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Leave the trailhead and walk south 45 yards on the paved, barrier-free trail to the junction and the beginning of the boardwalk. Bear left at the junction and go another 40 yards to the sign explaining the return of the forest after an eruption 2,000 years ago. Next, come to a sign that describes how moss breaks down the lava so that other plants can take root. A bit farther along a paved path to the right leads 10 yards to the exit from The Crawl.
The Crawl is a horizontal tree mold about 50 feet long and about 2.5 feet in diameter. It was formed when hot lava engulfed a fallen tree. The tree burned and rotted away after the lava solidified leaving a round hole through the rock. Read the Tree Molds signs just ahead for more information about this process. The Crawl will probably be the high point of this hike if you have children along. Allow plenty of time to read the very informative signs along this trail. If you quietly hike this path very early in the morning, you may see one or more of the many cottontail rabbits that inhabit the area.
