Oregon · Hiking

Trail of the Molten Land

1.3 mi
loop
43 ft
climb
4,555 ft
high point
Loop
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Trail of the Molten Land open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Deschutes National Forest. It doesn't name Trail of the Molten Land, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Deschutes National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Trail of the Molten Land is an easy hike of about 1.3 miles in Oregon's Deschutes National Forest, within the Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District. It's a short, paved walk with only a 43-foot elevation gain and is accessible to visitors with mobility needs. The trail is open from June through October, and the Forest Service reports it as accessible. Because the path is paved and the climb is gentle, it works well as a quick stop or a way to pair with another nearby route. The closest neighbors are Sun-Lava, Blackrock and Black Rock #3935, all about a tenth of a mile away. Lava Butte Rim lies about 0.6 miles off. Typical averages from the nearby Sunriver weather station point to the most comfortable conditions in late spring and early fall, with June highs around 72°F and September highs near 76°F. The station sits a few hundred feet lower than the trail, so temperatures here run a little cooler. Other places in the area include the Meadow Camp climbing area, about 6.4 miles away, and Big River campground, about 9.5 miles away.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Trail of the Molten Land

    Best months: May–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

      40° / 20°

    2. Feb

      43° / 21°

    3. Mar

      50° / 24°

    4. Apr

      57° / 25°

    5. May

      65° / 33°

    6. Jun

      72° / 37°

    7. Jul

      84° / 41°

    8. Aug

      83° / 40°

    9. Sep

      76° / 34°

    10. Oct

      62° / 28°

    11. Nov

      46° / 24°

    12. Dec

      37° / 19°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Sunriver, OR, 2.9 mi away at 4,180 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Black Rock #3935Photo: Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

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