Lava Butte
A dramatic cinder cone offering 360° views of Central Oregon's volcanic landscape, accessible via a seasonal summit shuttle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Lava Butte
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic cinder cone offering 360° views of Central Oregon's volcanic landscape, accessible via a seasonal summit shuttle.
"The scenery and view were awesome. Knowledgeable rangers are available in both the museum and on top of the summit."
🎟️ Book Shuttle Online
Purchase parking permits & shuttle tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The rim trail is cinder-covered and can be uneven. Good walking shoes are a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Top of Lava Butte
Panoramic 360° views of the Cascades, lava fields, and surrounding volcanic landscape. Absolutely breathtaking!
Rim Trail
Summit of Lava Butte
A short, cinder-covered trail encircling the crater rim, offering unique perspectives and photo opportunities.
Fire Lookout
Summit of Lava Butte
Climb the historic fire tower for an elevated view and a glimpse into wildfire monitoring history.
Lava Lands Visitor Center
Base of Lava Butte
Learn about the geology and history of the area, and access the shuttle to the summit. Knowledgeable rangers are on hand.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Shuttle Service & Parking
Best Time for Views & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Shuttle Online
Purchase parking permits & shuttle tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The rim trail is cinder-covered and can be uneven. Good walking shoes are a must!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The 360° views from the summit are incredible, especially at sunset.
🚶♀️ Walk Down
Take the shuttle up, but consider walking back down for more scenic views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Shuttle Online
Purchase parking permits & shuttle tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The rim trail is cinder-covered and can be uneven. Good walking shoes are a must!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The 360° views from the summit are incredible, especially at sunset.
🚶♀️ Walk Down
Take the shuttle up, but consider walking back down for more scenic views.
🗺️ Explore the Lava Flow
Check out the unique trails through the black lava rock near the visitor center.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lava Butte for its stunning panoramic views from the summit and the engaging experience at the Lava Lands Visitor Center. The shuttle service is convenient, and the rim trail offers a rewarding walk. Some note the hike's grade can be challenging, and recommend booking shuttle tickets in advance.
"Amazing! Museum and the butte itself were both fantastic. There is a trolley available to summit the butte. The scenery and view were awesome. Knowledgeable rangers are available in both the museum and on top of the summit to explain everything you're seeing. Highly recommend"
Anna Wood
"This is not necessarily an easy hike due to the grade, but it is relatively short. The views are phenomenal and it's worth the trek uphill both ways. The ranger there was kind and had good information. Seeing the fire lookout was cool."
Madison Tuttle
"This place is very cool. Black lava rock. As of writing this it is $5 for parking and $5 for a ticket for the shuttle to get up the butte. At the summit there is a 1/4 miles trail going around the rim of the crater. The scenery is very pretty, one can see all of the mountains around. There is also an active fire watch post with a guy looking for fires. If one opts out of the shuttle fee there is trails going through the lava rock but no trail up the butte. Very pretty, worth the time and money :)"
Noah Gustafson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lava Butte is located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, near Bend, Oregon. You'll typically drive to the Lava Lands Visitor Center, where you can then take a shuttle to the summit during the operating season.
Parking is available at the Lava Lands Visitor Center. A parking permit is required and can be purchased online in advance.
During the shuttle season (typically June through September), private vehicles are not allowed to drive to the summit. The shuttle is the primary access.
From Bend, head south on US-97 and take the exit for Lava Lands Visitor Center. It's well-marked and easily accessible.
While the visitor center is accessible, the summit trail and fire lookout may present challenges. The shuttle itself is generally accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There's a fee for parking at the visitor center and a separate fee for the shuttle to the summit. Expect around $5 for parking and $5 for the shuttle per person.
Yes, it's highly recommended to purchase your parking permit and shuttle tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
The Lava Lands Visitor Center is typically open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. The shuttle operates seasonally, usually starting in June. Check the official website for exact dates.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but check with the visitor center or official monument website for any potential passes or deals.
You can explore trails through the lava flow around the base of the butte, but there isn't a designated trail directly up the butte itself for those who opt out of the shuttle fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the visitor center, take a shuttle to the summit for panoramic views, walk the rim trail, and climb the fire lookout tower. There are also trails through the lava fields.
Allow about 45 minutes to an hour to explore the summit and rim trail. Visiting the visitor center and exploring the lava fields can add more time.
The hike from the shuttle drop-off to the summit is short but can be steep due to the grade. It's considered a moderate effort for most.
Expect stunning 360-degree views of the Cascade Mountains, the vast lava fields, and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Yes, knowledgeable rangers are available at both the visitor center and the summit to provide information and answer questions.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers magical light for photography, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Early mornings can also be beautiful with fewer crowds.
You can capture panoramic landscapes, close-ups of the volcanic rock, the fire lookout tower, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
With minimal light pollution in the surrounding areas, Lava Butte can be a good spot for astrophotography, especially during clear nights.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A tripod can be useful for sunset or astrophotography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Monuments and Forests. Check the official Newberry National Volcanic Monument regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
At the Lava Lands Visitor Center, interactive exhibits can engage younger minds with the science of volcanoes. Exploring the lava fields on the trails around the base can also be a fun, albeit rugged, exploration. Pack snacks and water, and be prepared for the elevation change.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Consider walking down from the summit after taking the shuttle up to fully appreciate the scenery and get more steps in. The trails through the lava flow near the visitor center offer a more rugged hiking experience, allowing for deeper immersion in the volcanic terrain.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the chance to capture the fire lookout tower against the backdrop of the Cascades. If you're interested in astrophotography, the relatively dark skies in the area can be a plus. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast landscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Lava Butte
+1Exploring the black lava rock fields around the base of Lava Butte offers a tangible connection to these geological events. The unique textures and formations are a result of molten lava cooling and solidifying. Visitors can find fascinating trails that wind through these rugged landscapes, offering a chance to appreciate the raw beauty of volcanic terrain.
The Newberry National Volcanic Monument is a vast area showcasing diverse volcanic features. Lava Butte is just one prominent example, with other attractions like the Big Obsidian Flow and Paulina Peak offering further insights into the region's volcanic past. Understanding the geological context enhances the appreciation of Lava Butte's significance.
Experiencing the Summit
+1The main attraction at the summit is the rim trail, a relatively short but rewarding walk that encircles the crater. This trail allows you to fully appreciate the 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Central Oregon landscape. You'll see the majestic Cascade Mountains, the vast expanse of lava fields, and other smaller volcanic cones. Rangers are often present at the summit, offering valuable insights into the geology and history of the area.
Adding to the summit experience is the fire lookout tower. Visitors can climb this historic structure for an even higher vantage point. It’s a chance to imagine the role these lookouts played in protecting the forests and to gain a unique perspective on the vastness of the landscape. The combination of the rim trail and the lookout tower makes for a memorable visit.
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