One of the most unique trails you’re going to find, the Big Obsidian Flow Trail in Newberry National Volcanic Monument takes you through an incredible volcanic landscape. Sculpted by molten lava flowing across the surface only 1,300 years ago, this is one of the newest landscapes you can find just about anywhere!
Because the rock here is so new, and the lava flowed here so recently, the landscape is still incredibly barren and alien. The rock is all black, almost no plants live within the flow, and the contrast of black volcanic rock against the green of the surrounding pines is something to see! This trail is short, but you won’t find anything more unique!
Miles/Elevation:
1 mile
196 feet vertical gain
About Newberry National Volcanic Monument:
Located outside the city of Bend in Central Oregon, Newberry Volcanic National Monument is a large area of protected land preserving one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest volcanoes. Carved out of Deschutes National Forest, this national monument is over 54,000 acres, and is still managed by the US Forest Service.
The monument protects the Newberry Volcano. While it’s not as famous or visible as other volcanoes in the region like Mt Rainier or Mt Hood, Newberry Volcano is absolutely massive. The volcano is about the size of the state of Rhode Island, and while it does not have the recognizable, snow covered, cone of many of other volcanoes in the area, it is immensely powerful.
The main highlight of the monument is the Newberry Caldera. While it looks like a giant crater when viewed from above, this area was actually formed when the magma chamber beneath the volcano collapsed. Since then, the park’s pair of lakes have formed within the caldera, and now the caldera is the main tourist location in the park.
Beyond the caldera, tourists also flock to the Lava River Cave. Lava flowed from the main caldera area miles north towards Bend, and this legacy is preserved by some of the underground lava tubes through which molten rock once flowed. Lava River Cave is the largest uncollapsed lava tube in Oregon, and can be explored by visitors. Reservations are recommended though!
Getting To The Trailhead:
From Bend, follow Highway 97 south for about 23 miles. After 23 miles, turn left onto Paulina-East Lake Road. This road takes you into the Newberry Caldera in the heart of the monument. Follow this road for 14 miles, and then park in the lot on your right. From southern Oregon, simply follow Highway 97 north, and take a right onto Paulina-East Lake Road.
Tips:
- Do not wear sandals. The trail is covered and built with volcanic glass that will not feel good on your feet.
- The loop can be hiked in either direction.
The Big Obsidian Flow Trail:
From the parking lot, the hike begins with a quick walk through the woods towards the flow itself. This hike is a lollipop, and the stem is a short but straightforward walk through the woods.
After perhaps a quarter of a mile on the trail, you will arrive at the base of the Big Obsidian Flow. It really does look crazy. The green of the trees and grass immediately gives way to a 100 foot high pile of rock. It’s really easy to imagine this as a slow moving river of lava, destroying everything in its path!
Once you reach the flow, you’ll be faced with a large staircase which leads you up and onto the lava flow. Follow the staircase up, and then take in the wild environment you’re now in!
The first thing I noticed was a bench on the right side of the path. Sitting atop the bench was a large black rock. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was pumice. Picking it up, it was nearly light as a feather! I mean I’ve heard of pumice before, but I had never seen it in the flesh.
Make sure you visit Lava River Cave on a visit to Newberry!
Continuing on, I began on the loop part of the hike. Throughout the trail, there are small walls and railings along the path, and the trail itself is often made with flattened volcanic rocks.
Most of the rocks are pumice, but mixed in are chunks of obsidian. As opposed to pumice which is light and airy, obsidian is volcanic glass, hard, and sharper than a razor. Definitely don’t wear sandals on this trail because the ground is literally made with it though! Literally, obsidian is sharper than a medical scalpel!
While the geological features of this trail are what makes it remarkable, the panoramic views are pretty good too. Once you make it to the top of the loop, there is a nice viewpoint which gives you a great view of the lakes of Newberry. In the distance, just barely peeking above the nearby ridgeline, are a few of the local Cascade volcanoes!
The Green Lakes, Soda Creek Loop is another great hike outside Bend!
From the upper viewpoint, the hike back to the trailhead is a simple walk back downhill. The volcanic features don’t let up until you’re off the lava flow, and the hiking is continually awesome! But, before long, you’ll be off the lava, and back at the trailhead!
Topdown Lifestyle Rating: 10/10
This may not be the most picturesque, idyllic, one mile hike I’ve ever done, but it probably is the most unique one mile hike I’ve ever done. There are some nice views for sure, but really the highlight here is the incredible geography. If you’re into rocks, this is about as good as it gets! If you’re like me and think the rocks are really cool, but would rather have panoramic mountain views, this is still a fantastic hike!
Pros:
- Nice views
- Incredibly unique environment
Cons:
- Can be busy
- Totally exposed to sun
Alternative Hikes:
When To Hike The Big Obsidian Flow:
Definitely check out No Name Lake outside Bend!
The hardest limit on hiking in the Cascades is snow. This mountain range receives massive quantities of snow each winter, and this snow limits the hiking season at high elevations. If you are ok with snowshoes, microspikes, crampons, or other snow gear, you can go pretty much whenever you want!
If you prefer not to hike in the snow, then the season is roughly May through October. Expect at least some trace remains of snow through the first half of May (possibly into June), and be ready for early snowstorms in September and October. The absolute ideal time to hike here is mid-July to see peak wildflowers, which there can be a lot of! May and October are pushing it weather wise, so I would probably recommend June through September.
Links For Further Reading:
Deschutes National Forest – Big Obsidian Flow Trailhead and Interpretive Site
Big Obsidian Flow | U.S. Geological Survey
Big Obsidian Flow Loop Hike – Hiking in Portland, Oregon and Washington
Big Obsidian Flow Trail | Map, Guide – La Pine, OR | AllTrails
Gordon B Smith
March 22, 2023Thanks for the post about Newberry Nat Volcanic Monument. Obsidian Trail is definitely a geologic wonder.