Am I correct in assuming that the lava caves, lava visitor center and lava butte are the main attractions in this park? It's all a bit confusing, but I think this national monument covers miles and miles of land and you have to drive up and down H97 to get to these different areas?

Yep, it's a big area given that it is a lave flow - however...I think the three things you mention are all essentially within a short distance of one another (see map). The caves (which are all over Central Oregon amd Washington BTW) are close to the visitor center.

http://mappery.com/Newberry-National...ds-Visitor-Map

We like to drive up to the lakes within the caldera and do the obsidian trail and then go fishing. There is a small resort with small general store and home cooking restaurant at both lakes. It is very pretty and unique in the continental USA. The Hawaiian islands are also shield volcanoes like Newberry.

Enjoy!

yes you do have to drive around a bit to get to them all - but not that far apart and all interesting

Are you coming this way?
One of my favorite spots in the area ( off of Cascade Lakes Hw) is Elk Lake - so if you have time, stop by. There is a nice restaurant with deck overlooking lake and you can rent kayaks and canoes for paddle on the lake with snow capped mountains in the background.

I was there a couple of weeks ago and they were catching huge fish!
I love this spot!!

LittleA....thanks for the site. Makes it a little more easy to understand.

sunbum....yep, we'll be there in mid-September. We were there a couple years ago, but never checked out the lava features. I will check out Elk Lake!

Ok, I think I have it figured out.

The visitor center and lava butte are in the same area, actually, next to each other. It's on the west side of H97 just south of Bend.

The lava caves are about 3 miles south of the VC/lava butte and is on the east side of H97.

The twin lakes with the Obsidian trail is even further south on H97 and is also about 15 miles in-land.

Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of these.

My other question would be if the twin lakes is worth the drive? That's a 30 mile round trip just to get to it and back to the main highway.

Much thanks!

I think you have it - am not sure about the twin lakes - is one of them Paulina? I have been to Paulina once but the mosquitoes were out of control so did not stay long enough to explore.

Also at the Lava Visitors Cr you will see a sign for Benham Falls - very nice walk along the Deschutes.

Another lake I love is Clear Lake - but that is quite a bit more driving for you so maybe not interested.

It was formed by a volcano and there are still visable petrified trees in the bottom- trail about the lake is nice walk, the McKenzie River starts here bubbling out from a spring - there is a store/restaurant, you can rent rowboats, no motorboats allowed

But there is much to see and do just in the Bend area to keep you busy.

sunbum....thanks for the info. Paulina is one of those lakes. It seems like a nice area and there is the Obsidian hike, but it is quite a drive off the main road. Guess I'll play that by ear.

Thanks for the tip about Benham! Where is Clear Lake?

Clear Lake is about 1/2 hr drive west of Sisters - and of course Sisters is a fun stop although I must say it is growing quickly and not quite as quaint as it used to be.

Then of course, if you go to Clear Lake, you might as well stop at Black Butte Ranch (resort) for lunch - great views of the Three Sisters from there

http://www.mediusres.com/orwabc/OR-ClearLake.asp

Be careful if you ask about twin lakes. There are two that are named this, well north twin and south twin, in the general area so you might get sent there if you ask. We go to the south twin every year. If you like to fish, this is a good spot. There is also a trail that goes around the lake, and you can rent boats, although no motors are allowed on the lake. I realize this may not be what you had in mind, but just in case

sumbum, we will actually be in Sisters for a couple days so may check out Clear Lake! Thanks for the warning about the mosquitos!

mms, the twin lakes I was referring to was Paulina and East lake. Was that where you went? Is it worth the drive?

Thanks again.

If you are interested in lava - and you are going to be in Sisters - take the Old McKenzie Hwy - it is a twisty road through the lava flows with a great look out at the top - road is only open a few months of the year due to snow.

Another wonderful place close to Sisters is the Camp Sherman/Metolius area - see it while you can because several investors want to make it a "destination resort" area. I guess it's not off the charts spectacular but to me, its a very special place - there is an excellent restaurant there - the Chinook I think its called - never managed to dine there as always too late to make a reservation - I think weekends book well in advance.

When I was unable to make reservation at Camp Sherman- ended up at Suttle Lake - they have a restaurant on the lake - amazing to have dinner while watching the osprey hunt for theirs.

I moved to Oregon from the midwest and am sure you can see, have made the most of discovering what is here - after 20 years, have just scratched the surface.

Check out the Lodge at Suttle Lake website - restaurant is in the lake, just below the lodge

t&g--We have been to both Paulina and East, but no the twin lakes are actually called the South Twin and the North Twin. They are about 30-40 minutes or so from Paulina and East lakes. I didn't say it very well, lol, but if you ask people there how to get to twin lakes, you will not get sent to Paulina and East, but rather south twin and north twin.

Sunbum gives great suggestions about the old highway. Very scenic and a stop at the Dee Wright Observatory is a must. Also the Camp Sherman and Metolious river area. The fish hatchery there is fun, and there is a nice trail along the river. We spent our anniversary in this area last fall.

The restaurant Sunbum is thinking of is the Kokanee Cafe.

MMS- LOL- well I knew it was some kind of salmon!

sunbum--That is funny, I figured that is what you were thinking

sunbum, we have been to Camp Sherman and the Metolius and fish hatchery, but will be going again! We just loved that area. It would be a shame if they overdeveloped that area....My wife just fell in love with the Bend area and Oregon in general. We love it here in Hawaii, but can certainly see why folks are flocking to Oregon.

mms, was the drive to Paulina/East lake worth it? From what I can gather, it seems like a little resort area. I'm thinking that maybe the lava caves and lava butte/visitor center area might be enough. We'll checkout the Dee Wright Observatory while at Sisters!

Where do you live in Hawaii? I lived in Honolulu years ago- worked at Queens Hospital- and other places.
Hawaii is one of my favorite spots- but I don't get back often.

t&g--We usually head over to Paulina to go hiking. The lakes are nice on those hot days though! I probably told you before, but the best hamburger and milkshake dive in Sisters is the Ski Inn. It has been around for years (I remember it was old when we went as kids)! It is on the far end of town, in a red building.

sunbum, we live on Oahu. You worked at Queens? How funny...small world.

mms, I do remember your recommendation about the Ski Inn. We ate there the last time we were there and will again! I think we'll probably skip the Paulina Lakes area this time.

Remember in mid-Sept. the visitors center for Lava Butte is only open Wednesday - Sunday.

Do take the time to drive to the top of Lava Butte. The view is fabulous.

The hike to Benham Falls is very nice.

If you walk through the lava caves, rent the lantern for $4...well worth it.

Don't bother with the lava cast forest. Almost 20 miles on a dirt road...dusty and slow. The Big Island's lava cast forest is 1000 times better!

My husband fell in love with the area many years ago. Five years we purchased a vacation home in the Sunriver area (We live near Sacramento, CA). Every time we visit..about every six weeks...we discover something new. Have fun!