Explore Oregon’s Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Lakes, lava flows, and spectacular geologic formations are what you’ll see at Newberry National Volcanic Monument. This park near Bend is a one-of-a-kind attraction.

Hop on a shuttle bus to the top of Lava Butte for sweeping views of the area. Then, grab a lantern or headlamp to venture into the Lara River Cave – you’ll descend into a massive lava tube which snakes underground for a mile. A short hike leads to Paulina Falls, a gorgeous 80-foot cascade where water shoots over lava flows created during eruptions more than 75,000 years ago.

Head to Paulina Lake Lodge, where you can rent a standup paddleboard or a canoe to explore the clear water and get memorable views. Nearby, a hike leads to a number of rustic hot springs while the Big Obsidian Flow Trail is an interpretive loop that affords views of Hidden Lake and an expanse of 170-million cubic yards of pumice and glassy obsidian. To see something truly out-of-this-world, head to the Lava Cast Forest – this is the spot where a basalt lava flow encountered a mature forest and oozed around the trees then cooled – the wood is gone today but the lava casts remain!