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

Distance: 1.12 miles
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.

Exercising some creative license

Getting There

Google Maps shows several ways to get to the Lava Cast Forest but you want to get directions for Lava Cast Forest Day Use Interpretive Site, Lava Cast Forest Rd, La Pine, OR 97739.

From Bend head south on Hwy 97 to Sunriver. Take Exit 153 and head east on Lava Cast Forest Road. It's a grinding 8-9 mile washboard dirt road. There really is an art form to driving on this kind of surface. (Last time I was here I bailed after Google routed me onto NF-440 which is a narrow, rutted rural road.) Stay on NF-9723 to NF-9720. Look for a right turn near the Day Use site (NF-950). I was surprised to find bus parking here after the rough ride.

I did the paved loop and on my way out, saw a USFS truck going in the other direction going pretty fast. I'd been creeping over the washboard, maximizing the bumps. It didn't make sense but maybe going faster would smooth out the ride. I accelerated to about 30-35 mph and it worked! I was still really worried about drifting or fishtailing but as long as I kept it straight, it was riding on top of the washboard ruts. Hmm.

The Hike

Length: 1.09 mi
Elev. gain: 69 ft
Moving time: 36:34
Avg pace: 33:40
Calories: 322
Total time: 41:34

I was so impressed with this place, considering how off the beaten path it is. (There is signage on the Hwy so maybe my washboard hesitation was an overreaction.) I had expectations from my knowledge and visits to the Trail of Two Forests near Ape Cave (GPNF), another lava cast forest interpretive site.

However, I did not expect to find such an expansive site with a meandering, paved trail. There seemed to be a lot of standing (living?) trees that were enclosed by lava in addition to the holes like we have at ToTF.

From the furthest southern point of the loop trail, you can see the northern rim of the Newberry Crater.

"The former Lava Cast Forest Geological Area (now part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument) was established by the Forest Service in 1942. The geological area was established to protect the many lava trees and tree molds which occur in this area. The various flows of the Lava Cast Forest were all erupted from the Northwest Rift Zone of Newberry Volcano. This site offers a one mile paved self guided interpretive trail with barrier free access. The trail loops through an area where hot molten lava erupted from the northwest flank of Newberry Volcano and engulfed the forest 7,000 years ago. The landscape now includes the "casts" or molds of these ancient trees. Colonizing plants such as delicate penstemon flowers and Indian paintbrush, have now taken root in the rocky soil. Ponderosa pine trees have re-established themselves and flourished as well. The landscape now includes a blend of the past and the present. "
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38388