Newberry Crater

Newberry Crater is the caldera at the heart of Newberry Volcano in central Oregon, United States. The area is managed as the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, designated in 1990 to protect volcanic features and provide public access.

The caldera contains two lakes, Paulina Lake and East Lake, plus volcanic features such as the Big Obsidian Flow and Paulina Peak. Trails and paved roads lead to viewpoints, lava fields and picnic areas, and the Lava Lands Visitor Center provides orientation and trail information.

The volcano was built by repeated eruptions over hundreds of thousands of years; the most recent significant effusive event produced the Big Obsidian Flow approximately 1,300 years ago. Congress established the Newberry National Volcanic Monument in 1990 to conserve the area and support recreation and education.

The site sits within the Deschutes National Forest in central Oregon, roughly south of the city of Bend. The monument is accessed via forest roads and highways from Bend and other Central Oregon towns.

• Access and seasons: Most viewpoints, including the summit road to Paulina Peak, are accessible seasonally by vehicle; check road conditions in winter.
• Big Obsidian Flow age: The Big Obsidian Flow formed about 1,300 years ago and is a short walk from the Lava Lands Visitor Center, making it an easy geological highlight.

What to See #

• Paulina Lake and East Lake: Sits inside the caldera and is a popular base for trails and viewpoints; both Paulina Lake and East Lake lie within the caldera and offer boat launches and campgrounds.
• Big Obsidian Flow: A dense, glassy lava flow erupted roughly 1,300 years ago and is one of the youngest and most accessible obsidian flows in the United States.
• Paulina Peak: The highest point within the monument offering expansive views across the caldera and surrounding high desert; reached by paved road and hiking routes.
• Lava Lands Visitor Center: The National Forest visitor facility for the monument with orientation exhibits, maps and trail information for the Lava Lands area.