Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Aerial view of Newberry Caldera 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 54,000+ acres of lakes, lava flows, and spectacular geologic features in central Oregon. The highest point within the Monument is the summit Paulina Peak (7,985 ft.), showcasing views of the Cascades, Newberry Caldera and across the High Desert.

Aerial view of Lava Butte. Although commonly referred to as Newberry Crater, the "crater" is in fact a caldera formed when the overlying rocks collapse when a magma chamber is emptied. The caldera stretches across 17 square miles in the heart of the volcano. The 1,200 square mile volcano (about the size of Rhode Island) remains very active to this day. 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 and vents (over 400 throughout the area), miles of basalt flows, as well as rhyolite flows of obsidian.

  • For up-to-date facts on Newberry Volcano, click here.
  • Read the latest version of Volcanic Vistas.
  • Enjoy this video highlighting the accessibility of Lava Lands Visitor Center!

At a Glance

Reservations: Please visit Recreation.gov for reservations.
Usage: Medium-Heavy
Closest Towns: Bend /Sunriver / La Pine
Operated By: Deschutes National Forest
Information Center:  

General Information

Directions:

To visit Lava Lands Visitor Center, click here.

To visit Paulina Visitor Center and Newberry Caldera, click here.


Accessibility:

Enjoy this video highlighting the accessibility of Lava Lands Visitor Center!


Activities

Mountain Biking

Areas for Mountain Biking at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Campground Camping

There are six campgrounds within Newberry Caldera offering shoreline camping, boat ramps, and sanitary facilities. Three campgrounds are located nearby, outside the Caldera, along road 21. All campgrounds are managed by the Forest Service.

Fees: Campsite Fees, NW Forest Pass reqired if parking outside of your campsite.

Areas for Campground Camping at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

RV Camping

Group Camping

Newberry Group Campground is the only exclusive group area on Newberry Monument.

Areas for Group Camping at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Lake and Pond Fishing

Newberry Crater holds two alpine lakes, East Lake and Paulina Lake, that are full of trout and salmon.

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Day Hiking

Miles of trails run through the Monument, offering visitors year round opportunities for hiking and exploring.

Areas for Day Hiking at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Backpacking

Areas for Backpacking at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Horse Camping

Chief Paulina Horse Camp is the only horse campground in this lava flow area.  

Areas for Horse Camping at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Viewing Wildlife

Spend time at Paulina Lake and East Lake to see bald eagle and osprey that nest nearby. These lakes lure common loon, at least three species of grebe (horned, eared, and western), tundra swan, Eurasian wigeon, American wigeon, ring-necked duck, two kinds of goldeneye (common and Barrow's), and hooded mergenser. Ring-billed gull, California gull, caspian tern, and belted kingfisher have also been seen.

Scan the shoreline for sora, American avocet, and spotted sandpiper. Drive or hike to the summit of Paulina Peak to watch soaring raptors such as golden eagle, turkey vulture, prairie falcon, and red-tailed hawk. In September, the outlet of Paulina Lake may be choked with kokanee salmon moving to spawn in Paulina Creek.

Featured Wildlife Groups:

  • Birds of Prey
  • Shore/Wading Birds
  • Songbirds
  • Waterfowl
  • Hoofed Mammals
  • Bear
  • Raccoon
  • Bats
  • Fish

Habitats:

  • Forest - Mtn. Hemlock / Subalpine
  • Forest - Lodgepole Pine
  • Wetland - Lake
  • Wetland - Meadow
  • Rock - Outcrop
  • Rock - Cliff
  • Rock - Talus

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Visitor Programs

Interpretive and educational program schedules will be posted at entrance stations, information desks, and campground bulletin boards. Please check the weekly schedule for times and locations throughout the summer. For more information call Lava Lands Visitor Center at 541-593-2421.

Programs within the Newberry Caldera: Paulina Peak, Big Obsidian Flow and Paulina Falls.

Areas for Visitor Programs at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Interpretive Areas

Interpretive and educational program schedules will be posted at entrance stations, information desks, and campground bulletin boards. Please check the weekly schedule for times and locations throughout the summer. For more information call Lava Lands Visitor Center at 541-593-2421.

Areas for Interpretive Areas at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Visitor Centers

General Info:

General Notes

Paulina Visitor Center is staffed to offer Monument information/orientation. A Discover Your Northwest bookstore is operated inside the historic building.


Areas for Visitor Centers at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Picnicking

Areas for Picnicking at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Boating - Motorized

Areas for Boating - Motorized at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Boating - Non-Motorized

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Swimming

Areas for Swimming at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Areas for XC Skiing/Snowshoeing at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Snowmobiling

Areas for Snowmobiling at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF

Alerts & Warnings

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Quick Links

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Central Cascade Wilderness Permit Maps

Highlights

Location

 
  Latitude : 
43.79885

  Longitude : 
-121.26984