Would you ever live in the summit of an active volcano? 10,000 years ago a group of Native Americans chose Newberry Crater as their home, and now you can drive through the crater and see why they chose this pinnacle high above the ground. Pathways made of miles of glowing basalt and obsidian flows make up the structure of the summit, making the Newberry National Volcanic National Monument one of the most outstanding geological features in central Oregon.
But Newberry is not the only remains of volcanic activity. As you travel the Byway, pause along the Abert Rim, the largest geologic fault in America. A daunting sight, it towers 2,500 feet above the valley floor of Eastern Oregon's high desert. Hang gliders can test the heights and wind from the pinnacle of this remarkable structure. While not quite as massive in height, Fork Rock is still a must-see for visitors. The remains of the volcano resemble a giant citadel from the outside and contain a Homestead Village inside, showing visitors what life was like in the early stages of settlement of the West.
Explore a variety of volcanic formations at Devils Garden and Lava Mountain Squaw Ridge Wilderness Study Area. While you peer over the edges of the sunken formation, marks along the sides of the craters show the various explosions that created this wonder of nature. Hike through the lava flows and see the different types of lava compositions that resemble a huge meteor crater. The lunar-like landscape helped to train astronauts in the 1960s.
Geologists and budding volcanologists alike will enjoy exploring the Outback Scenic Byway. Visitors can wander along obsidian pathways where molten lava bubbles only three miles below the surface, and scientists predict that one day it will erupt again.
Lava and Landmarks along the Outback Scenic Byway
Outback Scenic Byway Overview