Lava Lands Visitor Center
CC BY-SA 4.0 • Photo by Chris Light via Wikimedia Commons

Lava Lands Visitor Center

Information center at Lava Butte base with trail access and Cascade Range views

5.4/10
#4 of 10 in Bend
Bend, Central Oregon
Northwest Forest Pass or a day-use fee

Lava Lands Visitor Center is the main information center for Newberry National Volcanic Monument, about 11 miles south of Bend on Highway 97. It sits at the base of Lava Butte, a cinder cone that erupted roughly 7,000 years ago and sent lava flows across the surrounding landscape.

Exhibits cover the geology of Newberry Volcano, the area's lava flows and the history of people in the region. From the center, a short paved trail loops through the Lava Butte lava flow, and a road or shuttle climbs to the summit of the cone for views of the Cascade Range and the volcanic landscape.

Lava River Cave, a separate site, is a few miles to the south and has its own entry system. The visitor center is seasonal and staffed by Forest Service personnel and volunteers who can recommend hikes and sights in the monument.

Categories

Geological Sites Hiking Trails Museums
Lava Lands Visitor Center

More photos coming soon

Hours & Fees

Hours

Seasonal, generally open from late spring through early fall; check before visiting.

Admission

Northwest Forest Pass or a day-use fee

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Facts

Rating
5.40/10
Destination Bend
Region Central Oregon
Admission Northwest Forest Pass or a day-use fee

Best Time to Visit

June through September offers warm, dry weather ideal for outdoor activities.

Bend, Oregon

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