Established in 1990, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument protects over 44,000 acres of volcanic landscape in central Oregon, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The monument preserves the geologically rich region surrounding Newberry Volcano, one of Oregon’s most active volcanoes over the past 1.5 million years. Visitors can explore dramatic lava flows, cinder cones, extensive lava tube caves, expansive crater lakes, and diverse high-desert forests and ecosystems.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument, created in 1990, protects over 44,000 acres of volcanic terrain in central Oregon. Visitors experience lava flows, caves, crater lakes, forests, and scenic trails in a unique volcanic landscape managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Overview
The Newberry National Volcanic Monument centers on Newberry Volcano, a large shield volcano with a varied volcanic history including lava flows, explosive eruptions, and collapse events. The monument encompasses notable features such as Lava River Cave, Lava Butte, Big Obsidian Flow, and the Newberry Caldera with its twin lakes—East and West Lakes.
The monument was established to protect the area’s spectacular volcanic features and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, scientific study, and environmental education. It is managed by the Deschutes National Forest under the U.S. Forest Service, offering a blend of wilderness, geological wonders, and recreational amenities for all seasons.
Plan Your Visit
Newberry National Volcanic Monument is open year-round, with some sites and roads subject to seasonal closures due to snow. Key access points include the Lava Lands Visitor Center and Lava Butte Scenic Drive. The monument offers trails for all skill levels, lava tube exploration, fishing, boating, and camping.
Lava Lands Visitor Center
The Lava Lands Visitor Center is the monument’s main gateway, providing orientation, interpretive exhibits, maps, and information on volcanic geology and safe exploration of the area. The center is home to the Museum of Western Fire Ecology, which explores the role of fire in shaping western landscapes.
From here, visitors can access popular trailheads, join ranger-led programs, and begin the Lava Butte Scenic Drive that offers stunning views of the high desert and volcanic formations. The visitor center also serves as a base for exploring the Big Obsidian Flow and other nearby attractions.
Lava Butte Scenic Drive and Observation Deck
Lava Butte is a cinder cone that erupted about 7,000 years ago, dramatically altering the landscape. Visitors can drive up the Lava Butte Scenic Drive (open seasonally) to a summit observation deck that offers panoramic views of the Deschutes National Forest and the vast lava landscape below.
Interpretive signs along the way explain cinder cone formation and lava flow dynamics. The site also features a ranger station and serves as a starting point for hiking trails through volcanic terrain.
Big Obsidian Flow
The Big Obsidian Flow is one of the youngest features on the monument, created about 1,300 years ago. This dramatic area covers almost a square mile with rough, glassy lava that was once molten magma.
Visitors can hike the Obsidian Trail to explore the flow’s jagged surface, see volcanic domes, and learn about the properties of obsidian and how volcanic activity shaped the region. The flow is accessible from the Lava Lands Visitor Center via the Lava Butte Scenic Drive.
Lava River Cave
Lava River Cave is a mile-long lava tube formed approximately 80,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption. The cave maintains a constant temperature of about 42 degrees Fahrenheit and features unique formations such as lavafalls, ropy lava walls, and collapsed ceilings.
Visitors must bring flashlights or headlamps to navigate the dark interior. The cave is accessible in spring, fall, and winter, while summer access is restricted due to high fire risk. Protective footwear and awareness of low ceilings are required for safety.
Newberry Caldera – East and West Lakes
The Newberry Caldera, formed about 1,200 years ago during a massive eruption, contains East and West Lakes, which offer excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. Several trails wind through the caldera, including the Summit and East Lake trails, providing scenic views of the lakes and volcanic scenery.
Camping is available at sites such as East Lake Resort and Paulina Lake Campground, giving visitors a chance to experience the monument’s volcanic beauty up close.
Activities
Newberry National Volcanic Monument offers a broad range of outdoor activities suited for families, adventurers, and geology enthusiasts.
Hiking and Exploring
The monument features numerous trails that traverse lava flows, obsidian fields, forests, and caldera landscapes. Popular hikes include the Obsidian Trail, Lava Butte Trail, and various paths around the Newberry Caldera.
Cave Exploration
Lava River Cave provides a unique opportunity to explore a volcanic lava tube. Visitors experience subterranean geology firsthand and must be prepared for dark, uneven terrain.
Fishing and Boating
East and West Lakes in the Newberry Caldera are prime spots for trout fishing and non-motorized boating. Anglers enjoy high-altitude fishing in scenic crater lakes surrounded by volcanic formations.
Camping
The monument offers several campgrounds, including Paulina Lake Campground and East Lake Resort, where visitors can set up tents or rent cabins. These sites provide access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and stunning volcanic scenery.
Scenic Driving
The Lava Butte Scenic Drive allows visitors to experience the monument’s volcanic landscape from their vehicles, culminating in a viewpoint atop Lava Butte with expansive views of the region.
Management and Conservation
Newberry National Volcanic Monument is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, focused on preserving volcanic features, ecological diversity, and providing safe recreational opportunities. The area is monitored for wildfire risks, and seasonal restrictions may apply to ensure visitor safety and resource protection.
Permits and Regulations
While general exploration of the monument is free, certain activities and campsites may require permits or reservations. Fire restrictions are strictly enforced, especially during high fire danger periods. Visitors are encouraged to check current conditions at the Lava Lands Visitor Center.
Environmental Education
The Lava Lands Visitor Center and ranger-led programs provide education on volcanic geology, fire ecology, and the natural history of the region. These programs help visitors understand the dynamic processes that shaped the monument.
Additional Resources
- Lava Beds National Monument – NPS (Example of another volcanic area with caves and lava formations)
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument – NPS (Volcanic monument in Arizona with recent eruption landscape)
- Crater Lake National Park – NPS (Famous crater lake formed by volcanic collapse, located in Oregon)
- Camping – NPS (General National Park Service camping information)
This document provides a comprehensive overview of Newberry National Volcanic Monument, including its main features, visitor information, and recreational opportunities. For updated conditions and detailed trip planning, visitors should consult the Lava Lands Visitor Center and official U.S. Forest Service resources.
Links
Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025
