Hike the North Crater Trail

One of the longest hikes at Craters (none of them are very long), the North Crater trail boasts a view of beautiful red and orange rock along the ridgeline of some massive volcanic craters. You can start the trail from either end—at the campground parking lot near the entrance to the park or at the parking lot by the spatter cones along the park loop.

The trail is fairly steep to start, but once you hit the ridgeline, it's fairly even with a few ups and downs. As you hike you will follow a trail that meanders along the ridgeline of multiple craters—one side of the trail gives you a view of the craters and the other side of the trail provides a far-reaching view of the lava flows.

The trail is wide enough to walk on with plenty of room to either side, but you are on a ridge so there are drops on both sides. Not too precarious, but just something to be aware of.