10 Reasons Why Newberry National Volcanic Monument Is an Incredible Place to Visit

Oregon’s Version of Yosemite

Right in the heart of Deschutes National Forest lies the remarkable Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Spread across 54,000 acres, this park showcases major volcanic history.

Forget green, this volcanic playground is filled with clear lakes, shiny black rocks, underground caves, and cone-shaped hills that look like they belong on Mars. Let’s explore what makes this place so special.

Glass Mountain

The Big Obsidian Flow looks like a mountain made of black glass that formed 1,300 years ago. When sunlight hits the rocks, they sparkle beautifully, making photographers very happy.

Today, you can walk on a trail that’s less than a mile long to see everything up close.

In 2021, NASA tested new spacesuit technologies here to prepare for future lunar and Mars missions.

A Giant Among Volcanoes

Meet Newberry Volcano, which spreads across 1,200 square miles and stands 5,400 feet tall, like four Empire State Buildings stacked together.

Unlike the pointy volcanoes in pictures, the volcano has smooth, gentle slopes made by flowing lava. Though it’s been quiet since about 700 AD, when Charlemagne ruled Europe, scientists watch it carefully.

Nature’s Hot Tubs

Along Paulina Lake’s shore, you’ll find natural hot springs that bubble through the sand.

Visitors often hike to the hot springs from nearby campgrounds like Little Crater Campground. The lake is huge and very deep, perfect for fishing.

You can rent boats at the nearby lodge from spring to fall, or walk around the whole lake on a trail that’s about 7 miles long.

The hot springs stay warm all year, between 95 and 115 degrees, though they can vary.

Underground Wonder

The Lava River Cave is like a long tunnel that goes more than 5,000 feet into the ground.

The cave formed 80,000 years ago when hot lava flowed away, leaving an empty space behind.

As you descend its 126 steps, you’ll come across formations like the ‘Echo Hall,’ where sounds echo due to its high ceiling, and ‘Low Bridge Lane,’ with its glazed walls and lava stalactites.

Bring two flashlights and warm clothes because it gets cold.

Mountain Views

From Paulina Peak, which stands 7,984 feet high, you can see everything for miles around. You can either hike up or drive to the top when the road is open from July to October.

On clear days, you’ll see the Cascade Range, including Mount Adams in Washington and Mount Shasta in California, standing miles away.

The view of the shiny Big Obsidian Flow is also visible. Many people come here at sunset when the mountains turn pretty colors.

Hidden Lake Life

Paulina Lake and East Lake are the two lakes that sit within the Newberry Caldera.

Hot springs under the water create perfect conditions for unusual microbial forms (Earth’s first living creatures).

The warm, mineral-rich water helps fish grow very big here, including brown trout. If you want a peaceful place to camp, try the north shore’s simple campsites nestled among the tall pine trees, if it’s your first time here.

Ancient People

Obsidian’s natural black glass was incredibly important to the Klamath and Modoc tribes. They discovered that when broken right, obsidian creates edges even sharper than today’s surgical tools.

They used the glass to forge arrowheads, knives, and scrapers for hunting and daily work. These tools were so valuable that people traded them all across the Pacific Northwest.

Some obsidian tools found today are over 10,000 years old.

A World of Many Faces

Step into Newberry Monument and you’ll feel like a time traveler.

In one area, you might think you’re on the moon, walking across empty lava fields. A few steps later, you’re in a thick pine forest full of life. This variety makes perfect homes for all kinds of animals.

More than 200 types of birds live here. You might spot mule deer bouncing through meadows or black bears hunting for berries.

Nature’s Laboratory

The hot springs and steaming vents at Newberry are more than just beautiful, they’re outdoor labs brimming with biodiversity that feels almost alien-like.

Scientists come here to study amazing extremophiles, these tiny survivors thrive in water so hot it could cook an egg.

Visitor’s Guide

The best time to visit is late May through October. You’ll need to buy a pass to park your car – it costs $30 for the year or $5 for one day.

Remember that mountain weather is unpredictable, so bring layers and plenty of water.

At the visitor center, you can see 3D maps and touch different volcanic rocks.

The center is open Thursday to Monday in summer.