Lava Lands is 4 miles north of Sunriver on Hwy 97 and is part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument (NNVM). The entire area of the Monument consists of 50,000+ acres of lakes, lava flows, and spectacular geologic features. Community concern for the preservation of this unique area led to the establishment of the Monument in 1990. The Deschutes National Forest manages the Monument.
When you visit Lava Lands you are welcomed by the naturalists and other forest service personnel who man the well equipped visitor center. At the visitor center you will find maps of Lava Lands and information on how the area was transformed by volcanic activity more than 6000 years ago. The Visitors Center also has many displays and slide shows describing the history of the area.
Two short guided interpretive trails leave from the Visitor Center and explore the volcanic landscape and nearby forest. Along the trails are plaques with information about the area and how it was formed.
When you walk around Lava Lands you can see Lava Butte rising above the lower portion of Lava Lands. This cinder cone formed over 6,000 years ago producing nine square miles of lava. A shuttle bus is typically available to take visitors to the summit of the butte from the Visitor Center. You can also drive to the top in your car.
At the top of Lava Butte you will find a lookout tower and the Crater Rim Trail, a 1/4 mile interpretive cinder trail around the rim of the 180-foot deep crater forming Lava Butte’s Summit. You will also find one of the most spectacular views of the Cascades that you will ever see. Be sure and bring a camera on this excursion.