Central Oregon is a place of beguiling beauty, with the High Desert being an immensely fascinating place with historic significance and great geographical variety. This is epitomized in the Lava Cast Forest, an expanse near Bend and Sunriver, Oregon, that’s home to 7,000-year-old lava tree cast formations. It’s a wondrous wasteland that’s hauntingly and sublimely beautiful. See it along the Lava Cast Forest Trail, a paved, mile-long loop that intrepid explorers can traverse straight through.

Would you believe that this otherworldly hike in Oregon is located right in Bend? Okay -- the sepia photo definitely helps the mood, but this hauntingly beautiful forest stands on its own!
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What is this alien landscape? And, more to the point, where is this alien landscape?
Monte McGary II/Google Local
This expanse is known as the Lava Cast Forest, part of Newberry National Monument.
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
This is a barren landscape built on top of dark volcanic rock, making for one of the most unique topographical regions in Oregon. The Newberry National Volcanic Monument, part of Deschutes National Forest, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and a great way to see a lava forest in Oregon.
Mitch Lum/Google Local
Happily, the trail through this lava forest is smooth pavement (not melting hot lava!), and the eponymous Lava Cast Forest Trail is a short and sweet, mile-long loop that's accessible for all skill levels.
Michael McKay/AllTrails
Panels along the trail provide information about how it all began at Lava Butte. An overlook at the trail’s end offers excellent westward views of the Cascade Mountains from this otherwordly hike in Oregon.
Barry Sather/AllTrails
This is a world where lava dominates the landscape and living things have adapted, over the centuries, to a harsh desert environment. This trek provides insights into the formation of Lava Butte (the 500-foot cinder cone protruding out in the horizon), as well as close-up views of many unique features of the Lava Cast Forest.
MeA/Google Local
You'll learn all about the volcano, the story of its eruption, and the lands you are standing on.
Rachel Raimondi/Only in Your State
This one about the creation of the balls of fire tumbling down was by far one of my favorites.
Aside from the interesting facts and unique rock formations, you'll also get some outstanding views.
Rachel Raimondi/Only in Your State
And I really appreciated all the signage telling me what I was actually looking at in the distance.
I visited the area in early April and thought that the leftover snow cover on the rocks was a really interesting contrast.
Rachel Raimondi/Only in Your State
The Lava Lands are one of those places in Oregon for which pictures do not do justice; it's a world you must experience. And this accessible Lava Cast Forest trail invites all to do just that.
U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr

 

Visit the Lava Lands Visitor Center website to learn more and plan your trip to this captivating place.

Make sure you have all the hiking gear you’ll need for the Lava Cast Forest. If you are missing anything, REI is sure to have it.

Have you been to this lava forest in Oregon before? Do you have any favorite otherworldly hikes in Oregon?

Want to learn more about this area? Consider taking a trip to the High Desert Museum.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

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Oregon Outdoors

Rachel Raimondi | September 16, 2023

What are the best outdoor adventures in Oregon?

While this otherworldly hike in Oregon is awesome, you should also check out other outdoor adventures in Oregon:

1) Crater Lake National Park: Considering that it’s the only national park in the state, heading to this 183,224-acre spot in southern Oregon is an absolute must for outdoor lovers. Not only is it home to the deepest lake in America, but you can also hike a ton of trails, camp, take a boat ride, and more.

2) Lewis and Clark National Historic Park: This 3,303-acre park is located in Astoria. Be sure to visit the replicated Fort Clatsop that the explorers stayed in and explore the gift shop and visitors center. This is also a great place to hike, canoe, and fish.

What are the best beaches in Oregon?

With 362 miles of coastline, you’ll find some of the best beach towns in Oregon:

1) Newport: This Lincoln County city is popular for places like the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Yaquina Bay. And if you want to take in the Pacific Ocean, you’ve got several options, such as Nye Beach, Agate Beach State Recreation Area, and South Beach State Park.

2) Neskowin: You’ll find this little town on the Tillamook Coast. Its most unique feature is that the Kiwanda and Neskowin creeks meet and flow right into the ocean. If you visit, be sure to check out the ghost forest.

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Oregon?

The Lava Cast Forest Trail isn’t the only easy trail in the state. Check out some of the best family-friendly hikes in Oregon:

  • Hobbit Trail: This trail is only one mile out and back. But boy what a mile that is. You’ll head through a lush forest straight into a wooded hillside tunnel that leads out to an isolated beach. Be sure to leave some time to search the sand for shells and crabs.
  • Horsepasture Mountain: This trail is only 2.8 miles, but there is a steep incline, so keep that mind in mind if you are bringing the little ones in tow. At the top, you’ll get outstanding views of the Cascades, Mt. Bachelor, Three Finger Jack, Diamond Peak, Mt. Hood, and the Three Sisters.

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Lava Cast Forest Trail, Oregon 97739, USA