Diamond Craters-West Twin Crater overview

Diamond Craters is a volcanic field located in southeast Oregon, in the Donner Und Blitzen watershed. The West Twin Crater is one of the most impressive features of the field. It is a double crater, consisting of two overlapping cones that are connected by a saddle. The larger cone is about 1000 feet in diameter and 300 feet deep, while the smaller cone is about 600 feet in diameter and 200 feet deep. The craters were formed around 7,000 years ago, during a single eruptive event. The lava that erupted from the craters is basaltic in composition and has a distinctive texture known as "aa" (pronounced "ah-ah"), which consists of sharp, jagged pieces of rock that can be difficult to walk on.

There are several good reasons to visit Diamond Craters, including its unique geology and stunning landscape. The volcanic field is home to a variety of interesting features, including cinder cones, spatter cones, and lava flows, as well as a number of rare plants and animals. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by car, and there are several hiking trails and scenic drives that provide access to different parts of the field. Some of the unique things that visitors might see at Diamond Craters include lava tubes, which are underground tunnels formed by flowing lava, and petroglyphs, which are ancient rock carvings created by Native American tribes who once lived in the area. Overall, Diamond Craters is a fascinating and scenic destination that offers a glimpse into the geological history of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.