The Incredible Oregon Hiking Trail That Takes You Past Ancient Lava Flow
By Catherine Armstrong|Published March 28, 2019
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
When it comes to lava flows, it turns out that one that’s only 1,300 years old is just a babe in the woods. The Big Obsidian Flow, located in the Deschutes National Forest might be a youngster as lava flows go, but it’s also absolutely breathtaking, and you’re going to want to take this short, easy hike to see it up close.
The Deschutes National Forest is a true beauty with its crystal-clear lakes and lush, thick expanses of trees. The landscape is quite photogenic...but then you notice a huge, black mound cutting through your frame.
This is the Big Obsidian Flow, which covers about a mile. This flow was created when 1600-degree lava erupted from two miles underground. It slowly seeped into the landmark you see here today.
Once you're up the stairs, you'll take the path along the top of the flow. It's fairly flat, but you'll want to wear some sturdy hiking shoes because the rocks can be slippery and sharp.
You'll see the huge shards of obsidian all along the trail. Native Americans prized this hard, shiny igneous rock, and used it to created arrowheads and tools. Make sure that you leave the obsidian there! It's illegal to remove from this site, so just admire it from afar.
Interpretive signs along the trail help you identify the different rocks and will school you about the history of the lava flow and its impact on humans in the area.
The Big Obsidian Flow Trail is located inside the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, just south of Bend. From the Paulina Visitor Center, take the main road east and follow the signs to the trailhead.
