The Newberry National Volcanic Monument protects, preserves, and showcases its namesake volcano—which runs 75 miles north to south, spans 27 miles at its widest point, and covers nearly 1,200 square miles of Central Oregon terrain. In all, three disparate sites share the explosive history of the shield-shaped volcano and show how it’s shaped the region for 350,000 years.
The Lava Lands Visitor Center hosts a small museum with interpretive information and exhibits that discuss Newberry’s formation and its evolution over thousands of years. A few paved paths depart from the visitor center and head into the surrounding lava flows, and Lava Butte—rising above the surroundings—affords expansive views of rugged landscapes. A short drive away, Lava River Cave invites hikers to lace up their boots, turn on their lanterns, and explore a mile-long lava tube—the longest in Oregon.
At a second site, Lava Cast Forest hosts a mile-long, paved trail that shows off otherworldly tree molds that were created by molten lava some 7,000 years ago. Interpretive panels along the way explain how it all happened.
The third site, inside the Newberry Caldera, hosts hiking and mountain biking trails, numerous campgrounds, interpretive sites, and two pristine lakes—both popular with paddlers each summer—in the heart of an active volcano. The wide Paulina Creek Falls offers a photo-worthy stop, and drivers can ascend to the summit of Paulina Peak—the tallest point within the monument and home to sweeping views of Central Oregon.
Open Season
Paulina Visitor Center is open mid-June-mid-Sept.; the Newberry Caldera is typically accessible via vehicle June-Oct.; Lava Lands Visitor Center is open May-early Oct.; Lava River Cave is open May-mid-Sept.; Lava Cast Forest is open May-Oct.
Dog Friendly and/or Leash Rules
Leashed pets are permitted on most trails and campgrounds throughout the monument—but are not allowed in the Lava River Cave or visitor centers; pets are technically permitted on the Big Obsidian Flow trail but are not recommended due to its sharp, rocky nature.
Best time to visit
Late June-Sept.
Don’t Miss
The Lava Lands Visitor Center offers an easy-to-understand, yet compelling introduction to the broader monument—and the surrounding paved paths showcase the stark landscapes covered in lava rock. A hike through the Lava River Cave offers an underground treat, and a drive to the summit of Paulina Peak affords wide-open views of Cascade peaks, lava flows, and the Newberry Caldera below.
Fees or Pass Needed
Forest Pass ($5 per day pass or $30 per annual pass) or America the Beautiful pass ($80 per annual pass) accepted; one pass covers entry to all Newberry sites.
Restrictions
Pets are not permitted in Lava River Cave, and hikers cannot wear any clothes or bring any gear that has been in any other cave or mine; this is to prevent the spread of White-nose Syndrome, a fatal disease for bats that live in the cave.
Activities
Walking
Spelunking
Camping
Paddling Water Sports
Parking
Parking is available at each of the sites throughout the monument.
Directions
The Lava Lands area is about 12 miles south of Bend and six miles northeast of Sunriver via Highway 97; Lava Cast Forest is 20 miles east of Sunriver via Highway 97 and North Paulina Road; and the Newberry Caldera is about 16 miles east of La Pine via Finley Butte Road.
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