Lava Cast Forest Trail

Hiking area · Deschutes County ·

Lava Cast Forest Trail

Hiking area · Deschutes County ·

Paved path through 9,000-year-old fossilized forest casts

Information

Lava Cast Forest Trail, La Pine, OR 97739 Get directions

@atlasobscura

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7 of Oregon's Most Magical Places

"Just below Bend, Oregon, lies a 5-square-mile lava field formed more than 6,000 years ago when the nearby Newberry Volcano erupted, causing a flood of molten lava that devoured the surrounding forest. These forests were mostly made up of ponderosa pines that were knocked down when they came in contact with the lava. However, some especially large trees were surrounded by the fluid rock and then burned away internally, leaving behind massive casts of their trunks. Today, these casts dot the Lava Cast Forest like strange, ancient pockmarks. At one point, the molds were thought to be gas blowouts, however, discovering the tree rings proved the true reason behind the chimney-like structures. Along with visible tree rings, ancient charcoal and newer lava “drippings” can be seen inside the molds. In 1963, astronauts trained on these lava fields as NASA believed their lack of erosion was a similar surface to that of the Moon. To commemorate this landscape, James B Irwin, carried an igneous rock from this site to the surface of the Moon. Though the landscape is somewhat alien, nature is reclaiming the area. Ponderosa pines, Indian paintbrush, wildflowers, and junipers have snuck their way back into the scorched earth that was taken from them many millennia ago." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/7-of-oregons-most-magical-places

wanderingyuncks (used with permission)

Lava Cast Forest Trail

Carrie R.

Google

It’s a bit of a drive on a washboard dirt road for 10 miles. But once you arrive, it’s worth the trip. There is a mile of paved pathway suitable for a wheelchair, which is great. The loop takes you over and around a super cool lava field. You learn as you walk with informative plaques. We didn’t see another person while we were there until we left. It was amazing to experience the beauty and silence that come with being alone in the woods.

Don H.

Google

Fascinating piece of volcan landscape. The number of tree casts is truly impressive. Marvelous vistas over lava flows. The trail through the area is fairly easy walking - especially the first half which is paved. Most cars can reach the parking lot although there was a moderate amount of big truck traffic on the road.

Michael L.

Google

A unique, easy walk to explore and learn about Central Oregon's beautiful volcanic landscape. So cool to see the special tree molds! This nature walk is paved and quite accessible (my 70 year old mom and 3 year old daughter had no trouble walking it). It's 45 minutes away from Bend and requires driving on gravel and dirt roads.

Russell N.

Google

We had a good time on this hike. The start of the trail was too snowy to start. So we started at the end of the trail (it's a loop, but the start and end are a few yards from each other). Starting at the end, and working our way backwards we were able to see the Lava Cast Trees. It was quite a unique thing to see. The parts of the trail we were able to do were well marked. This is a pretty easy hike, but quite enjoyable.

Miguel J.

Google

Cool walk/hike through dried lava. The loop is no more than a mile. Great views throughout. The road is paved, and it would be really hard to get lost. No much shade through the majority of the walk. The drive leading up to the trailhead is about 7miles on gravel. Depending on the season, the road might be muddy/wet. I went in June and I was able to get there using a regular car, RWD. Parking and restroom available

Tammy S.

Google

Lava Cast Forest is a visitor destination within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The road to the trailhead is across the highway from the main exit to Sunriver/South Century Drive. It is a geologic feature containing a 6,000 year old lava flow that created lava molds of ancient trees. There are kiosks explaining the geology. An easy walk that is good for kids. Half of the trail is paved. There is parking, and a restroom at the trailhead. A permit is required and they are not available for purchase at the trailhead. It's a bit of a drive down a dusty, gravel road to reach this place. It can be very washboard like during popular summer months, but It is worth the drive.

Lindsey G.

Google

Great place to explore while staying in the Bend area. Beware that the drive to the parking lot includes about 9 miles of fairly rough gravel road. Doable, but takes some time. Parking is $5 and is fairly limited. There is a nice one mile loop walk through the lava field. It is paved, but narrows significantly about halfway through. Great info signs throughout. There are some great lava casts of trees as well. A very eerie and beautiful landscape worth seeing!

Charles H.

Google

An amazing place and typically not as crowded as the other lava bed attractions. The road up is unpaved and can be pretty washboard depending upon how long it's been since it was graded, but totally worth the drive. P.s. Double check your GPS. It may try to take you up some side roads because the route is shorter. Stick to the main gravel road and follow the signs.

Chrysanthemum A.

Yelp

A breathtaking hiking trail west of Bend. Lava Cast Forest is in the depths of Deschutes National Forest. Since it's a relatively recent lava flow, one can see how the molten rock encased the Ponderosa pines. The lava preserved the casts of the majestic trees, leaving behind a ghost forest of sorts among the volcanic Cascade mountains. Signs along the path describe the dramatic geological history. It's in a pristine part of Central Oregon, a breath of fresh air not far from the growing city of Bend. Be sure to bring plenty of water&snacks for the trail. Worth the time&effort. Beautiful!

Christopher C.

Yelp

This is a unique trial that takes you to a lava flow that has giant casts of Ponderosa Trees in it. It is south west of Bend and located in the Deschutes National Forest. Here this trail does a loop and has some interpretive signage that explains what happened. Basically, when the lava flow that you are looking at started to destroy the forest is cleared many things in its path. But for some reason, there were some large Ponderosa Trees that did not get taken away. They were so thick that the lava just flowed around them and left them where they were. When the lava flow cooled and hardened, it hardened around the trees. Of course, a few years after the lava hardened the trees died and eroded away leaving these giant casts in the lava. You can actually fit your entire body into many of them and see just how crazy it must have been to see back in time. Here is a link to a website with more information on this trail. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=38390&actid=50

@atlasobscura

4,908 Postcards · 2,019 Cities

7 of Oregon's Most Magical Places

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/7-of-oregons-most-magical-places

wanderingyuncks (used with permission)

Lava Cast Forest Trail

Carrie R.

Google

Don H.

Google

Michael L.

Google

Russell N.

Google

Miguel J.

Google

Tammy S.

Google

Lindsey G.

Google

Charles H.

Google

Chrysanthemum A.

Yelp

Christopher C.

Yelp

Lava Cast Forest Trail

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7 of Oregon's Most Magical Places

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7 of Oregon's Most Magical Places