Spatter Cone Loop Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Views

This is a great hike to a spatter cone that is only accessible via boat. Make a day of it! Rent some kayaks, paddle to the trailhead, and enjoy the spectacular natural scenery.

Pit toilets are located at each campground. Need to boat in to trailhead and campgrounds. Bring water and food.

This loop cannot be accessed by foot as you would have to cross private property. You have to boat into the Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park. You have to boat into the park (kayaks suggested).

Boat across Horr Pond to Horr Pond Campground or Crystal Springs Campground. From either campground, it is 0.6 miles to the trailhead. From either campground, follow the trail on the north shore of the lake to the spatter cone trailhead. Signs from Crystal Springs Campground list the 0.6 mile distance. The spatter cone trailhead is clearly signed.

The first 0.5mile or so is challenging, through brush and downed trees. Then trail becomes singletrack and easier to hike. The singletrack tees into a very lightly traveled dirt path/road where it's obvious a 4wd could drive (but private vehicles have no access to the State Park). The path is open and somewhat rocky. Hike the loop going counter-clockwise or clockwise.

On the west side of the loop, about half-way up, keep your eyes open for a lava tube/cave to explore. There is a sign, but on 9/6/20, we found the sign laying on the ground. At the north end of the loop is the spatter cone.

Bring water. It's dry, and there's no creeks. Especially in summer.

Manzanita, Juniper trees, blue jays, hawks, squirrels, snakes, frogs (in the lava tube)