Newberry Volcano and Paulina Falls

Newberry Volcano is one of the largest volcanoes in the Cascade region by area, a broad shield that rises south of Bend and holds a huge caldera with two lakes, Paulina Lake and East Lake. It is the star of Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and a day here shows the full range of volcanic features in one drive: cinder cones, lava flows, ancient caves, craters and a waterfall that drops where one lake empties into a creek. The Big Obsidian Flow, a field of black volcanic glass created about 1,300 years ago, is the most recent eruption in Oregon and a favorite for its sharp, shining surface. A trail loops through it, with signs explaining how it formed. Paulina Falls is a short walk from the road and features twin cascades plunging about eighty feet into a pool, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Central Oregon. Nearby, the two lakes offer fishing, kayaking and picnicking, with campgrounds and resorts along their shores. Hot springs bubble up on the edge of Paulina Lake, adding another reminder that the volcano is still alive. Visitors with energy can hike or drive to Paulina Peak, the high point of the caldera rim, where a view takes in the Cascades, the high desert and the lakes below. It is a day trip with variety, suited to curious travelers and families.

The key planning question is season. The roads into the caldera are usually open from late spring or early summer until snow arrives in the autumn, and parts may close earlier or later depending on conditions. In winter, the area becomes a snow-covered playground for skiers and snowmobilers, but car access ends. Check with the forest service or visitor center before you go, and note that a day-use fee or pass may be required at several sites. Services are limited, so bring food, water and fuel.

Build an itinerary that fits your energy. A common plan starts with the Lava Lands Visitor Center, continues to the Big Obsidian Flow and Paulina Falls, and finishes with a picnic at one of the lakes. If you have more time, add the Lava Cast Forest, a collection of tree molds left by lava, or a hike along the lakeshore. Paulina Peak requires a rough road or a strenuous trail, so ask about conditions. Allow most of the day, and give yourself time for the drive back.

Respect the landscape. Obsidian is sharp and the flow is protected, so do not take pieces and stay on the trail. Weather in the caldera can change quickly, and temperatures are cooler than in Bend, so bring layers. The altitude is above 6,000 feet at the lakes, which can make hiking more tiring. Mosquitoes can be intense in early summer, so repellent is useful. Wildlife such as deer, eagles and ospreys is common.

Newberry combines well with the museum and the lava tubes near the highway, and with a stay in Sunriver or Bend. Many visitors find that this is the day when the region's geology finally made sense, and the views from the rim and the glittering obsidian stay in the mind long after the trip. For anyone who enjoys landscapes and the story of how they formed, it is a highlight of Central Oregon.