Lava Butte and Lava Lands
Bend, OR
A cinder cone in Newberry National Volcanic Monument with a road to the crater rim and short trails across a young lava flow. Summer access to the top is often by shuttle.
Lava Butte is a cinder cone in Newberry National Volcanic Monument, south of Bend in Oregon, right on Highway 97 between Bend and Sunriver. About 7,000 years ago lava burst from an opening on the cone's flank and formed the large lava flow below.
The Lava Butte Trail circles the crater rim and gives a view down onto the lava flow. A fire lookout tower on the cone offers wide views over the lava and the Cascade Mountains. The Lava Lands Visitor Center lies near the start of the Trail of the Molten Land and has exhibits on the volcanic landscape. Nearby, Lava River Cave leads underground, a lava tube full of volcanic features.
The visitor center is open seasonally (May to October in an older source), while the trails stay open when the center is closed. A parking fee or pass is required. Check summit access, the shuttle and current hours with the Forest Service in advance (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Bend, OR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 43.9180, -121.3580
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- South Loop 1-44Campsite14 mi from Lava Butte and Lava LandsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Newberry RV ParkMotorhome stopover15 mi from Lava Butte and Lava LandsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Soda Creek CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Lava Butte and Lava LandsTentsCaravans
- Little Lava Lake CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Lava Butte and Lava Lands · 15 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Lava Lake CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Lava Butte and Lava Lands · 44 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Quinn Meadow Horse CampCampsite22 mi from Lava Butte and Lava LandsTentsCaravans
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Lava Butte and Lava Lands?
Lava Butte and Lava Lands is in Bend, OR, at GPS 43.9180, -121.3580. It is about 14 mi from Paulina Lake.
Can you camp near Lava Butte and Lava Lands?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Bend RV Resort, about 7 mi away; within 25 mi there are 58 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Lava Butte and Lava Lands?
Lava Butte and Lava Lands is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Oregon Outback: volcanoes and high desert.
What is there to see near Lava Butte and Lava Lands?
Places worth a stop nearby: Dee Wright Observatory (32 mi), Smith Rock State Park (33 mi), Proxy Falls (33 mi) and Fort Rock (40 mi).
When is the best time to visit Lava Butte and Lava Lands?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)