if it wasn’t for the significant work that went into building a trail through the lava flows. This is not an area conducive to cross-country travel.

Follow the PCT north from the parking area through the lava flow. At the high point, a side trail leads to the summit of Little Belknap Crater. Continue north on the PCT from the side trail junction for another 1/3 of a mile to the edge of the flow. From here, follow a use trail towards Belknap Crater. Upon reaching the base of the crater you will find multiple use trails to the summit.

The hike through the lava field is exposed and on black rock, making it an incredibly hot and exposed stretch of trail on a summer day. I hiked this on a cold November day shortly before the snow flew and it was very pleasant.

Style:

In and Out dayhike primarily on trail. Trail deteriorates to multiple use trails on final approach to Belknap Crater summit.

Distance:

7 miles round trip from the PCT Parking area at McKenzie Pass

Elevation Gain:

+/- 1920 ft

Trailhead and Permit Notes:

The best place to park for this hike is the PCT trailhead on the north side of the highway near McKenzie Pass. There is room for several cars here but can get busy in the summer. Trailheads in the Willamette National Forest require the Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent (such as the Interagency Pass).