In this page, you will find informations and advices we can give, based on our experience
Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Oregon
What to do if you have little time : Big Obsidian Flow
Newberry National Volcanic Monument is, as the name suggests, an ancient volcano. Its location almost in the center of Oregon marks a "border" between the east and the west: to the west, there are verdant forests while in the east, it is rather desert.
We are here in altitude (at more than 6560 feet), so it is not unusual to find snow there even in June. We wanted to go up to Paulina Peak, but the road was closed because of the snow.
We advise you to dedicate a half day to this park.
Big Obsidian Flow
Loop of 1 mile
1 hour
Free
GPS trail to download
This park consists of several volcanoes and lakes. An area is particularly interesting : big obsidian flow. It is an ancient lava flow. The landscape is lunar, gray-black. Some rocks are perfectly polished and shiny. Signs indicate that Indians used these rocks to make their arrowheads. Other rocks are more like sponges. A trail of just over 0,6 mile permits to walk on this lava flow. A warning, however: these rocks are very sharp. It is better to have walking shoes and be careful to avoid injury.
Access : the easiest way to visit Newberry + Paulina Falls + Mc Kay Falls is from the city of La Pine on US-97. From La Pine, take US-97 north for 6,1 miles. Turn right on Paulina Lake Road for 1,4 mile then turn left onto the NF-2120 for 1,5 miles. McKay Falls will be on the left below. To go to Paulina Falls, from Mc Kay, take the NF 9736 south for 1,2 miles until you reach Paulina Lake Road. Then take left (East) for 6 miles. Parking for Paulina Falls is on your left. For Big Obsidian Flow, turn left out of the parking of Paulina for 2,5 miles until the sign for Big Obsidian Flow on the right. From this road it is possible to access Paulina Lake and East Lake.
Paulina Falls
0,5 mile one way
30 minutes
Free
GPS trail to download
From the car park, a viewpoint is immediately accessible and offers views from the top of the waterfall. A short trail (1 mile roundtrip) goes down to the foot of the waterfall. It is then possible to climb on the rocks to try to get a more interesting view. The interest of this waterfall is still quite limited.
Access : see above Newberry Volcanic Monument.
Mc Kay Crossing Falls
0,2 mile one way
30 minutes
Free
GPS trail to download
Surpisingly, the place is quite crowded, probably to visit the lava flows. The waterfall in itself has little appeal. There is a kind of viewpoint that allows to see the waterfall.
Access : see above Newberry Volcanic Monument.
To see around
Lodging
We have tested :
Copyright Magali and David BELLEC