description Lava Butte Overview
Lava Butte is a cinder cone beside U.S. Route 97 south of Bend, Oregon, within Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The cone rises roughly 500 feet above the surrounding terrain and is accompanied by a dark lava flow that spread across the adjacent forested landscape. A visitor center and seasonal summit access help visitors examine volcanic features and view the Cascade Range and central Oregon lava fields.
help Lava Butte FAQ
Can you hike to the top of Lava Butte in Oregon?
Yes, there is a trail to the summit of Lava Butte within Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and a road also provides access to a fire lookout station on top. Access to the summit area may be limited during active fire season because the lookout is operational.
Where is Lava Butte located relative to Bend, Oregon?
Lava Butte is located off U.S. Route 97, roughly 10 miles south of Bend, Oregon, within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. It is part of the larger Newberry Volcano complex, one of the largest shield volcanoes in the Cascade Range.
How old is the Lava Butte cinder cone?
Lava Butte is estimated to have erupted approximately 6,000 to 7,000 years ago, based on geological dating of the cinder cone and its associated lava flow. The eruption produced the prominent dark basaltic lava flow that spreads across the adjacent forested landscape and is still clearly visible today.
Is there a visitor center at Lava Butte?
Yes, the Lava Lands Visitor Center is located at the base of Lava Butte within Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The center features exhibits about the volcanic geology of central Oregon, and visitors can take a shuttle or walk to the summit during operating hours.
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