Newberry Volcanic Monument

One of the newest National Monuments is also one of the most fascinating. In November of 1990, the US Congress designated 50,000+ acres of land south of Bend, Oregon as the Newberry Volcanic National Monument. As all of the land is located within the boundaries of the Deschutes National Forest, the lands are managed by the US Forest Service.

The Newberry Volcanic National Monument provides a unique opportunity for everyone, regardless of age and/or aptitude to explore the Lava Lands of Central Oregon. Contained within the Monument are lakes, lava flows and scenic, unusual geologic formations.

Paulina Peak at a height of 7,985 feet is the highest point in the area. In addition, from various points within the Lava Lands, you can see spectacular views of the Cascade Mountain range and the wide expanse of Oregon's High Desert. The top of the Newberry Volcano contains two sparkling alpine lakes that are teeming with trout and salmon.

In the summit area, you are actually traveling through a seventeen square mile caldera formed from volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Even more interesting is the fact that the Newberry Volcano remains to this day, both geothermally and seismically active. Recent studies have revealed that the caldera is sitting over a fairly shallow magma body of only two to five kilometers deep.

There are numerous attractions within the Newberry Volcanic National Monument including cinder cones, lakes, streams, waterfalls, lava tubes and the Lava Cast Forest. Several information centers provide historical and geological information about the area. Located just 13 miles south of Bend, Oregon, it is easy to include a visit to Newberry Volcanic National Monument in your vacation plans while visiting Central Oregon.

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