Oregon · Hiking · Diamond Peak Wilderness

Crater Butte

26.1 mi
round trip
4,961 ft
climb
6,563 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Crater Butte is a hard hike in Oregon's Diamond Peak Wilderness, part of the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest. The trail is an out-and-back that starts at about 6,200 feet and climbs to 6,563 feet, with a total gain of about 4,961 feet over the course of the trip. The steepest stretch comes at about 5.6 miles, where the grade reaches 16 percent. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at a similar elevation show July and August highs around 69°F with only about four wet days a month, while winter months bring highs in the low 30s and rain on most days. The route is on natural surface and allows horses. Bikes are not permitted. The trip takes about 11 hours, and the trail is open year-round. Marie Lake and Rockpile are both within a mile, and Diamond Peak Climbers' Trail is about 0.9 miles away. Summit Lake campground sits about 2 miles off.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Crater Butte

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      33° / 20°

      18 wet

    2. Feb

      34° / 19°

      17 wet

    3. Mar

      36° / 20°

      18 wet

    4. Apr

      40° / 23°

      16 wet

    5. May

      49° / 29°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      57° / 34°

      7 wet

    7. Jul

      69° / 41°

      4 wet

    8. Aug

      69° / 42°

      4 wet

    9. Sep

      63° / 37°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      51° / 30°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      38° / 23°

      16 wet

    12. Dec

      33° / 19°

      18 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Crater Lake Nps Hq, OR, 41.1 mi away at 6,485 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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