Discover a volcano the size of Rhode Island at this sprawling scenic attraction that also features lakes, hot springs and caves, all just south of Bend.
Explore millennia of Bend’s geologic history at Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The vast area sprawls for more than 54,000 acres (22,000 hectares) across Oregon’s wilderness. See snowy peaks, lush forests, lakes, lava flows and the massive Newberry Caldera.
Begin at Lava Lands Visitor Center, where friendly rangers provide information about the national volcanic monument using a 3-D topographic map. Learn about the area’s geologic and cultural history through a series of interpretive exhibits. Watch an informative film, attend a ranger talk or browse the Discover Your Northwest Bookstore.
Traverse over 110 miles (180 kilometers) of trails at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Cycle, hike or ride on horseback through the wilderness. Mapped and well-maintained trails make navigating the monument easy. Begin at the Crater Rim Trail, which connects to many of the park’s other trails.
See some of the national monument’s most beautiful scenery along the Paulina Peak Trail, with a full 6.2-mile (10-kilometer) length or a shorter version. Enjoy stunning vistas of the Cascade Mountains and the High Desert beyond. Have a picnic at the summit of Paulina Peak and revel in the view.
Trek up the Big Obsidian Flow, the state’s youngest lava flow at just 1,300 years old. Walk up the slick obsidian, which looks like black glass and jagged pumice. Interpretive signs along the trail reveal the flow’s history and geology.
On Lava Butte Trail, walk around the rim of a 500-foot (150-meter) high cinder cone. Enter the Fire Lookout’s public room and view the peaks on the horizon.
Newberry Volcano sits between Paulina Lake and East Lake. See beautiful views of the crater lakes along the Little Crater and Lost Lake trails. Fish, swim or boat in the lakes and camp on their shores.
Visit Newberry National Volcanic Monument year-round, although access to some sites is possible only during warmer months. Reach the volcano by vehicle from May through Columbus Day, when the visitor center is open. Use on-site parking, which is included in your entrance fee.
In the heart of winter, explore the few accessible trails by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling.
