Bend is an area that is absolutely teeming with natural beauty and opportunities for enthusiasts of outdoor activities to get outside and enjoy a good hike or bike ride. But if there’s one place in particular that you need to make sure to cross off your bucket list on your next trip to Bend, it would have to be the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. In an area jam-packed with incredible sights and a plethora of opportunities for hiking and exploration, Newberry National Volcanic Monument is absolutely one of the must-stop locations on your next Bend vacation.
About the Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Nestled within the boundaries of the Deschutes National Forest, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument in Bend is a 54,000+ acre area filled with some of the most incredible lakes, valleys, and views in all of Central Oregon. The true star of the show is the monument’s namesake: Newberry Crater. This crater is the caldera of the volcano itself, reaching 17 miles across in the heart of the volcano. The best part? It’s still active! That’s right: When you visit the Newberry National Volcanic Monument you’ll get to explore a real volcano that is still seismically and geothermally active.
What Can You Do Here?
Here’s the best part about visiting the Newberry National Volcanic Monument: You can do whatever you want. Across the 54,000+ acres of park, including more than 110 miles of trailing for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and there are a number of amazing different areas for you to discover and explore. Some of the more popular areas to explore include the Lava River Cave, a one-mile long cave that was formed by molten lava from the volcano itself. There’s also Paulina Peak to conquer, which stands an impressive 7,984 feet above sea level and will provide a good challenge to even the most seasoned of hikers.
Come for the Exploration, But Stay for the Views
If there’s one thing that just about everyone who visits the Newberry National Volcanic Monument in Bend takes away from their experience, it’s that the incredible views that that the park has to offer is well worth the effort! Visiting the park, and especially hiking up to the summit of Paulina Peak, will provide you with some of the most spectacular and breathtaking views in all of Oregon. Breathtaking vistas and mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes—it truly doesn’t get better than this!
