Newberry National Volcanic Monument – Image Gallery

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

The Newberry National Volcanic Monument in Oregon is a protected area showcasing a diverse range of volcanic features including calderas, lava flows, and cinder cones.

Details

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

The Newberry National Volcanic Monument is located in central Oregon and covers over 54,000 acres of the Deschutes National Forest. It was established in 1990 to protect the unique geological and ecological features of the Newberry Volcano.

Features:

• Newberry Volcano: The monument is centered around the Newberry Volcano, a large shield volcano that last erupted over 1,300 years ago. The volcano is home to two main calderas, the Newberry Caldera and the Paulina Lake Caldera, as well as numerous lava flows, cinder cones, and obsidian flows.
• Lava Butte: Lava Butte is a cinder cone located within the monument that offers a unique opportunity to explore the volcanic history of the area. Visitors can hike to the top of the cone and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Paulina and East Lakes: The monument is home to two stunning alpine lakes, Paulina Lake and East Lake. These lakes are popular destinations for fishing, boating, and swimming, and offer opportunities for hiking and camping along their shores.
• Big Obsidian Flow: The Big Obsidian Flow is one of the largest deposits of obsidian in the United States. This unique geological feature was formed during a volcanic eruption and offers visitors the chance to explore a landscape made entirely of shiny black volcanic glass.

Ecological Significance:

The Newberry National Volcanic Monument is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species that have adapted to the harsh volcanic landscape. The monument provides habitat for a number of rare and endangered species, including the peregrine falcon and the northern spotted owl.

The volcanic soils of the monument support a unique assemblage of plant species, including wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs that have evolved to thrive in nutrient-poor conditions. The monument also contains old-growth forests of pine, fir, and cedar that provide important habitat for a variety of wildlife.

In addition to its ecological significance, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument is an important cultural and recreational resource for visitors to central Oregon. The monument offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Points of Interest

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

The Newberry National Volcanic Monument is a protected area within the Deschutes National Forest in central Oregon. It was established in 1990 to preserve and showcase the unique geological features of the Newberry Volcano. Here are some of the most popular points of interest within the monument:

• Newberry Caldera: The centerpiece of the monument is the Newberry Caldera, a massive volcanic crater that measures 5 miles in diameter. Visitors can drive around the caldera rim and take in stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Paulina Lake: One of two lakes within the caldera, Paulina Lake offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Visitors can also relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a picnic with a view of the crystal-clear water.
• Big Obsidian Flow: This unique geological feature is a massive flow of black obsidian rock that was created during a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Visitors can hike along the trail that winds through the flow and marvel at the sheer size and beauty of the obsidian.
• Lava River Cave: The largest lava tube in Oregon, this underground cave offers a cool escape from the summer heat. Visitors can explore the cave on a guided tour or venture in on their own with a flashlight.
• Paulina Falls: This picturesque waterfall cascades over a rocky cliff into a tranquil pool below. Visitors can take a short hike to the viewing platform and admire the beauty of the falls surrounded by lush greenery.
• East Lake: The second lake within the caldera, East Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors can rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake or simply relax on the shore and take in the peaceful surroundings.

These are just a few of the many attractions that make the Newberry National Volcanic Monument a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument – Images

Description: Cascade Mountains from Paulina Road in Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Deschutes County.

Image by Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives – CC BY 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Cascade Mountains from Paulina Road in Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Deschutes County.

Image by Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives – CC BY 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: The view of Diamond Peak in the Cascade Mountains from Paulina Peak in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

Image by Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives – CC BY 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon in 2011

Image by Another Believer – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon in 2011

Image by Another Believer – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

Description: The view to the east from Paulina Peak in Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

Image by Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives – CC BY 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: The view to the east from Paulina Peak in Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

Image by Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives – CC BY 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon in 2011

Image by Another Believer – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Panorama of Newberry Volcanic National Monument, with obsidian flow on right.

Image by L. Moclock (talk · contribs) – CC0 – Wikimedia

Description: The view of buttes and hills looking east from Paulina Peak in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

Image by Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives – CC BY 4.0 – Wikimedia