Hell’s Half Acre Lava Field
Hell’s Half Acre Lava Field is a stark volcanic landscape of cinder cones and lava plains along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway in northeastern Oregon. Walk among raw volcanic terrain, explore short trails, and see remnants of past eruptions. It’s a dramatic outdoor laboratory for geology and volcanology.
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Geography
| Address | Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, Oregon, USAHells Canyon Scenic Byway |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Pacific Northwest |
| Subregion | Pacific Northwest |
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Umatilla County |
| District | Hell’s Half Acre Lava Field |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 45.988 |
| Longitude | -116.534 |
| Maps |
6:12 PM LOCAL TIMEHell’s Half Acre Lava Field is a vast volcanic landscape spanning approximately 650 square kilometers across northeast Oregon near the Idaho border. Formed by repeated basaltic eruptions from fissure vents and scoria cones, it features moonlike deposits of cinder, flowing basalt plains, and isolated steep-walled maars. The area is publicly accessible via the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, with viewpoints, informal trails, and pullouts that provide close-up views of the lava and scoria. Geologically active within the broader Columbia Plateau and Snake River Plain volcanic provinces, the lava field provides a window into mid-tertiary and Quaternary volcanic processes. Visitor experience ranges from roadside panoramas to short, unpaved walks; specific trail guides and safety precautions are recommended due to loose footing and remote terrain.
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