Big Obsidian Flow
A trail through a lava flow in Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Trailhead Coordinates: 43.70644, -121.23587
Trailhead Elevation: 6388'
Access: Trail
Distance: 0.37 miles (round trip) *I didn't do the whole trail
Whole Trail Distance: 0.64 miles (round trip)
Elevation Range: 6382' to 6520'
Ascent/Descent: +89 ft/-89 ft
Route Type: In and out (whole trail is a lollipop)
Trail: Big Obsidian Flow Trail
Outing Type: Day hike
Permits/Fees: "A recreation pass is required." (Forest Service)
Notes: I only did part of the trail not the whole thing due to it being such a warm day and feeling happy with the taste of the obsidian lava flow we got to see.
Location: Near Paulina Lake in Newberry National Volcanic Monument in Deschutes National Forest, Oregon, U.S.A.
Administration: Deschutes National Forest
Ranger District: Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District
Area: Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Date Accessed: September 20, 2026
After having hiked to Paulina Falls, we headed to the Big Obsidian Flow Trailhead which had plenty of parking available, even with other people out on the trail. The trail started out traveling gradually uphill before it reached the lava flow where there was a metal staircase. After climbing up the stairs, the trail was rocky and passed through the lava flow while continuing to climbing uphill. On a warm day it is hot and exposed on the lava flow. We hiked to the point where the trail became a loop and decided to turn back instead of doing the loop since it was so warm.
The obsidian was so cool to see and made the lava flow feel unique from other rock fields I've hiked through. If it had been a bit cooler it would have been neat to complete the whole loop, but even with only doing part of it I feel like I got to see a good amount of the lava flow.
Resources
Coordinates
Trailhead: 43.70644, -121.23587
Start of loop section: 43.70424, -121.23584
Map
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