Lava Butte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lava Butte |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,023 ft (1,531 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 509 ft (155 m) |
| Geography | |
 Lava Butte
Location in Oregon
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| Topo map | USGS Lava Butte |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | About 7,000 years |
| Mountain type | Cinder cone |
| Last eruption | About 7,000 years ago |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Road |
Lava Butte is a fascinating cinder cone volcano in central Oregon, United States. It sits just west of U.S. Route 97, between the towns of Bend and Sunriver. Lava Butte is part of a group of smaller cinder cones found on the side of Newberry Volcano. Newberry is a much larger shield volcano located to the southeast.
The top of Lava Butte has a bowl-shaped crater. This crater is about 60 feet (18 meters) deep on its south side. From the 5,020-foot (1,530-meter) summit on its north side, the crater is about 160 feet (49 meters) deep. Lava Butte is a special part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
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How Lava Butte Was Formed
About 7,000 years ago, Lava Butte had a single, powerful eruption. This is similar to other cinder cones in the area. Geologists studied the site in 1977 to figure out its age.
The eruption started with a crack in the ground. Hot, bubbly rocks called cinders shot out, piling up to form the cone we see today. After this, a slow river of hot, melted rock, called basalt lava, poured from the volcano's base. This lava spread out over a large area to the west. Even today, this black lava field has very few plants growing on it.
The lava flows traveled about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) to the Deschutes River. It buried the river's old path under more than 100 feet (30 meters) of lava. This created a natural dam, forming a lake known as Lake Benham. Over time, the river found a new way to flow. It carved a path through the lava dam, draining the lake and creating the beautiful Benham Falls.
Scientists believe that most of the molten rock, about 90%, came out as lava flows. About 9% formed the cinders that built the cone. The remaining 1% was fine volcanic ash, which settled as a thin layer to the north.
A Look at Lava Butte's Past
The very first people to see Lava Butte were likely Native American tribes. They probably witnessed its eruption and later climbed this new, noticeable landmark. When white settlers arrived in the 1800s, they also noticed the striking butte.
Early Explorers and Fun Surprises
In 1903, I.C. Russell was the first geologist to study Lava Butte. He thought it might have erupted only 150 years before. Another scientist, Dr. Howel Williams, believed it was much older, though he estimated it incorrectly at 1,000 years old.
A fun event happened in September 1914. The Bend Chamber of Commerce "simulated" an eruption of Lava Butte. They did this to surprise a group visiting from Portland! In 1925, a geologist named Harold Stearns from the USGS studied the area. He discovered a system of cracks in the earth that connected Lava Butte to East Lake.
Building and Using the Land
After 1901, the Great Northern Railway built its tracks through this region. The construction teams laid the railway right across the rough, rocky lava flow from Lava Butte.
People also found ways to use the materials from Lava Butte. In June 1926, a quarry was opened on the east side of the butte. This quarry provided crushed rock to pave the first highway connecting The Dalles and California. This road later became U.S. Route 97. In November 1929, cinders from Lava Butte were even sent to Longview, Washington. They were used to help build the Longview Bridge over the Columbia River.
Protecting and Visiting Lava Butte
In 1931, the United States Forest Service built a fire lookout tower on the summit of Lava Butte. This tower helped spot forest fires. A steep, winding road was built in early 1933 to reach the top. In February of that year, a local ski club suggested building a ski jump on Lava Butte, but it was never constructed.
The road up Lava Butte was widened to two lanes in June 1946. Two small parking lots were also added at the summit. The road was later paved in July 1950. The original lookout tower was replaced with a larger one in 1957. It was made even bigger in 1962 to include a small visitor center and museum on the first floor. In 1998, a new lookout tower was built, designed to look like the original 1931 style.
A very special event happened in July 1966. Twenty-two astronauts came to Central Oregon to train for the upcoming Moon landing missions. They practiced at places like Lava Butte, Lava River Cave, and Newberry Crater.
To protect this unique area, the U.S. Forest Service created the Lava Butte Geological Area in May 1967. This area covered about 8,983 acres (3,635 hectares). Plans were made to develop it for recreation and education. Construction for the Lava Lands Visitor Center began in April 1969. It was officially opened in September 1975. Later, in November 1990, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument was established. This monument includes Newberry Crater, the Lava Cast Forest Geological Area, Lava River Cave, and the Lava Butte Geological Area.
Visiting Lava Butte Today
Lava Butte is a popular place to visit. From early May to mid-October, a shuttle bus takes visitors up Red Cinder Road. This road leads from the Lava Lands Visitor Center to the lookout tower on the summit. If you prefer, you can hike up Red Cinder Road all year round. There is also a beautiful rim trail around the top of Lava Butte, which is about 0.35 miles (0.56 kilometers) long. It offers amazing views!
