Central Oregon is a place of beguiling beauty, with the High Desert being an immensely fascinating place with historic significance and great geographical variety. This is epitomized in the Lava Cast Forest, an expanse near Bend and Sunriver, Oregon, that’s home to 7,000-year-old lava tree cast formations. It’s a wondrous wasteland that’s hauntingly and sublimely beautiful. See it along the Lava Cast Forest Trail, a paved, mile-long loop that intrepid explorers can traverse straight through.

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Visit the Lava Lands Visitor Center website to learn more and plan your trip to this captivating place.

Make sure you have all the hiking gear you’ll need for the Lava Cast Forest. If you are missing anything, REI is sure to have it.

Have you been to this lava forest in Oregon before? Do you have any favorite otherworldly hikes in Oregon?

Want to learn more about this area? Consider taking a trip to the High Desert Museum.

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More to Explore

Oregon Outdoors

What are the best outdoor adventures in Oregon?

While this otherworldly hike in Oregon is awesome, you should also check out other outdoor adventures in Oregon:

1) Crater Lake National Park: Considering that it’s the only national park in the state, heading to this 183,224-acre spot in southern Oregon is an absolute must for outdoor lovers. Not only is it home to the deepest lake in America, but you can also hike a ton of trails, camp, take a boat ride, and more.

2) Lewis and Clark National Historic Park: This 3,303-acre park is located in Astoria. Be sure to visit the replicated Fort Clatsop that the explorers stayed in and explore the gift shop and visitors center. This is also a great place to hike, canoe, and fish.

What are the best beaches in Oregon?

With 362 miles of coastline, you’ll find some of the best beach towns in Oregon:

1) Newport: This Lincoln County city is popular for places like the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Yaquina Bay. And if you want to take in the Pacific Ocean, you’ve got several options, such as Nye Beach, Agate Beach State Recreation Area, and South Beach State Park.

2) Neskowin: You’ll find this little town on the Tillamook Coast. Its most unique feature is that the Kiwanda and Neskowin creeks meet and flow right into the ocean. If you visit, be sure to check out the ghost forest.

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Oregon?

The Lava Cast Forest Trail isn’t the only easy trail in the state. Check out some of the best family-friendly hikes in Oregon:

  • Hobbit Trail: This trail is only one mile out and back. But boy what a mile that is. You’ll head through a lush forest straight into a wooded hillside tunnel that leads out to an isolated beach. Be sure to leave some time to search the sand for shells and crabs.
  • Horsepasture Mountain: This trail is only 2.8 miles, but there is a steep incline, so keep that mind in mind if you are bringing the little ones in tow. At the top, you’ll get outstanding views of the Cascades, Mt. Bachelor, Three Finger Jack, Diamond Peak, Mt. Hood, and the Three Sisters.

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