Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Big Obsidian Flow Trailhead and Interpretive Site
At a mere 1300 years old, the Big Obsidian Flow is the youngest lava flow in Oregon. A one-mile interpretive trail climbs up and onto this impressive lava flow of obsidian (black glass) and pumice, which is located within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The Newberry Crater Trail also passes through this site, which connects to the Lost Lake Trail.
This is also the location of the Big Obsidian Flow Ampitheater where ranger talks are featured throughout the summer. A current schedule of these lectures can be found at the Paulina Visitor Center.
The site also features several picnic tables and a toilet.
Recreation Fee Site: Parking at this site requires a recreation pass. Passes are NOT available at this site, but can be purchased from Forest Service offices or vendors. Please check here for more information about recreation passes and where they can be purchased.
At a Glance
| Fees: | Day Use: $5/vehicle/day or valid recreation pass Tour Bus Fee: - 15 people or less = $25 - 25 people = $50 - 25 people or more = $100 School/Education Groups: Please book your tour in advance with our forest partner, Discover Your Forest |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | June - Late Fall |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Closest Towns: | Bend, Sunriver, or La Pine |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilet |
| Passes: | Recreation Fee Site: Parking at this site requires a $5 payment or a recreation pass. Recreation passes may be purchased at the Lava Lands Welcome Station or Newberry Caldera Welcome Station. Please check here for more information about recreation passes and locations where they can be purchased. Acceptable passes include:
|
| Information Center: | Paulina Visitor Center |
General Information
General Notes:For more information call Lava Lands Visitor Center:
- 541-593-2421
Directions:
From Bend, OR: Travel 24 miles south on Highway 97, then 15 miles east on County Road 21.
Activities
Day Hiking
Along the trail there are seven interpretive signs which discuss the geology, biology, history, and archaeology of the Big Obsidian Flow.Viewing Scenery
View a black glass (obsidian) and pumice lava flow.Interpretive Areas
Seven interpretive signs describe the geology, biology, history, and archaeology of this lava flow.Alerts & Warnings
- Red Fire Area Emergency Closure (Effective October 3, 2024)
- West Bend Area Trail Closures (Oct. 3, 2024)
- Firestone & Flat Top Fires Emergency Closure (September 27, 2024)
- Bachelor Complex Fires Emergency Closure (September 26, 2024)
- Public Use Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 (Effective September 20, 2024)
- Revised Wickiup Fire Area Emergency Closure (Effective July 25, 2024)
- Round Mountain Fire Area Emergency Closure (July 19, 2024)
- Blue-Green Algae Information (Summer 2024)
- Recreating in the Cedar Creek Fire Burned Area (June 2023)
- Willamette NF Fire Closures
Related Information
Central Cascade Wilderness Permit Maps
Location