If you are visiting the lava tubes, you should stay in Sunriver or Bend. Take the time to see the High Desert Museum.
You won't feel like driving all the way to Mt. Hood after your time in the Bend.

That's what I was beginning to think. Any recommendations? After almost 2 weeks, we will not want to pop for a super-expensive place. But, it's my friend's birthday and so it would be great to find a special place to stay and to have dinner, so not just a Days Inn-type place either.

Sunriver Resort looks great but is a bit too pricey. How is Mt. Bachelor Village Resort or Seventh Mountain Resort? Any interesting B&B's or unusual places?

I didn't check the rates but you might check out this place in Bend- I loved staying here and its close to downtown so you can easily walk - its owned by the same company that owns the Edgefield I suggested in the Gorge area

http://www.mcmenamins.com/421-old-st-francis-school-home

There is a theatre, a soaking bath, firepit, live music sometimes - fun place to stay

What a unique place! The rates are within reason, as well. Thank you, sunbum1944.

McMenamins is a fun place. I was just there on Monday for dinner. They have Happy Hour from 3P-6P every night. They brew their own beers and they are know in town for them. Bar tenders will even mix them for you.

Not sure when you making this trip, but the Lava River Cave is closed until July 1. There is a lot of road construction going on in this area (Hwy 97). Lava Lands Visitor Center is very interesting. Go up to the top of the butte for a fabulous 360 degree view of the area. It is only open Thursday-Monday until July 1. Then it is open daily.

Ah, I see you are going in Sept. Both the Lava River Cave and the Lava Lands Visitor area will start on their shoulder season schedule (open only Thurs.- Mon.) on Sept. 8.

The information you need for the Lavalands Visitor Center.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/newberrynvm/interest-lavabutte.shtml
By September the Lava Tubes should have good access. Closed for now. The fire lookout on the top of Lava Butte has a permit system to prevent parking problems at the top above the Visitor center.
If Mcminnamins or Sunriver is not your style check on the Phoenix Inn near downtown Bend.

Well, shoot! The information I downloaded in March said it would be open Wednesday-Sunday. Now, as you say, it lists fall shoulder season as Thursday-Monday. No fair! So, since we'll be there on Wednesday, 9/14, it looks like we will not be able to do the Lava River Cave after all.

Here is an alternative since some of the places you want to see are closed - if you like to hike there are a variety of trails, some easy, some not so - this place is world famous for rock climbing - you could even take a lesson if you want ( not for me but fun to watch the climbers)

http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_51.php?md=pic

Thanks, sunbum1944; we may just do that. Monkey Face rock looks very interesting. The vision of me on a rock climb was pretty hilarious, though - maybe when I was in my twenties...

We are very interested in volcanic features, and so of course were drawn to the lava cave. Do you know if the rest of the park is accessible, although the cave and visitor's center are closed? Wondering if we could at least drive through and see a bit, but I can't really tell from the website.

Appreciate the help.

Now that the access road to the visitor center is open, you can get to the parking lot and go on the self interpretive trails. The road up to the Lava Butte Lookout tower should be open until late September. You might have to walk it if they choose to lock the gate. You can now drive out the road to a parking lot near Benham Falls. The Deschutes River goes on the west side of the lava field. They are hoping to have a new access road to the Lava River cave on the east side of US 97 open by July 1. Not sure of the new route. Make sure to see the High Desert Museum about 5 miles to the north.

Just a note -

Thank you to sunbum1944 for the recommendation to Mcmenamins. I was able to get rooms there. The guys in particular were pleased at the thought of staying essentially at a pub.

Thank you also to tomfuller for the dose of sanity so that we can enjoy that leg of the trip without unnecessary road fatigue. Some birthday celebration that would be, eh.

BarbAnn, although you brought me unwelcome news about the lava tube, I am very happy to have learned now and not when we got there--thank you. Everybody has given me some fine alternatives, and we will still have a full fun day.