Lava Lands Visitor Center is the interpretive hub of Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Friendly rangers will help orient you to the Monument using our new 3D topographic map.Visit our state of the art interpretive exhibit on area geologic and cultural history, shop in the Discover Your Northwest Bookstore, view a variety of films scheduled daily, walk the Trail of the Molten Lands* and the Trail of the Whispering Pines, picnic under the pines, attend a ranger talk on the patio, drive to the top of Lava Butte for a spectacular view of Central Oregon (Butte parking limited to 10 spaces, so FREE 30 minute time passes are issued on a first come, first served basis at the Center's Welcome Station).
*The Trail of the Molten Lands will be closed for paving possibly through June 30, 2012. Check the Newberry Hotline for Trail status: 541-383-5700.
At a Glance
Operational Hours:
9am to 5pm
May 5 - May 28Weekends only
May 31 - June 30 Thursday - Monday
July 1 - September 3 7 Days a Week
September 6 - 30 Thursday - Monday
October 1, 2012 Closed for Season
Fees
$5/vehicle/day from May 1 through September 30 Tour bus fee: Fifteen people or less= $25.16, Twenty Five people=$50.26, Over 25 people= $100.
Open Season:
May 5* - Sept 30 *call NNVM hotline for current schedule 541-383-5700
Lava Lands Visitor Center
58201 South Hwy. 97
Bend, OR 97707
(541) 593-2421 Manager: Scott McBride
General Information
Directions:
General Directions:
From Bend, OR travel south on Highway 97. Visitor Center is approximately 8 miles south of Exit 143 Baker/Knot Rd. Turn right into pocket lane when you see lava and the Lava Lands sign.
From La Pine, OR travel north on Highway 97. Take Exit 151/Cottonwood Rd. Turn right after exiting. Continue on road about 2 miles passing Lava River Cave. Turn right after underpass to Lava Lands Visitor Center Welcome Station. If you miss Exit 151, proceed north to Exit 143 Baker/Knot Rd. and follow southbound directions.
Behind the Visitor Center are two self guided interpretive trails that can be explored at your own pace. The Trail of Molten Land meanders over the 7000 year-old lava flow from Lava Butte, which is the imposing cinder cone behind the Visitor Center. The Trail of the Whispering Pines wanders through a young ponderosa pine forest. It is possible to walk up Lava Butte, but there is no trail, you have to walk up the congested road, please watch for traffic. Black Rock Trail begins at the lower parking lot of the Visitor Center and continues over 4 miles to the Deschutes River along the lava flow.
Nature Viewing
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Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:
Expect to find golden-mantled ground squirrel, yellow-pine chipmunk, and yellow-bellied marmot. Their abundance as prey sometimes attract ermine and long-tailed weasel. Mountain chickadee, evening grosbeak, red-breasted nuthatch, pygmy nuthatch, and red crossbill have been sighted. Up on Lava Butte, look skyward for a soaring red-tailed hawk, golden eagle, or turkey vulture.
Featured Wildlife Groups:
Amphibians/Reptiles
Birds of Prey
Songbirds
Weasels/Skunks
Squirrels/Rodents
Habitats:
Forest - Lodgepole Pine
Forest - Ponderosa Pine
Rock - Outcrop
Rock - Talus
Other Activities
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Caving
Recreation areas with activity Caving:
Lava River Cave is about 1 mile from Lava Lands Visitor Center.
Outdoor Learning
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Visitor Programs
Recreation areas with activity Visitor Programs:
Interpretive Areas
Recreation areas with activity Interpretive Areas:
Recreation areas with activity Visitor Centers:
"The new Lawrence A. Chitwood Exhibit Hall is now open to the public after years of dedicated work on the project. This new exhibit marks the final piece to our grand re-opening of the Lava Lands Visitors Center that has been over two years in the making. In 2008, a new 1,500 square foot addition was added to the center in order to house the lobby, reception area, and bookstore. These makeovers to the center are the first of their kind in over 30 years.
The interpretive themes of the new exhibit hall will showcase how our local geology, ecology, climate, and culture are all interwoven. Through various partnerships and assistance, we are able to showcase the latest information on topics ranging from volcanic activity in the Cascade Mountains to Paleo-Indian technology. In addition, new hands-on activities will allow younger visitors to explore the bottom of Paulina Lake, test out the weight and buoyancy of our local rocks, examine a molar of a Columbian Mammoth, and experience the sights and sounds of an active volcano!
The exhibit hall is dedicated in memory of Larry Chitwood (August 4, 1942 - January 4, 2008), former geologist with Deschutes National Forest, with deep gratitude for his significant contributions throughout the development of this exciting new visitor experience. We hope that you enjoy the new exhibits and your total experience at Lava Lands Visitor’s Center.
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