Newberry National Volcanic Monument: Lava Lands, Lakes, and Obsidian
Use our monument-wide reporting for Paulina and East lakes, Lava Lands, and other Newberry stops around this interpretive trail.
Read the guideCentral Oregon and the Cascades · Near La Pine
Big Obsidian Flow Trail
The Big Obsidian Flow is Oregon’s youngest lava flow, about 1,300 years old, inside Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The Forest Service describes a one-mile interpretive trail that climbs onto obsidian and pumice. This page is the trail-planning URL; the older That Oregon Life Newberry article covers the whole monument and is linked as related reporting. Parking requires a recreation pass from May 1 through September 30. Passes are not sold at this site. Picnic tables and a toilet are listed; verify current facility status. Paulina Lake Road is seasonal.
- DifficultyModerate
- Distance1 mi round trip
- Elevation gainVaries
- Nearest townLa Pine
The place
Why Big Obsidian Flow Trail is worth the stop
The Big Obsidian Flow is Oregon’s youngest lava flow, about 1,300 years old, inside Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The Forest Service describes a one-mile interpretive trail that climbs onto obsidian and pumice. This page is the trail-planning URL; the older That Oregon Life Newberry article covers the whole monument and is linked as related reporting.
Parking requires a recreation pass from May 1 through September 30. Passes are not sold at this site. Picnic tables and a toilet are listed; verify current facility status. Paulina Lake Road is seasonal.
What the experience feels like
The tread is sharp, uneven volcanic glass with little shade. Stairs or irregular rock make the mile feel harder than a forest walk of the same length. Stay on the trail. Do not remove obsidian.
Do not mix this interpretive trail with Newberry Crater Trail, Lost Lake Trail, or a monument-wide driving loop. Those are different routes. Check road status, wildfire, and snow before leaving La Pine.
From our Oregon archive: Read That Oregon Life’s full story about this trail.
Trailhead map
Start at the verified public trailhead
Coordinates: 43.706433, -121.236031 · Open in Google Maps
The coordinates identify the documented public parking area or trailhead—not a summit, waterfall, or off-trail feature.
Know before you go
Practical trail information
- Distance
- 1 mi round trip
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Interpretive trail
- Elevation gain
- Varies by route
- Trailhead
- Big Obsidian Flow Trail trailhead
- Parking
- Use the signed Big Obsidian Flow Trailhead and Interpretive Site inside Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Passes are not sold at this site.
- Permit
- No hiking permit is normally required for the one-mile interpretive trail.
- Fees
- Travel Oregon states parking requires a recreation pass from May 1 through September 30; acceptable passes include a $5 day pass, Northwest Forest Pass, or Interagency pass.
- Dogs
- Follow the current land-manager leash, waste, wildlife, and seasonal rules.
- Restrooms
- Travel Oregon lists a toilet and picnic tables at the site; verify current facility status.
- Best season
- Paulina Lake Road and Newberry Caldera facilities are seasonal and can be closed by snow, wildfire, or maintenance.
- Key hazards
- The trail climbs onto sharp, uneven obsidian and pumice with little shade. Stay on the trail and do not remove volcanic glass.
No star ratings
Why this is rated moderate
The moderate rating reflects 1 mi round trip with more effort, uneven tread, or access rules than a short developed walk. Match the group to the official route, not just the number on the card.
EasyShort, signed, and relatively straightforward when conditions match the official description.
ModerateMore mileage, elevation, uneven tread, or access rules that require preparation.
HardSteep, exposed, long, or otherwise consequential travel where turning around is part of good judgment.
Protect the place
Leave No Trace at Big Obsidian Flow Trail
Trails, meadows, and viewpoints wear down quickly when people cut switchbacks, wander off the route, or leave waste behind. Keep this outing on durable, legal ground.
- Stay on the signed trail, use established viewpoints, and respect every closure.
- Pack out food scraps, dog waste, toilet paper, and everything else you bring.
- Leave rocks, plants, wood, and historic features where they are.
- Keep soap, food, and sunscreen out of streams, and give wildlife and other visitors room.
Trail questions
Frequently asked questions about Big Obsidian Flow Trail
How long is the Big Obsidian Flow Trail?
The Forest Service describes a one-mile interpretive trail that climbs onto the obsidian and pumice flow.
Is Big Obsidian Flow open?
The Forest Service currently lists the site as open, with a typical use season from June through late fall. Snow, wildfire, road conditions, or maintenance can change access, so check the official page before leaving.
Is there a fee at Big Obsidian Flow?
Yes. The Forest Service lists a per-vehicle day-use fee, or visitors may use an accepted Northwest Forest or Interagency pass.
What should hikers know about the trail surface?
The route crosses sharp, uneven obsidian and pumice with limited shade. Stay on the trail, wear sturdy footwear, and do not remove volcanic glass.
More in the region
More Oregon trail guides in this region
Trail lengths are shown below; these are regional suggestions, not distances from this trail.
Deschutes National Forest Volcanic Vistas publication reviewed September 15, 2026.