Mount Newberry

Another wonderful day spent scoping out the area around Bend.  On our way south to Medford, we stopped at Newberry National Volcanic Monument.  Mount Newberry is a shield volcano.  There are a number of campgrounds, hiking trails and other things to do in the Newberry Caldera.  We drove up the one lane road to Paulina Peak, which has breathtaking views of the two lakes, the enormous lava flow and the mountains in the distance.  We hiked around a short distance, checking out the views from all directions.  Cannon and Chris found some old snow partway down a hill and threw snowballs at Colson and I!

After Paulina Peak we drove to Big Obsedian, a lava flow from about 1300 years ago.  It is about 90% pumice and 10% obsidian.  There is a trail along the 1.1 square mile flow and it was just amazing walking it.  The areas with obsidian were fantastic...such a beautiful rock.  We stopped at one area with a bench for some snacks, and then continued on.

A huge area of obsidian.  It's hard to see in the picture.  You must go in person!

Cannon is carrying a snowball!  We found another area where there is still old snow and Cannon carried that snowball the entire hike.  However, it was much, much smaller by the end!

This was a great learning experience for all of us.  So many good memories made!
Enjoying every moment!