Central Oregon encompasses a wealth of natural wonders, including Lava Lands, Lava River Cave, Newberry Caldera, and Lava Cast Forest. In November 1990, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument was established within the Deschutes National Forest. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this monument offers a captivating glimpse into Central Oregon’s volcanic landscape. Encompassing over 54,000 acres of lakes, lava flows, and stunning geologic formations, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument is a short drive from Sunriver. LAVA LANDS VISITOR CENTER Begin your journey at the Lava Lands Visitor Center, conveniently located just north of Highway 97. Accessible by bike via the paved Sun-Lava Trail from Sunriver, the visitor center offers a comprehensive introduction to the monument. Explore a 3D map detailing the monument’s rich history, spanning more than 400,000 years of volcanic activity. Discover the fascinating geological features, including expansive lava flows, numerous lava tubes, and more than 400 cinder cones. The visitor center hosts daily educational films, guided hikes on the Trail of Molten Lands and the Trail of Whispering Pines, ranger-led talks, and opportunities to ascend Lava Butte either by foot, vehicle, or bus. Don’t miss the chance to witness the breathtaking sunrise or sunset views from the summit of Lava Butte. LAVA RIVER CAVE Venture to the Lava River Cave, just a short drive from the visitor center. This ancient lava tunnel, spanning approximately a mile in length, is open seasonally. For operating hours and additional details, see the accompanying article or inquire at the visitor center. Escape the summer heat by exploring the cool confines of this remarkable geological wonder. NEWBERRY CALDERA Explore the Newberry Caldera by heading south on Highway 97 and turning onto County Road 21. Here, you’ll discover the scenic beauty of Paulina Lake and East Lake. This idyllic area provides abundant recreational activities, from fishing and kayaking to hiking and mountain biking. Camping facilities and dining options are also available for if you want to extend your stay. There are several hikes in the Newberry Caldera, including: • Big Obsidian Flow is an easy less than a mile trail with interpretive signs. Best to wear closed shoes and dogs are not allowed for safety reasons. The entire trail takes about an hour to walk. • The 7.5-mile Paulina Lakeshore Trail circles Paulina Lake with beautiful views, obsidian rocks and natural hot springs. • Paulina Peak at 7,985 feet is the highest point in the Monument and offers stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, Newberry Caldera and the Central Oregon High Desert. You can either hike to Paulina Peak or drive to the top in the spring and fall. The hike from the Paulina Peak Trailhead is two miles each way, out and back. LAVA CAST FOREST Discover the Lava Cast Forest, named for the trees preserved within a 6,000-year-old lava flow. The resulting casts, with large holes extending several feet below the surface, offer a captivating sight for visitors. Visitors can view these tree molds within the lava flow on a paved, one-mile interpretive trail, and immerse themselves in the vibrant beauty of native wildflowers, breathing new life into this ancient land of lava. Accessible via the main entrance road to Sunriver, take unpaved Forest Service Road 9720 for nearly ten miles to reach the parking area. Treasures of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument Photos by Kristine Thomas 2024-25 | SUNRIVER MAGAZINE 36
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==