Discover the Lava Cast Forest Near Bend

Walk Through Central Oregon's Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Sep 24, 2008 Aurae Beidler

This outdoor adventure just south of Bend leaves visitors amazed and awed at both the power and beauty of nature. Visitors find the casts of ancient trees molded in lava.

The Bend area of Central Oregon is known for its natural beauty, luxurious accommodations and outdoor adventure opportunities. Discover the lesser known Lava Cast Forest located within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

Lava Cast Forest in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument

The Lava Cast Forest is definitely an attraction off the beaten path. To access the Lava Cast Forest Interpretive Trail, visitors travel off Hwy 97 along a gravel road to the site. Yet, the 9-mile long gravel road is groomed well and travel is relatively smooth. The slow-moving trek is well worth it, as visitors are treated to an out of this world landscape, filled with fascinating geological wonders.

Walking through the 6,000 year old lava flow, visitors find the amazing casts of ancient trees. As a sea of lava, or liquid pahoehoe lava flowed from vents caused by an eruption of Newberry Volcano, it smothered everything in sight. The lava flowed up against tree trunks and knocking some down. The trees then burned from the intense heat of the molten lava. As the lava cooled, the smoldering trees left casts. These amazing holes are found right along the Lava Cast Forest Interpretive Trail. The irreplaceable and almost eerie casts of these trees have lasted for 6,000 years. Visitors will also be amazed at the successful struggle of the trees and plants trying to grow from the lava. Many of the Ponderosa pines along the trail are about 300 years old.

The Lava Cast Forest Geological Area was established in 1942, consisting of 5 square miles. From the parking lot, visitors access the mile-long Lava Cast Forest Interpretive Trail. The paved trail is mostly flat but could present a challenge to some, with several steep inclines and declines and tripping hazards. Visitors should be cautious and watch for tree roots and holes along the narrow trail side. The one-mile trail loop can be completed in 45 minutes, more or less depending on time spent admiring the sites or taking photographs. Wildlife viewing is also enjoyed while at the Lava Cast Forest, as chipmunks, squirrels, reptiles and birds are visible.

Visitors should make sure to pick up the walking guide available at the information kiosk. This valuable guide provides a map of the trail, including an explanation with each numbered section of the trail. The interpretive information gives good background for understanding the geological aspects of the site.

The Lava Cast Forest site does require a fee. Visitors will need to purchase a National Forest Recreation Day Pass for $5, which can be purchased at the site. Visitors can also purchase a seasonal pass, good at any National Forest site. The Lava Cast Forest is located within the Deschutes National Forest.

Other Sites in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Visitors find additional information and interesting presentations at the Lava Lands Visitor Center, located just 3 miles north from the turn off to the Lava Cast Forest road. Lava Butte is also a fascinating site, with amazing views of the area from the top. Lava River Caves provides yet another amazing site for visitors to explore while in the Bend area. The Lava River Caves is a great place to escape summer heat, as the caves are cooler. Visitors to the caves should make sure to bring a flashlight and warm clothes. The Lava River Caves are located just across Hwy 97 from the Lava Lands Visitor Center turn off. All of these sites in Central Oregon are visibly marked along Hwy 97, all of them located just south of Bend.

Warning: Visitors should watch for kamikaze chipmunks racing across the gravel road along the way to the Lava Cast Forest site. They don’t stop for anyone.

The copyright of the article Discover the Lava Cast Forest Near Bend in NW U.S./Alaska Travel is owned by Aurae Beidler. Permission to republish Discover the Lava Cast Forest Near Bend in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.