Newberry Volcanic National Monument, OR


Another great night dispersed camping in the Deschutes National Forest. But it was 37° this morning!!!!! Thank you propane furnace. Whoa, I am in the high desert, and fortunately tempertures heat up quickly.

I was the very first person to enter the Lava River Cave this morning. The photo shows entry into a 42° dark hole. I was not planning to walk the two mile round trip, as it was considered strenuous, and climbing rocks (boulders) in the dark was part of it. But I wanted to go down for a bit, using my flashlight and headlights to see this lava created tube. I did not see any bats.

I headed to the Lava Cast Forest Trail. Soon enough, that road turned into a dirt road. An 8 mile dirt road. An 8 mile washboard dirt road. With each turn, I hoped it would be better, but dirt roads are unpredictable. It was actually not bad, by dirt road standards. Except you are so happy when the drive is over. The one mile paved trail was easy. I was the only one here, and if the pine trees were palm trees, I could have confused this with Hawaii. I loved seeing the blooming wild flowers inbetween the lava rocks.

I drove to Big Obsidian Flow Trailhead. It was the first time I have witnessed a volcanic glass, obsidian flow. The hill sparkled with reflecting light, chunks of black glass for as far as the eye could see! This was another one mile hike, starting with straight up stairs. They had a "no dogs" sign, as this trail is full of sharp volcanic glass shards. So, of course Jo Jo was carried in the pouch, and got dozens of new and adoring fans. He did his part "gumming" the children who hurridly tried to pet him. I have to admit that I find that entertaining. Jo Jo is so benign and harmless without his teeth.

The views were truely amazing, but not as much as the views from the top of Paulina Peak, a nearly 7800' climb to the top of this mountain. Again, I made the wrong assumption about this road, as it was a steep.... very washboard dirt road 4 miles up. It was narrow, for the most part, one lane, with no guard rails. The Gypsy did fine. I had a few white knuckle moments. I drove on low gear all the way down. The views up there almost brought me to tears. I saw the obsidian flow, with its undulating patterns, Paulina Lake, and East Lake, pockets of snow, and snow caped moutains to the west. There were purple, red, yellow and white wildflowers, many butterflies, and the volcanic cauldera. Breathtaking. I just sat and stared. 

The sun has been out daily for over a week now since I am on the east side of the cascade range. I made one last stop to the beautiful Paulina Falls, before finding another spot nearby, for the night, in the Deschutes National Forest. I did alot today, and hope to sleep well.











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