Crack in the Ground, Fissure vent near Christmas Valley, Oregon, United States.
Crack in the Ground is a narrow volcanic fissure stretching for miles through the high desert near Christmas Valley, with depths reaching over 70 feet in places. The dark basalt walls form a dramatic channel through the otherwise flat terrain, and visitors can follow established walking paths along the entire crack.
This fissure formed roughly 740,000 years ago when cooling basaltic lava contracted and fractured the ground. The resulting crack became one of the most striking volcanic features in central Oregon's high desert.
The fissure draws researchers and geology enthusiasts interested in understanding volcanic landscapes and basalt formations. Visitors notice how the deep crack cuts through the desert, creating a stark contrast to the flat terrain surrounding it.
Bring sturdy shoes and a flashlight, as the path descends into the narrow fissure with uneven ground and limited daylight below. Most visitors need about an hour to walk through the entire crack, making it a short to moderate outing depending on your pace.
The ground inside stays cold year-round, remaining near 4°C even as the surrounding desert grows scorching hot in summer. This natural cooling effect makes the fissure a refreshing refuge during the hottest months.
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