Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Lava Butte, Deschutes National Forest - Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District
Oregon?s dramatically diverse landscape is in part the result of millions of years of volcanic activity. One of the most fascinating and accessible volcanic sites is the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, south of the resort town of Bend. The volcano covers an area of over 500 square miles (1300 kmý) and is still active today. The last big eruption about 1,300 years ago created a huge lava field with obsidian rocks. Local Native American tribes found this volcanic natural glass useful to build weapons and tools and traded it throughout the Northwest. Today, hiking trails lead through the lava field and to various lakes, streams and waterfalls. The nearby High Desert Museum in Bend gives an excellent overview of Central Oregon's flora and fauna.