Newberry Volcano Hiking: Easy Walks, Scenic Loops & Challenging Hike

One of the most geologically active areas in the region, Newberry Volcano is located at the southern end of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The Newberry Caldera is about five miles in diameter and contains two crater lakes, hot springs, extensive obsidian fields, and lava formations.

There are over 110 miles of summer trails and 130 miles of winter trails within the caldera, some of which connect to the monument’s broader trail system.

The trails vary in difficulty and are used for walking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and, in winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Deschutes River Trail to Benham Falls (#2.1)
A short, easy 0.5-mile walk to the Benham Falls viewpoint with no elevation gain. Open for hiking and biking.

Lava Butte Rim Trail (#3918)
A 0.25-mile easy loop with 150 feet of elevation gain that circles the rim of Lava Butte.

Lava Cast Forest Trail (#3960)
A 1-mile paved loop with 150 feet of elevation gain, running through fascinating tree casts.

Molten Land Trail (#3922)
A 1-mile paved interpretive loop with 150 feet of elevation gain across basalt lava to a scenic viewpoint.

Paulina Falls Trail
A short 0.24-mile walk along Paulina Creek to a viewpoint of the 80-foot Paulina Falls.

Silica Trail (#3958.5)
A 0.8-mile trail through mixed conifer forest from Little Crater Campground to Big Obsidian Flow, with 50 feet of elevation gain.

Whispering Pines Trail (#3930)
A 0.3-mile paved trail through a Ponderosa pine forest with no elevation gain.

Most easy trails are for hiking only, though some are suitable for visitors with reduced mobility.

Paulina Lakeshore Loop Trail (#3955)
7.5 miles loop | 200 feet elevation gain
A scenic loop around Paulina Lake offering views of the lake, Paulina Peak, Big Obsidian Flow, and access to hot springs. Trailheads are located at Paulina Lake and Little Crater Campgrounds. For the best views, hike counterclockwise.

Big Obsidian Flow Trail (#3958.1)
1 mile loop | 500 feet elevation gain
The largest obsidian lava flow in the United States. In the 1960s, NASA astronauts trained here. The loop trail passes through lava from the most recent eruption of Newberry Volcano about 1,300 years ago.
To protect the monument, collecting or damaging obsidian is prohibited.

Peter Skene Ogden Trail (#3956)
17.2 miles out and back | 2,000 feet elevation gain
This 8.5-mile (one-way) trail follows Paulina Creek, featuring waterfalls and forest scenery. Open for hiking, with parallel sections for horseback riding and uphill mountain biking.

Crater Rim Trail (#3957)
20 miles loop | 1,400 feet elevation gain
A full loop around the caldera, popular for mountain biking and horseback riding. Shorter options are available via connector trails.

Lost Lake Trail (#3958.2)
3.8 miles out and back | 300 feet elevation gain
Leads into the drier side of the caldera with views of obsidian flows. Connects with other trail systems.