Newberry Volcanic Monument : Interesting Facts, History & Travel Guide

Nestled in the heart of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, the Newberry Volcanic Monument is a breathtaking destination that’s filled with fascinating history, natural wonders, and exciting adventures.

This geological marvel boasts a rich history that spans over 500,000 years and offers visitors an up-close look at volcanic activity that has shaped the surrounding landscape. From hiking through ancient lava flows to exploring the depths of volcanic craters, there’s something for everyone at this incredible destination.

In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the Newberry Volcanic Monument and provide you with interesting facts, historical insights, and a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your visit. So grab your hiking boots, pack your bags, and let’s explore this natural wonder together!

Interesting facts about Newberry Volcanic Monument

1. The Newberry Volcanic Monument is located in central Oregon, USA and covers over 50,000 acres.
2. The monument was established in 1990 and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
3. The Newberry Volcano is an active shield volcano that last erupted about 1,300 years ago. It is one of the largest volcanoes in the contiguous United States.
4. The volcano is composed of basaltic andesite lava flows, which are known for their smooth, fluid texture.
5. The monument contains a variety of volcanic features, including cinder cones, lava flows, lava tubes, and obsidian flows.
6. Paulina Lake and East Lake are two of the most popular attractions in the monument. Both lakes were formed in volcanic craters and offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating.
7. The monument is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and bald eagles.
8. Visitors can explore the monument by hiking, camping, and driving along scenic routes. The Lava Lands Visitor Center offers exhibits, information, and guided tours.
9. The Newberry Caldera, which is the large depression at the top of the volcano, is about 4 miles in diameter and contains several smaller lakes.
10. The monument is located in the Deschutes National Forest and is surrounded by other natural attractions, such as the Three Sisters Wilderness Area and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.

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Information & History of Newberry Volcanic Monument

The Newberry Volcanic Monument is a protected area in Deschutes National Forest in central Oregon, USA. It was established by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 under the authority of the Antiquities Act. The monument covers over 50,000 acres and includes the Newberry Volcano, one of the largest shield volcanoes in the contiguous United States.

The Newberry Volcano is a basaltic andesite shield volcano that is about 500,000 years old. The volcano has erupted several times in the past, with the most recent eruption occurring about 1,300 years ago. The eruption produced several lava flows, cinder cones, and other volcanic features that can still be seen in the monument today.

The area that is now the Newberry Volcanic Monument has been important to Native American tribes for thousands of years. The Klamath, Modoc, and Paiute tribes all have stories and legends about the volcano and its surrounding landscape. Obsidian, a volcanic glass, was also an important resource for these tribes, and they used it to make tools, weapons, and other objects.

European settlers arrived in the area in the 1800s and began using the resources of the land for logging, ranching, and mining. The area was also a popular destination for early explorers and naturalists, including John C. Frémont, who named the volcano after his friend and fellow explorer John Strong Newberry.

In the early 1900s, the area became a popular tourist destination, and several lodges and resorts were built around the volcano. In the 1920s and 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built several trails and campgrounds in the area.

Today, the Newberry Volcanic Monument is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and offers a range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. Visitors can explore the monument’s volcanic features, including cinder cones, lava flows, and lava tubes.

The monument is also home to several lakes, including Paulina Lake and East Lake, which are popular for swimming and boating. The Lava Lands Visitor Center offers exhibits, information, and guided tours of the monument.

Travel Guide for Newberry Volcanic Monument

Newberry Volcanic Monument is a great place to visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s a travel guide to help plan your visit:

1. Best time to visit: The best time to visit the monument is during the summer months (June to September), when the weather is warm and dry. However, the park is open year-round and visitors can enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
2. Getting there: The monument is located about 20 miles south of Bend, Oregon. The nearest airport is the Redmond Municipal Airport, which is about 25 miles away. Visitors can also drive to the park using Highway 97.
3. Entrance fee: There is an entrance fee of $5 per person (ages 16 and older) per day, or $10 per vehicle per day. Annual passes are also available.
4. Things to do: The monument offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. Visitors can explore the park’s volcanic features, including cinder cones, lava flows, and lava tubes. Paulina Lake and East Lake are popular for swimming, fishing, and boating. The Lava Lands Visitor Center offers exhibits, information, and guided tours of the park.
5. Camping: The monument has several campgrounds, including the Paulina Lake Campground and the East Lake Campground. Both campgrounds have tent and RV sites, as well as restrooms and drinking water.
6. Hiking trails: There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to strenuous. The Paulina Peak Trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, while the Lava River Cave Trail takes visitors through a lava tube.
7. Safety: Visitors should be aware of potential hazards in the park, such as uneven terrain, steep cliffs, and unstable lava rock. It’s important to stay on designated trails and follow all safety guidelines.
8. Nearby attractions: The monument is located near other natural attractions, such as the Three Sisters Wilderness Area and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Bend, Oregon is also a nearby city with a range of restaurants, breweries, and shops.
9. Wildlife: The monument is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and bald eagles. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
10. Leave no trace: Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash and litter. It’s important to leave the park in the same condition as you found it, so that others can enjoy it as well.

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FAQ about Newberry Volcanic Monument

Q: What is the Newberry Volcanic Monument?

A: The Newberry Volcanic Monument is a protected area in Deschutes National Forest in central Oregon, USA. It covers over 50,000 acres and includes the Newberry Volcano, one of the largest shield volcanoes in the contiguous United States.

Q: What is the history of the Newberry Volcanic Monument?

A: The area that is now the Newberry Volcanic Monument has been important to Native American tribes for thousands of years. European settlers arrived in the area in the 1800s and began using the resources of the land for logging, ranching, and mining. In the early 1900s, the area became a popular tourist destination, and several lodges and resorts were built around the volcano.

Q: What are the recreational activities available in the Newberry Volcanic Monument?

A: The monument offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. Visitors can explore the park’s volcanic features, including cinder cones, lava flows, and lava tubes. Paulina Lake and East Lake are popular for swimming, fishing, and boating.

Q: Are there any fees to enter the Newberry Volcanic Monument?

A: Yes, there is an entrance fee of $5 per person (ages 16 and older) per day, or $10 per vehicle per day. Annual passes are also available.

Q: Is the Newberry Volcanic Monument open year-round?

A: Yes, the park is open year-round. However, some roads and facilities may be closed during the winter months.

Q: Are pets allowed in the Newberry Volcanic Monument?

A: Yes, pets are allowed in the park, but they must be on a leash at all times.

Q: Is camping available in the Newberry Volcanic Monument?

A: Yes, there are several campgrounds in the park, including the Paulina Lake Campground and the East Lake Campground.

Q: What should visitors be aware of in terms of safety?

A: Visitors should be aware of potential hazards in the park, such as uneven terrain, steep cliffs, and unstable lava rock. It’s important to stay on designated trails and follow all safety guidelines.

Q: What is the Lava Lands Visitor Center?

A: The Lava Lands Visitor Center is a visitor center located in the Newberry Volcanic Monument. It offers exhibits, information, and guided tours of the park.

Q: What is the best time to visit the Newberry Volcanic Monument?

A: The best time to visit the monument is during the summer months (June to September), when the weather is warm and dry. However, the park is open year-round and visitors can enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.