Crater Creek Ditch

Facility · Oregon ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Deschutes National Forest (NF) · Open Access

6,126 ft
Elevation

This roadside route starts at Todd Lake and ends at the west terminus of Forest Road 378. You'll pass through a variety of forest types traveling to this site including shady forests of thick-trunked mountain hemlock or subalpine fir, and large dryland openings of forbs and grass-like plants. Forest undergrowth is typically sparse at this elevation. Whole trees and woody debris laying on the ground are ample sign of the abundant snowfall that trims or topples alpine trees. Dwarf huckleberry wears brilliant colored foliage in September and October.

Caution: Due to deep winter snows Rd. 4600-370 is generally only open July through October. The road beyond Todd Lake Trailhead is narrow, steep, wet, and not rocked for traction, so high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. PLEASE remain on designated roads or trails because alpine soils are thin and extremely vulnerable to erosion. Biting insects are prolific here from June through August.

Getting there

From Bend:  Travel on Cascade Lakes Highway (Highway 46) for 22.4 miles to Forest Road 4600-370 (gravel), Turn north onto Forest Road 4600-370 for 3 miles and then turn left onto Forest Road 378 for .5 miles and you will arrive at the site.

44.02374, -121.68243 · 44°1'25.5"N 121°40'56.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in6.84.84.63.02.31.10.60.71.13.26.17.9

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Crater Creek Ditch

Can you reserve a site at Crater Creek Ditch?
No. Crater Creek Ditch is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Crater Creek Ditch

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.