Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Deschutes National Forest

Points of Interest

Lava Cast Forest Day Use / Trailhead

Deschutes National Forest - Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District

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 the area. The various flows of the Lava Cast Forest were all erupted from the Northwest Rift Zone of Newberry Volcano.

There is 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 a forest here 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 taken root in the rocky soil. Ponderosa pine trees have re-established themselves and flourished as well, so that the landscape now includes a blend of the past and the present.

Northwest Rift Zone Trivia

Lava Cast Forest Geologic Site

LOCATION: on Lava Cast Forest Flow in Newberry National Volcanic Monument - A on location map

ACCESS: from Bend, 14.8 miles south on Hwy. 97 (3 miles south of Lava Lands Visitor Center), then 8.6 miles east on F.S. Rd. 9720, and then 0.7 miles south on F.S. Rd. 9720 950. Detour signs are posted during Highway 97 construction.

ELEVATION: 5750 feet

FACILITIES: vault toilet, paved Lava Cast Interpretive Trail looks at tree molds

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES: hiking

OPERATED BY: Forest Service

FEE: Recreation Pass Site - Vehicle Permit - $5.00 Day Pass or $30.00 Annual Pass or other valid Recreation Passes