Bend is a small but growing city in a beautiful area of Central Oregon. The city is between the scenic Deschutes River and is home to gorgeous green parks, many walking trails, and pleasant neighborhoods. Surrounded by volcanoes, alpine lakes, and wilderness areas, Bend is well-known for its vibrant outdoor scene. Mountain bikers come here from across the United States to hit the trails, and hikers will find an incredibly diverse range of hikes.
Winter holds its own beauty here, as nearby Mt. Bachelor brings skiers and boarders to the area. Some of the fascinating aspects of Bend are the geological attractions created by the volcanoes, which offer a whole host of unique sites and things to see and do. Plan out your stay with our list of top attractions in Bend. One of the most interesting places to visit in the Bend area is Newberry National Volcanic Monument, where you can explore numerous attractions of the Newberry Volcano. Stand on top of Lava Butte, a cinder cone that rises to 500 feet above the surrounding landscape, looking out over the old lava flow, or walk underground through the Lava River Cave, a one-mile-long lava tube. In another area of the monument, you’ll find beautiful lakes and mountain peaks, with wonderful hiking and camping opportunities.
The monument has two main access points. Twenty minutes south of Bend off Highway 97 is the Lava Lands Visitor Center, from where you can ascend Lava Butte or visit the Lava River Cave. The Chitwood Exhibit Hall here provides a wealth of information on the geology of the area and details on things to see and do in the monument, as well as current conditions. This is the most convenient way to see some of the sites in Newberry National Volcanic Monument.