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In Sunriver or Within a
Few Miles of Sunriver
Cascade Lakes Highway
Cascade Lake Highway is an 87-mile scenic drive accessed from Sunriver to tour gorgeous mountains, mountain lakes, trails and sites for spectacular hikes, mountain bike rides and picnicking. Pristine high mountain lakes along the way include Sparks, Devils, Elk, Lava, Hosmer, Cultus, and Crane Prairie. You'll also carve around the vastly beautiful Central Oregon Mountains of The Three Sisters, Broken Top and Mt. Bachelor on one of the prettiest drives in existence.
High Desert Museum
The High Desert Museum is one of Oregon 's star attractions
– dedicated to bringing to life the High Desert experience through
exhibits and presentations on the region's history, culture, arts,
and wildlife. The Museum experience includes live animals in natural
habitats, school programs, lectures, shopping, and dining. The High
Desert Museum is located 9 miles North of Sunriver on U.S. Highway
97. (541) 382-4754
Lava Butte and Lands Visitor Center
The Lava Lands Visitor Center is the interpretive hub for Newberry
Volcanic Monument is located just off U.S. Hwy. 97, 2 miles north of Sunriver. Lava Lands offers nature walks, interpretive programs, visitor information, displays on geology, volcanology and the
cultural history of Central Oregon. A small book shop offers books
on the Central Oregon area. Behind the Visitor Center there are
two self guided interpretive trails, to explore at your own pace.
One, the Trail of Molten Land, meanders over the 7000 year-old lava
flow from Lava Butte, the imposing cinder cone behind the Visitor
Center. The other, Trail of the Whispering Pines, wanders through
a young ponderosa pine forest. (541) 593-2421
Lava Cast Forest
The Lava Cast Forest trail loops through an area where
hot molten lava erupted from the northwest flank of Newberry Volcano
and engulfed a forest here 7,000 years ago. The landscape now includes
the "casts" or molds, of these ancient trees. The geological
area was established to protect these lava trees and tree molds.
The various flows of the Lava Cast Forest were all erupted from
the Northwest Rift Zone of Newberry Volcano.
There is a one mile paved self guided interpretive
trail with barrier free access. Colonizing plants, such as delicate
penstemon flowers and Indian paintbrush, have taken root in the
rocky soil. Ponderosa pine trees have re-established themselves
and flourished as well, so that the landscape now includes a blend
of the past and the present. Take Forest Service Road 9720, which
begins just across Highway 97 from the South Sunriver exit. Go East
8.6 miles, then turn on Forest Service Road 9720 950 for 0.7 miles
to the Lava Cast Forest parking lot.
Lava River Cave
Lava River Cave is an ancient lava tunnel formed underground
when flowing lava cooled around the edges, while molten lava flowed
through, leaving a tube. Molten rivers of basalt rock spread quickly
and sometimes flowed up to seventy miles. The one mile Lava River
Cave is one of the longest lava tubes in Oregon. The cave temperature
is a constant 42 degrees, so wear warm clothing, and lanterns are
available for rent. This ancient lava tunnel is one of the area's
most interesting secrets. The cave, part of Newberry National Volcanic
Monument, is located approximately 2 miles north of Sunriver on
Highway 97, and is open May through October.
Mt. Bachelor Ski & Summer
Mt. Bachelor is one of the premier ski resorts in the world, featuring
downhill skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, cross country skiing,
snowshoeing, tubing and more. Skiers and snowboarders travel here
for our quality snow conditions of the Cascade Mountains in the
Pacific Northwest . Bachelor has 10 chair lifts and 3683 skiable
acres of snow covered real estate. The Superpipe is built to Olympic
standards at 400 feet long with 17 foot walls. Cross country skiers
and snowshoeing fans vacation in the Cascades for our numerous trails
and spectacular mountain views. Mt. Bachelor Ski & Summer is
located 22 miles west of Bend on Century Drive. The mountain boosts
three day lodges which serve up hot meals and drinks. In the summer,
the trails are open for hiking, mountain biking and enjoy the beautiful
scenic views of the area. (541) 382-2242. or www.mtbachelor.com
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Newberry National Volcanic Monument provides a unique opportunity
to view the Lava Lands of central Oregon. Newberry National Volcanic
National Monument includes 50,000+ acres of lakes, lava flows, and
spectacular geologic features in central Oregon. The highest point
within the Monument is the summit Paulina Peak (7,985 ft.), showcasing
views of the Oregon Cascades and across the High Desert. The summit
area of Newberry Volcano holds two sparkling alpine lakes full of
trout and salmon. Geologists believe the caldera sits over a shallow
magma body only 2 to 5 kilometers deep. Newberry National Volcanic
Monument is located south of Sunriver on Highway 97. Head towards
LaPine, and look for the signs for Newberry crater. There is Paulina
Peak, Paulina and East lakes, which have a variety of trails for hiking
and mountain biking and campgrounds. This area is only accessible
only by snowmobile or cross-country skis in the wintertime. (541)
388-5664.
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory services include interpretive
exhibits, large scale public observatory, educational programs, botanical
garden, and a nature trail featuring live animals and bird exhibits.
An enthusiastic staff and volunteers provide a fun and thoughtful
view of our natural environment. Go to circle 3 and make a right towards
marina, the nature center and observatory will be on the right-hand
side. The Nature Center is open year round except closed Sept. 7 thru
Dec.19. The Observatory is open only on specific days and hours, so
call for information (541) 593-4394.
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