Getting There
From Bend, OR, take Hwy US-97 south for about 10.9 miles to the Newberry Nat'l Volcanic Monument. Take the exit for the Lava Lands Visitor Center (NF-9702).
On this occasion, I was coming from a very smoky Newberry Caldera/Paulina Peak. I actually drove past but had no where to turn around until South Bend. I pulled over to check the drive time and estimate how much daylight I had left. It was still early enough in the afternoon.
I made good time back to the visitor center. Since it was a Tuesday I knew there was a slim chance that the cinder cone road was open but I checked anyway. It was closed. Since the visitor center was closed, I took a chance parking in a employee/staff parking spot, closest to the trailhead.
Just as I was walking away, I saw a pickup drive through the lot toward the gate. I thought I was busted but they took off. Just a tourist. I took off before a ranger showed up. Forgiveness vs permission.
The Hike
Elevation Gain: 132 feet
Highest Elevation: 4,620 feet
The smoke from La Pine (south) had not quite reached this area but it was very close. Consequently, it made for an incredible sunset. I could smell smoke in the air but I knew it was short loop, 20-30 mins. I did the counterclockwise loop up to the Phil Brogen Viewpoint. I had the place to myself.
What a landscape! I knew I'd be taking photos similar to what I had from last year but the smoke added a new element. Terrible for the environment but adds some drama to the photos. Sigh.
As I walking back to the car, I saw a guy with a decent looking DSLR. I waved and tried to sound hopeful: "Still a bit of light left!". I knew he wasn't making to the viewpoint before the sun dropped below the horizon.
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| Exercising some creative license |
