Hiking the Big Obsidian Flow at Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Looking for other fun adventures near Big Obsidian Flow and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument?
Kayak to hot springs on Paulina Lake, slide down a natural waterslide on Paulina Creek, or bike from Lava Lands to Benham Falls.

WE WERE HERE

August, 2025, around 45 minutes

CURRENT INFO

Information and maps for the Big Obsidian Flow Trail are available on AllTrails and the National Forest Service website.

GOOD TO KNOW

• To visit Newberry National Volcanic Monument, you must either pay a daily entrance fee of $5 or use the America the Beautiful pass (or other national parks or forest pass). You can purchase an annual American the Beautiful pass ahead of time online.
• Check ahead of time to see if you qualify for a free or reduced price pass — seniors, fourth graders and active military do! Fourth graders must print a voucher ahead of time to qualify.
• If you don’t have a pass, the $5 entrance fee can be paid by credit card at the entrance gate or in person at the Paulina Visitor Center. Important Note: The credit card reader at the entrance wasn’t working the first day we visited Newberry National Volcanic Monument, but I was able to buy a pass at the visitor center. They next day, the visitor center was closed, but the credit card reader was working! It was a little frustrating, but at least we got our passes.
• Vault toilets are available at the Big Obsidian Flow Trailhead.
• The Big Obsidian Flow Trail is not recommended for pets. You can bring them, but the rocks are sharp and can easily cut a dog’s paws.
• Wear hiking boots or closed-toe shoes with good traction. Hiking poles are recommended. Closed-toe shoes are a requirement for hiking this trail. Keep in mind that obsidian is volcanic glass, and it will cut you. This trail is literally made of volcanic rock, ranging in size from tiny, sharp shards to chunky boulders. Obsidian can also be quite slippery. Walk with care.
• Don’t skip out on Big Obsidian Flow just because you fear the trail may be too rough for you. You’ll get a great look at the lava field even if you only walk the paved path at the start of the trail, or climb partway up the stairs. Feel free to turn around at any point that feels comfortable.
• Bring water, hats for shade, and sunscreen when visiting in summer. There is no shade on most of the Big Obsidian Flow Trail.
• Do not take any obsidian or other rocks from the trail! This is illegal, and for good reason. At Newberry National Volcanic Monument, we want to preserve these incredible places for everyone to enjoy.
• Always follow Leave No Trace principles.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Big Obsidian Flow is a natural wonder that transports visitors to a seemingly alien world. It’s literally a giant pile of rocks, yet also much, much more. The slick surfaces of obsidian catch the sunlight, while pumice crunches underfoot. At the top of the trail, Paulina Peak stands proud above the rubble, and the view of Paulina Lake, sitting like a sapphire encircled by evergreens, contrasts sharply with the muted grays and blacks of the lava field. Big Obsidian Flow is a highlight on any visit to Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

THE KIDS’ TAKE

We visited the Big Obsidian Flow with a group of kids ranging in age from five to 16, and they loved it. It’s such a strange and fascinating place, unlike anything you typically encounter on a hike. Plus it’s short enough to keep them engaged, which can sometimes be a challenge!

There are a couple of important things to note when hiking here with kids. First, as I’ve noted before, closed-toe shoes with good traction are a must. Obsidian is incredibly sharp, and easily cuts through skin. This is one trail where you do not want to take a tumble! Also, it is illegal to take obsidian or rock specimens from Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Make sure everyone understands the importance of following this rule.

My younger son was less impressed than the others on this hike, as he kept comparing it to Glass Mountain, another obsidian field we visited years ago in Northern California. Glass Mountain is indeed a surreal experience, and if you ever have the chance to visit this remote location I highly recommend it. But having been to both, I can say that Big Obsidian Flow still has that wow factor, and is well worth a stop.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

There is so much more to explore at Newberry National Volcanic Monument. After hiking the Big Obsidian Flow Trail, we drove to the top of Paulina Peak (you can also hike), then stopped by Paulina Falls for a picnic. On a different day, we kayaked to hot springs on Paulina Lake, which I highly recommend. More information and a small gift shop are available at the Paulina Visitor Center, but take note that the visitor center hours are limited. For food, boat rentals, or a lakeside cabin stay, head to Paulina Lake Lodge.

Located between Paulina Lake and Highway 97 at McKay Crossing Campground, the Peter Skene Ogden Trail leads to a natural waterslide. This is also your chance to swim under a waterfall at McKay Falls.

We visited this area while camping at LaPine State Park Campground. Located half an hour west of Paulina Lake, it’s a great home base for exploring. The park includes access to the Deschutes River, as well as beautiful hiking and biking trails. We enjoyed hiking the Fall River Falls loop.

To see another side of Newberry National Volcanic Monument, head north on Highway 97 to Lava Lands Visitor Center. Here you can hike the short but memorable Trail of the Molten Land, or bike the Sun-Lava Trail to Benham Falls. The visitor center also offers ranger talks, a Junior Ranger program, and guided walks. For food and drink, I recommend Century Commons Taps & Trucks in nearby Sunriver.

Just south of Bend and north of Lava Lands, the High Desert Museum is a treat for all ages. Allow several hours to visit this fascinating museum with a wide range of indoor and outdoor exhibits.

On our second day at Newberry National Volcanic Monument (the first was spent kayaking on Paulina Lake), we headed straight for the Big Obsidian Flow. Our group had grown in size, and this time we had a gaggle of kids with us. This short trail through a mountain of lava rocks sounded like the perfect way to start the day with a little excitement.

It was late morning when we arrived, and there was plenty of parking available in the lot at the trailhead. The trail starts off shady and flat, but this won’t last for long. After a brief walk on a paved path through ponderosa pine, we came to the stairs.

These stairs are pretty impressive. Built onto the side of the lava flow, they lead up to a natural trail that winds through the rock. They also offer great views of the pine forest surrounding Big Obsidian Flow. It’s quite the contrast, and incredible to think that this lava field is over 1000 years old, far older than today’s forest. And that’s quite young by geological standards! If you’re eager to learn more, you’re in luck. Interpretive signs along the trail give insight into the eruption, different types of lava rock, and how obsidian has been used throughout the years.

Once we left the stairs behind, we found ourselves on a rugged trail through a jumble of jagged obsidian. It was everywhere — underfoot, along the trail, stretching out ahead of us as far as we could see. The trail wound upwards past countless misshapen boulders. Had we seen a plume of smoke rising from a hidden dragon’s lair, it would hardly have seemed surprising.

At the top of the trail, we came to a viewing area surrounded by a natural stone wall. From here, Paulina Lake came into view. Beyond the lake, Mount Bachelor could be seen peeking over the trees. It was incredible to realize that Big Obsidian Flow, Paulina Lake, and Mount Bachelor all owe their existence to the volcanic power that lies unseen below the earth’s surface. At least, it remains unseen for now.

The viewpoint also offers a great look at Paulina Peak, the highest summit in Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Rising to nearly 8,000 feet, Paulina Peak is another great destination within the national monument, just be prepared to drive a narrow, washboarded gravel road or hike about three miles one way to get there.

After taking our time enjoying the view, we made our way back down the trail, keeping a close eye on our footing. At times, it was hard to differentiate the trail from the lava flow. No one wanted to risk a fall, and I didn’t even have to remind the kids to be careful.

Ultimately, I’d say the rocky trail is well worth the hardship. How often do you find a hike that packs so much adventure in less than a mile? At Big Obsidian Flow we’d traversed boulders, been rewarded with a spectacular view, and learned a little geology on the way, too. It was a great way to kick off an adventure-filled day in Newberry National Volcanic Monument.