diamond craters outstanding natural area

I'm convinced I would like this place if I could get to it. The roads were so badly washboard I turned around after a short distance. It was not worth damaging my vehicle. A heavier, junkier truck or SUV is necessary. The signs were shot up. This wasn't surprising considering the state of road signs in the area, but since there were no brochures for the "auto tour", having to rely on a single kiosk map which had been destroyed by gunfire meant I had little idea what I was looking at. Perhaps a sturdier sign could be put up and maintained to let those of us who are not vandals make use of this probably-wonderful geologic site. Or next time I'll try to obtain some kind of brochure before going.

The Diamond Craters are located in the Diamond Valley and are part of the Diamond Loop Back Country tour, an isolated area in southeastern Oregon. We visited this area while touring Malheur Wildlife Refuge as the refuge is in the general area of the Diamond Craters. It is worthwhile to visit this area due to all the volcanic features. The pamphlet that I picked up on the Diamond Craters described it in this way: "It has the best and most diverse basaltic volcanic features in the United States and all within a comparatively small and accessible area." On the gravel tour route you will see craters, lava flow and domes. There are numbered signs that correspond to the self guided map/brochure, so be sure to pick one up for a description of each stop. The area can be visited in about an hour or perhaps more time will be needed if you want to hike or walk around some. There are widespread views all around of this high desert sagebrush country and Steens Mountain. I was particularly fascinated with the Malheur Maar, a spring fed lake inside a crater at Stop Number 10. Diamond Crater is definitely worth a stop if you are ever in the area and have an interest in geology and nature.