Lava Lands Visitor Center
Lava Lands Visitor Center is the interpretive hub of Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Friendly rangers will help orient you to the Monument using our 3D topographic map. Visit our state of the art interpretive exhibit on area geologic and cultural history, shop in the Discover Your Forest Bookstore, view a variety of films scheduled daily, walk the Trail of Molten Land and the Trail of the Whispering Pines, travel on the fully accessible 5.5 mile Sun-Lava paved path, picnic under the pines, attend a ranger talk, walk to the top of Lava Butte for a spectacular view of Central Oregon.
Lava Butte Interpretive Site During peak season from June 17 through Labor Day weekend, there is a shuttle that runs approximately every 20 minutes that departs from Lava Lands Visitor Center to access the summit of Lava Butte.
- Visitors may access Lava Butte by non-motorized at any time generally from dawn to dusk.
- The parking area for the visitor center is open year-round and access is dependent upon snow accumulations during winter months.
For information about accessible recreation opportunities in Pacific Northwest National Forests, visit R6 PNW Forest Service Accessible Adventures.
Recreation Fee Site: Parking at the Lava Lands Visitor Center requires a $5/vehicle payment or a valid recreation pass. Passes can be purchased from Forest Service offices or local vendors. See “Passes” below for more information.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument – Deschutes NF
In November of 1990, Newberry National Volcanic Monument was created within the boundaries of Deschutes National Forest. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this monument provides a unique opportunity to view the Lava Lands of central Oregon. Newberry National Volcanic National Monument includes 54,000+ acres of lakes, lava flows, and spectacular geologic features in central Oregon. The highest point within the Monument is the summit Paulina Peak (7,985 ft.), showcasing views of the Cascades, Newberry Caldera and across the High Desert.
Although commonly referred to as Newberry Crater, the “crater” is in fact a caldera formed when the overlying rocks collapse when a magma chamber is emptied. The caldera stretches across 17 square miles in the heart of the volcano. The 1,200 square mile volcano (about the size of Rhode Island) remains very active to this day. Newberry is both seismically and geothermally active. Geologists believe the caldera sits over a shallow magma body only 2 to 5 kilometers deep. Visitors see numerous cinder cones and vents (over 400 throughout the area), miles of basalt flows, as well as rhyolite flows of obsidian.
- For up-to-date facts on Newberry Volcano, click here.
- Read the latest version of Volcanic Vistas.
- Enjoy this video highlighting the accessibility of Lava Lands Visitor Center!
Getting There
Directions
To visit Lava Lands Visitor Center, click here.
To visit Paulina Visitor Center and Newberry Caldera, click here.
Oregon Astronomy & Rocketry
Founded by Bob Grossfeld (NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador since 1999), Oregon Astronomy & Rocketry is Central Oregon’s first astrotourism provider. Oregon Astronomy & Rocketry is a full-service company offering stargazing services and astronomy related educational programing. In
addition, it is Central Oregon’s only full-service retail company that offers science related products, including telescopes, optics, and space science learning tools.
Oregon Astronomy & Rocketry offers:
- Stargazing Tours: Experience a personalized tour exploring the day and night skies with professional telescopes and experienced guides.
- Optics: Offers telescope and accessory sales, consulting, and telescope repairs, and adjustments. It offers products from all the top brands at competitive prices. Their service is second to none, with more than three decades of experience. They offer outreach at regional star parties.
- Rocketry: They have more than three decades of rocketry experience and attend all the major launches in Pacific Northwest with a full selection of motors, kits, and supplies. They support both educational organizations and local flyers.
Oregon Astronomy & Rocketry is located at 56880 Venture Lane, Suite 104N-318 in Sunriver. Call 541-593-1270, email bob@oregonastronomy.com or visit oregonastronomy.com.
Cascade Astronomy & Rocketry Academy
To support regional educational and public programs, Bob Grossfeld founded Cascade Astronomy & Rocketry Academy (CARA). CARA’s primary goal is to promote and conduct astronomy and rocketry educational programs in schools and the greater community. Long range plans include building a new observatory in Central Oregon, which will be Central Oregon’s only public access facility and science center for the community. Bob loves Central Oregon, and envisions CARA as a way to inspire, engage and educate the next generation of explorers through space science.
Visit cascadeastronomy.org to learn more.
Lodge Kitchen
Offering a fresh take on American fare, Sunriver Resort’s signature dining experience celebrates the breathtaking setting with a seasonally inspired menu and spectacular views. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Owl’s Nest
Sunriver Resort’s treasured neighborhood eatery offers a selection of pub bites and mouth-watering entrees alongside a wide range of craft beer and wine varieties from the Pacific Northwest, as well as to-go options and in-room dining.
Lake House
As the social heart of Caldera Springs, Lake House offers a welcoming destination for families and friends to gather and dine amidst commanding views of Mt. Bachelor. Sip cocktails by the fire in the bar and lounge, enjoy Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine in the dining room, or enjoy s’mores by the lakeside fire pit on the patio.
The Grille
The classic American dining room, The Grille features a distinctive menu of contemporary cuisine with diverse dishes prepared with the freshest and finest local ingredients. Exclusive to members and resort guests.
Visit https://www.sunriverresort.com/dine-drink for the full list of restaurants.
Alpine Entertainment in The Village at Sunriver provides family fun for all ages!
Visit in the summer for Mini Golf, Bumper Cars, Alpine Express Trackless Train, Bounce Houses, Rock Wall and Power Jump reverse bungee ride. In the winter, enjoy Ice Skating. Skate sizes range from a toddler 7 to an adult 15!
Alpine Entertainment also hosts events throughout the year, including Kid’s Day In May.
Click SunriverVillageFun.com to learn more.
The Village at Sunriver is the only open-air mall in beautiful Sunriver, Oregon. Nestled neatly among the pines, The Village was designed to provide the upscale, outdoor experience you would expect from Sunriver. Many local, family owned businesses have proudly called the Village at Sunriver home since 1974. With everything from rental agencies and real estate offices to restaurants, boutique shops and a grocery, let The Village at Sunriver help make your Sunriver dreams a reality. It’s the place to go when you need a book to read, clothes for almost any occasion, toys and games, unique gifts and more!