Recreation area

Crater Creek Ditch

Deschutes National Forest · Oregon — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

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.

Activities

  • WILDLIFE VIEWING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more Oregon camping

Crater Creek Ditch doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Oregon campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.