Lava Butte and Lava Lands Visitor Center

Lava Butte and Lava Lands Visitor Center - July 14, 8:45 AM to 12:00 PM - Led by Daniele McKay

Field trip description modified from Deligne and others (2014) 

 Lava Butte is a ~7,000 year old cinder cone located on the flanks of Newberry Volcano. It is the northernmost vent along the Holocene “northwest rift zone,” a nearly continuous zone of mafic vents and lava flows that extends about 20 miles from the north wall of Newberry Caldera.

 The Lava Butte eruption began along a fissure that became localized and built the 500-foot cinder cone. The eruption also produced spatter ramparts, extensive lava flows, and an ash deposit. These features provide good examples of the types of eruptions that have occurred throughout the past on the flanks of Newberry Volcano and throughout the central Oregon Cascades. From the splendid vista on top Lava Butte, we will examine the products and processes of cinder cone eruptions, and discuss the hazards this type of volcanic activity poses. After exploring the summit of Lava Butte, we will visit the Lava Lands Visitor Center at the base of the cinder cone and take a short walk through the lava flow on a paved trail.

 This field trip will be led by Daniele McKay and will focus on the volcanology and hazards of cinder cone eruptions. The trip is appropriate for all levels of geologic background, and all physical abilities. Total walking distance will be about 1 mile on generally flat trails. Temperatures on the lava flow trail can be quite warm in July, dress accordingly and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. There is a restroom and water at the visitor center, and a restroom with no water at the summit of Lava Butte.

 We will meet at the shuttle bus stop on the east side of the Lava Lands Visitor Center at 8:45 AM. There is a $5 fee per vehicle for the visitor center and Lava Butte. A Northwest Forest Pass will allow you access without paying the vehicle fee. There is an additional fee for the shuttle service to the top of Lava Butte. The cost is $2 per person round trip and exact change is required. BRING $2 IN CASH FOR THE SHUTTLE – EXACT CHANGE IS REQUIRED.