Volcanic Activity in Central Oregon

This breathtaking excursion explores the heart of the Cascade Mountains, a range created by fire and ice over the past eons.

• Distance:  240 miles
• Starting Point: 

• Minimum Driving Time:  3 days
• Best Time to Drive:  Since some of the roads climb to high elevations, it's best taken between July and mid-October.

1. Crater of Creation

The action starts at Crater Lake National Park, where a violent eruption 7,600 years ago created the setting for one of the most gorgeous lakes on the planet.

2. Central Oregon

From here, it's just a hop down Hwy. 138, and a skip and a jump north on Hwy. 97 to Newberry National Volcanic Monument, home of the world's largest obsidian flow and a mile-long lava tube. Nearby, Bend is a great hub for exploring the wonders of Mt. Bachelor and the Lava Lands Visitor Center. From Bend, Hwy. 20 parallels the Three Sisters peaks to the town of Sisters. Head west on Hwy. 242 to McKenzie Pass, where the Dee Wright Observatory welcomes you to survey a gigantic lava flow and six volcanic peaks.

3. To Extend this Tour

Take Hwy 126 from Sisters to Redmond, then follow Hwy. 97 north to Madras, and Hwy. 26 to Mt. Hood. In addition to tons of recreational activities, Oregon's highest peak shows continuous but subtle signs of volcanic activity.