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.
Lava Butte Interpretive Site
Lava Butte is a cinder cone rising 500 feet above Lava Lands Visitor Center. A cinder covered trail encircles the rim of the cone with outstanding views.
There is a working fire lookout atop Lava Bute, but please don't disturb the staff in the lookout. You may enter the room beneath the lookout and view the panoramic photos that help identifiy the peaks in view.
Peak Season (Mid-June – Labor Day Weekend)
During the peak season, the Deschutes National Forest and Discover Your Forest partner with Cascades East Transit (CET) to provide shuttle service to the top of Lava Butte.
- The shuttle departs from Lava Lands Visitor Center and the top of Lava Butte every 20 minutes between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cost: $3/person (Children 2 and under ride FREE)
- Exact change is required
- Tickets can also be purchased using the TouchPass app
- Shuttles are wheelchair accessible
- Transport available for bicycles and leashed dogs
- Access by personal motor vehicles is not permitted on days when the shuttle is in service
Non-Peak Season (mid-April to mid-June / Tues. after Labor Day to mid-October)
Outside of the peak season, visitors can obtain free first-come, first-serve timed permits to access the top of Lava Butte by personal vehicles. Permits are available at the Lava Lands Welcome Station. Road access for personal vehicles is only available during Lava Lands Visitor Center hours of operation.
- Vehicles greater than 22' long may not go up the butte.
Non-Motorized Access
- Visitors may access Lava Butte by non-motorized methods at any time from dawn to dusk.
- The Lava Lands Visitor Center parking area remains open year-round; however, access during winter months is dependent on snow accumulation. The lot is not plowed or maintained during winter.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Pedestrian and bike access is available year round. E-bikes permitted on road up Lava Butte. |
|---|---|
| Fees: | Recreation Fee Area: $5/vehicle/day – On-site payment available. |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilet |
| Passes: | Recreation Fee Site: Parking at this site requires a recreation pass. Please check here for more information about recreation passes and where they can be purchased. Acceptable passes include:
|
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Lava Lands Visitor Center |
General Information
Directions:From Bend, OR: Travel 11.2 miles south on Highway 97.
Accessibility:
Information about accessible recreation opportunities in Pacific Northwest National Forests.
Activities
Day Hiking
Access to the Lava Butte Trail is available from this site.
Viewing Scenery
The butte offers a panoramic view of central Oregon, including a spectacular view of the Cascade Range and the northwest flank of Newberry.Interpretive Areas
Lava Butte rises 500 feet above the Visitor Center. This cinder cone erupted 7,000 years ago with lava covering over nine square miles. The Lava Butte interpretive trail circles the crater rim.
Alerts & Warnings
- Linton Creek Fire Emergency Closure (September 9, 2024)
- Firestone & Flat Top Fires Emergency Closure (September 9, 2024)
- Bachelor Complex Fires Emergency Closure (September 9, 2024)
- West Bend Area Trail Closures (Aug. 27, 2024)
- Revised Wickiup Fire Area Emergency Closure (Effective July 25, 2024)
- Public Use Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 (Effective July 22, 2024)
- Expanded Red Fire Area Emergency Closure (Effective July 24, 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