Climb Cinder Hill at Newberry Crater

Because it's on the other side of Bend, it's easy for Newberry Crater to be off the radar screen for those of us with mountain wonders of our own to enjoy here in Sisters. Occasionally, though, it's nice to investigate areas that we might otherwise overlook. It's been 22 years since Newberry National Volcanic Monument was added to the National Park System, and I'm willing to bet that there are more than a few Sisters residents who still haven't bothered to check out this scenic wonder.

Like it's National Park cousin, Crater Lake, Newberry Crater isn't really a crater, at all. It's a caldera, which is formed when a volcano implodes or collapses inward, rather than exploding outward. Nearby Blue Lake, below Santiam Pass, is yet another example of a volcanic caldera.

The Newberry region is still an active volcanic area and is being explored as a source of natural geothermic energy. The underlying molten magma is relatively close to the earth's surface in the Newberry area. In addition to the remnants of Mt. Newberry that form the caldera rim, the principal features within the park are two lakes - Paulina and East Lakes - which have formed inside the massive caldera; and one of the best places to take in the magnificent views of the lakes and the surrounding area is from the top of Cinder Hill.

Perched on the northeast edge of the caldera rim, at 7,303 feet of elevation, Cinder Hill sounds like it would be one heck of a climb. The chief mitigating factor, however, is that the trail to the top starts at over 6,400 feet. The hike begins at the Cinder Hill Campground at the northeast corner of East Lake, which - predictably - is at the east end of the caldera.

The trail can be picked up at a number of places, but the easiest starting point is at the trailhead near campsite #51, which is where we began our hike. The first part of the hike is pretty flat and soon passes through a stretch of dead, barkless, and whitening lodgepole pine. About the time the trees turn green again, the trail begins to trend upward.

This trail is in very good condition and never becomes extremely steep, but it will still get you huffing and puffing if you want to attack it hard for a strenuous workout. Even though the elevation gain is less than a thousand feet, the difference is enough to see significant changes in the forest.

In the lower elevations of the park, ponderosa pines proliferate, giving way to the lodgepoles; but, as the elevation increases, hemlocks begin to predominate. The entire hike, from parking lot to the summit and return, comes in at less than six miles. At the 1.8-mile mark, most of the elevation gain is behind you, and the trail joins up with the Crater Rim Trail.

Take a right and follow the trail south along the caldera rim. From here on, the rim trail undulates with incidental ups and downs but is more of a pleasant alpine stroll than anything else. It's a little over a mile to the high point of Cinder Hill, which is recognizable by its broad slope of red cinders.

We sat on a log and ate our lunch, while soaking in the magnificent views of the lakes, nearby Paulina Peak, and the pointy spire of Mt. Thielsen in the distance. On a beautiful day like we experienced, it can be almost painful to make the decision to retrace your steps and head back down to the car. We were also fortunate to visit on a day when the park was almost deserted. To enjoy that kind of solitary experience, your odds are best after Labor Day.

The park also boasts waterfalls, hot springs, and a host of other outdoor activities. One attraction not to be missed, however, is the Big Obsidian Flow, which is accessible from a well-marked parking area on the south side of the access road between the two lakes.

Obsidian forms from igneous activity when lava with a high silica content cools with low water and air content. A self-guiding trail explains how the volcanic black glass occurred at this site. This relatively recent geologic event is believed to have taken place only 1,300 years ago. Prior to the most recent volcanic activity, when lava partially refilled the caldera, East and Paulina Lakes were joined together in a single caldera lake reminiscent of Crater Lake.

To reach the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, drive south 22 miles from Bend on Highway 97, and turn left (east) on Road 21 where a prominent sign points toward the Newberry Caldera. From there, it's about 11 miles to the entrance station and seven more to the Cinder Hill Campground. This is a fee area, so a daily pass, Northwest Forest Pass, Golden Eagle or other qualifying pass is required.