Special Places

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

2012 Schedule

In November of 1990, Newberry National Volcanic Monument was created within the boundaries of Deschutes National Forest. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this monument provides a unique opportunity to view the Lava Lands of central Oregon. Newberry National Volcanic National Monument includes 50,000+ acres of lakes, lava flows, and spectacular geologic features.

The highest point within the Monument is the summit, Paulina Peak, at 7,985 feet. The peak showcases views of the Oregon Cascades and across the High Desert. The summit area of Newberry Volcano holds two sparkling alpine lakes full of trout and salmon.
 

It is hard to fathom as you drive through the Monument that you are within a 17 square mile caldera at the summit of a 500 square mile volcano. Newberry is both seismically and geothermally active. Geologists believe the caldera sits over a shallow magma body only 2 to 5 kilometers deep. Visitors see numerous cinder cones (over 400 throughout the area), miles of basalt flows, as well as rhyolite flows of obsidian.

For detailed information on the endless recreational opportunities in Newberry National Volcanic Monument, please see NNVM Recreation Page.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument 2012 Schedule

For the most up to date information on opening dates and schedules please call the NNVM Information Hotline 541-383-5700

Lava Lands Visitor Center 

• Early Spring Schedule: Open Weekends Only, 9am-5pm
  • May 5/6
  • May 12/13
  • May 19/20
  • May 26,27,28 Memorial Day Weekend
• Spring Schedule (May 31 - June 30): Open Thursday-Monday, 9am-5pm
• Summer Schedule (July 1- September 3): Open 7 Days a Week, Sunday-Saturday, 9am-5pm
• Fall Schedule (September 6 - September 30): Open Thursday-Monday, 9am-5pm
• Directions: 
  • Southbound travellers take Hwy 97 South from Bend about 7 miles passed Exit 143, turn right into pocket lane when you see lava and the Lava Lands sign
  • Northbound travellers be sure to take Exit 151/Cottonwood Rd., take first right after you exit, road parallels highway passed Lava River Cave, turn right after underpass. If you miss Exit 151, proceed north to Exit 143 and follow southbound directions.

Lava River Cave

• Spring Schedule (May 26* - June 30): Open Thursday-Monday, 9am-5pm *tentative opening date - weather/ice permitting
• Summer Schedule (July 1- September 3): Open 7 Days a Week, Sunday-Saturday, 9am-5pm
• Fall Schedule (September 6 - September 30): Open Thursday-Monday, 9am-5pm
• Directions: 
  • Southbound travellers take Hwy 97 South from Bend 8 miles passed Exit 143, take Exit 151/Cottonwood Rd., take first left after exit, follow signs to Lava River Cave.
  • Northbound travellers be sure to take Exit 151/Cottonwood Rd., take first right after you exit, road parallels highway to Lava River Cave. If you miss Exit 151, proceed north to Exit 143 and follow southbound directions.

Paulina Visitor Center (in Newberry Caldera)

• Early Summer Open weekends June 9/10, 16/17
• Summer/Fall Schedule (June 21* - September 30): Open Thursday-Monday, 9am-5pm *tentative opening date - weather/snow permitting

Lava Cast Forest

• Spring Schedule : As of May 2, the 9 mile unimproved road to the site is passable and the restrooms are open. Interpretive brochures are not yet stocked so please download this Lava Cast Forest Interpretive Trail Guide to enhance your visit.
• Summer Schedule: Open 7 days a Week once road is passable.
• Directions: 
  • Southbound travellers take Hwy 97 South from Bend 10 miles passed Exit 143, take Exit 153, take first left after exit, follow signs to Lava Cast Forest. Paved road will turn to gravel. It is about 9 miles one way to the parking lot at Lava Cast Forest.
  • Northbound travellers take Exit 153, take first right after you exit, follow signs to Lava Cast Forest. Paved road will turn to gravel. It is about 9 miles one way to the parking lot at Lava Cast Forest.