At a mere 1300 years old, the Big Obsidian Flow is the youngest lava flow in Oregon. A one-mile interpretive trail climbs up and onto this impressive lava flow of obsidian (black glass) and pumice. The Newberry Crater Trail also passes through this site, which connects to the Lost Lake Trail.
This is also the location of the Big Obsidian Flow Ampitheater wherer ranger talks are featured throughout the summer. A current schedule of these lectures can be found at the Paulina Visitor Center.
The site also features several picnic tables and a toilet.
Recreation Fee Site: Parking at this site requires a recreation pass May 1 – September 30. Passes are NOT available at this site, but can be purchased from Forest Service offices or vendors. Please check here for more information about recreation passes and where they can be purchased.
Acceptable passes include:
- $5 Day Pass
- Northwest Forest Pass
- Interagency Annual Pass
- Interagency Senior Pass (America the Beautiful, Golden Age)
- Interagency Access Pass
- Interagency Military Pass
- Every Kid in a Park Pass
- Northwest Forest ePass
