Leaving Bend, Oregon for Crater Lake on Highway 97, it’s impossible to miss the Lava Lands at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument which includes some 50,000+ acres of lakes, lava flows, and spectacular geologic features.
We wheeled in and while waiting for our time slot to drive to the top of Lava Butte, we toured the Visitor Center and did the “Trail of Molten Land” which meanders over the 7000 year-old lava flow.
Due to a scarcity of parking at the summit (only 14 spots), there is “Controlled Access” on busy days and visitors are issued a ticket for a specific half hour time slot when you can drive to the top of Lava Butte.
The Lava Butte cinder cone that rises 500 feet above the visitor center erupted 7,000 years ago and covered over nine square miles with lava. The butte offers a spectacular view of central Oregon, including the Cascade Range and the northwest flank of Newberry.
Highly worth the $5 and a couple hours of your time!
See our other pictures of the Lava Lands at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
See the full list of places that we visited during our Washington / Oregon / California road trip
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