Oregon's Picturesque Natural Monument Is A Stunning Sight In Deschutes National Forest

Oregon is a gorgeous state, boasting a diverse array of landscapes, exciting and adventurous recreational activities, and remarkable natural wonders. One of the most stunning sites in the state is also one of the lesser-known. Nestled within the Deschutes National Forest in Central Oregon, Newberry National Volcanic Monument is nearly 55,000 acres of protected land that contains endless beauty — from towering, pristine waterfalls to ancient cinder cones dotting the landscape.

Comprised of a volcano the size of Rhode Island, the park features incredible vistas of neighboring Cascade Volcanoes such as Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, and the Three Sisters. Newberry National Volcanic Monument was established by the National Park Service in 1990, making it one of the newer protected areas in the country. Located just 15 minutes outside of Bend and not far from Oregon's unexpected and unique Badlands Wilderness, this area offers a wealth of recreation and exploration opportunities. One of the most popular and remarkable areas in the park are the two massive lakes which form the caldera of Newberry Volcano, East Lake and Paulina Lake. These crystalline alpine lakes are popular destinations for all sorts of water activities, including boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding. From lava flows of obsidian to caves lined with basalt, this monument is not only a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature, but also a fascinating tale of geologic history. 

There is an endless bounty of activities and recreation to discover throughout Newberry National Volcanic Monument. If you enjoy exploring on foot, there are around 110 miles of trails ranging in length and difficulty to suit any hiking ability. If you're looking for a challenge, the 21-mile Crater Rim Trail is a demanding yet rewarding experience that offers a panoramic view of the caldera from every angle. This trail can be backpacked into and is also accessible for mountain biking (during the summer months). If you are looking for an easier and more family-friendly hike, you can also check out the paved, (mostly) wheelchair accessible Lava Cast Forest Trail. This one-mile loop traverses through ancient lava flows that have formed around trees, which have since rotted away, leaving behind casts of their former selves. Other popular hikes include Lava Butte (a 500-foot cinder cone with a cool watchtower at the top), Paulina Peak (where you can see a great view of the entire caldera), and the Big Obsidian Flow Trail (Oregon's most recent lava flow, occurring just 1,300 years ago — that's like a baby in volcanic terms!).

Oregon is home to several incredible waterfalls, and Paulina Creek Falls in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument is no exception. Visiting this brilliant, 80-foot double falls will surely dazzle, and the mist that sprays from the massive drop is a great way to cool down on those hot Central Oregon summer days. You can view the falls either from the Paulina Creek Day Use Area overlook, which is paved and wheelchair accessible, or from the short Paulina Creek Falls hike, which gives you a closer view of this natural marvel. 

Lava tubes are an underrated attraction you shouldn't skip, so a trip to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument wouldn't be complete without a walk through Oregon's longest lava tube, the Lava River Cave. This cave is around a mile long and offers insight into the power of nature and the geologic history of Newberry Volcano. It's also a great way to stay cool, as the underground temperatures remain consistently cool throughout the year. 

Reaching Newberry National Volcanic Monument is relatively easy, as it is situated just 12 miles south of the popular town of Bend, Oregon. To enter the park, you will need to either present an Oregon Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass. If you do not have either of these passes, you can use the kiosk at the entrance to pay for a day or multi-day pass. The daily fee to access the park is approximately $5, excluding any campsite fees. The Paulina Visitor Center is typically open from June to September, and the Lava Lands Visitor Center, as well as many of the lower trails, are accessible from May to mid-October. 

With so much to do and explore within this wonderful park, you might want to spend more than just one day here. Luckily, this park offers many accommodations for camping and lodging to suit your needs. There are 6 campgrounds in Newberry National Volcanic Monument dotted along the two lakes. East Lake Campground is one of the more popular, as it has around 29 sites that are all on or within short walking distance to the lake itself. It offers access to a boat launch, as well as water and bathroom facilities. If you are traveling with a trailer or RV, you may be interested in the largest of the campgrounds, Cinder Hill Campground, which has over 100 sites and can accommodate larger vehicles and campers. While the Newberry Monument is lesser-known, it is growing in popularity, and it is recommended to reserve campsites in advance during the summer months. Reservations typically open in early June. 

If camping isn't your style, you can also enjoy accommodations from the East Lake Resort, which offers small cabins that include showers, toilets, and electric heat. Some of the cabins also feature full kitchens or smaller kitchenettes, allowing you to cook your own meals. If you don't want to cook, check out the beloved Paulina Lake Lodge and Restaurant for some good eats! Wherever you choose to stay, Newberry National Volcanic Monument is a park you simply should not skip when visiting Central Oregon and the Deschutes National Forest.