Crane Pond Overlook Trail

Crane Pond Overlook Trail is a short, easy hike in Oregon's Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The trail is an out-and-back of about 0.8 miles, with a total elevation gain of 93 feet, and it starts and ends at roughly 4,178 feet. The high point on the route reaches about 4,218 feet, and the steepest stretch comes early, around 0.11 miles in, with a grade of about 4 percent. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at the refuge headquarters show May highs around 68°F and September highs around 75°F, while July averages about 85°F and winter highs hover near 37 to 39°F. The trip takes about half an hour, so it works well as a quick stop. For more time on foot, Bridge Creek Trail lies about 7.6 miles away and River Trail about 9.6 miles away.