Big Obsidian Flow Loop Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Big Obsidian Flow Trailhead
- End Point: Big Obsidian Flow
- Trail Log:
- Hike Type: Lollipop loop
- Distance: 0.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 200 feet
- High Point: 6,600 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: Mid-spring into fall
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: Yes
Contents |
Description
Paulina Peak is the high point on the Newberry Crater rim, the crater being the remains of one of the most massive shield volcanoes in North America. Originally, the mountain that was here topped out at over 10,000 feet. The volcano erupted at least 12 times between 10,000 and 5,700 B.C. and will almost certainly erupt again. The City of Bend is situated on Newberry's 1,200 square-mile lava field. This hike begins on the shores on Paulina Lake and rises through different conifer types to the summit area, to which you can also drive. On a clear day, the views here are some of the most extensive in Oregon and take in the Cascade Range from Mount Adams in Washington to Mount Shasta in California.
The lollipop loop to the Big Obsidian Flow Trail #3958A begins on the south side of the parking area. A paved trail reaches a flight of steel steps that take you up to get views down to the base of the flow and the ponds that remain of Lost Lake. Interpretive signs along this trail detail the volcanic, human, and natural history of the Big Obsidian Flow. The first trail junction is with a short spur leading left. The second junction is the beginning of the loop, so go left here. You’ll soon get a view up to the looming prominence of Paulina Peak. At the top of the loop, a spur leads left to a bench, one of several along the trail. Note how whitebark pines have colonized the lava flow, establishing footholds where no other species can. Wind down through the black boulders, and go left at the junction which closes the loop to return to the Big Obsidian Flow Trailhead.
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- Northwest Forest Pass required
- Restrooms, picnic area, interpretive trails
- No dogs on the obsidian flow (sharp rocks)
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Newberry Caldera & Paulina Lakes (Maplets)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Fort Rock Ranger District
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Deschutes National Forest
- Adventure Maps: Bend, Oregon, Trail Map
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Bend – Three Sisters
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Big Obsidian Flow Loop Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Big Obsidian Flow Loop Hike
Guidebooks that cover this destination
- 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Eastern Oregon by William L. Sullivan
- Hiking Oregon’s Geology by Ellen Morris Bishop
- Day Hiking: Bend and Central Oregon by Brittany Manwill
- Best Hikes Near Bend by Lizann Dunegan
- Hiking Oregon by Lizann Dunegan
- Bend, Overall by Scott Cook
- Day Hikes in Central Oregon by Jan Siegrist
- Hiking Central Oregon & Beyond by Virginia Meissner
- Best Hikes With Kids: Oregon by Bonnie Henderson
- Central Oregon: Walks, Hikes & Strolls for Mature Folks by Marsha Johnson
- Best Easy Day Hikes: Bend & Central Oregon by Lizann Dunegan
- Trail Running: Bend and Central Oregon by Lucas Alberg
- Oregon Hiking by Sean Patrick Hill
- Pacific Northwest Hiking by Scott Leonard & Sean Patrick Hill
- Riding Central Oregon Horse Trails by Kim McCarrel
More Links
- Big Obsidian Flow Trailhead and Interpretive Site (USFS)
- Big Obsidian Flow Interpretive Trail (Outdoor Project)
- The Big Obsidian Flow (Howderfamily)
- Big Obsidian Flow (USGS)
- Big Obsidian Flow, Newberry Crater (Oregon History Project)
- Central Oregon Hiking: Newberry National Volcanic Monument (Visit Central Oregon)
- Newberry National Volcanic Monument – Deschutes NF (USFS)
- Newberry National Volcanic Monument (Wikipedia)
- Newberry Volcano (Wikipedia)
Page Contributors
- bobcat (creator)