Around Bend
Newberry is not one attraction - it is an entire volcanic landscape. Choose a lava day, lake day or caldera day and give it enough time.
How to use this guide
That one decision makes planning much easier. Lava Lands and the cave work well from Bend; Paulina and East lakes turn it into a bigger day.
Skip the scrolling
Tap a quick pick, then layer on more filters below.
Build your day
Stack filters to build the day you actually want.
Best for: Start here if Newberry is new to you
The best orientation point for understanding the volcanic landscape before heading to caves, cinder cones or the caldera.
Best for: A fast volcanic overview
A cinder cone with a huge payoff. Access can be managed seasonally, so check current rules before assuming you can simply drive to the top.
Best for: The most memorable underground stop
A mile-long lava tube that is cold and dark even when Bend is hot. Bring layers and treat access requirements as part of the plan.
Best for: A classic caldera lake day
Paulina is the easier all-around lake choice for swimming, paddling, fishing and pairing with other Newberry sights.
Best for: A quieter lake day
Farther into the caldera and often more relaxed. Good when fishing or a slower lake day matters more than checking off the monument’s marquee stops.
Best for: Walking on volcanic glass country
One of Newberry’s signature landscapes. The short loop still feels substantial because the terrain is sharp, dark and unlike a normal forest hike.
Best for: The biggest view in Newberry
On a clear day this is the perspective that ties the entire caldera together. Road access is seasonal and can be rough, so verify before making it the anchor.
Best for: A short waterfall add-on
A compact stop that pairs well with Paulina Lake or the drive into the caldera without taking over the whole day.
Best for: An easy interpretive walk
A smart alternative when the group wants volcanic terrain but not a cave or steeper hike.
Best for: Making the crater the whole day
There are longer trail options around the caldera for hikers who want more than roadside viewpoints. Pick a route based on current access and conditions.
Try removing one filter. Central Oregon days are usually better with a little flexibility anyway.
Get oriented
From a Bend perspective
Lava Lands and the caldera are not the same stop. Driving time adds up, so decide whether you want a north-side half-day or a full caldera day.
Cave entry, visitor services, Paulina Peak road access and higher-elevation conditions can all vary by season.
Bring layers and sturdy footwear even on a hot summer day.
Obsidian and lava surfaces can be sharp and uneven. Stay on designated routes and keep kids close.
Plan smarter
Top choices include Lava Lands, Lava Butte, Lava River Cave, Paulina Lake, East Lake, Big Obsidian Flow, Paulina Falls and Paulina Peak.
Yes if you focus on Lava Lands, Lava Butte and/or Lava River Cave. A full caldera outing to Paulina and East lakes deserves most of a day.
Yes. Lava Lands, Paulina Falls, the lakes and shorter interpretive trails are especially family-friendly; the cave requires more preparation.
