This area in central Oregon is its own unique volcanic site. Wonderful and unique formations abound. We started with a drive to Fort Rock created by lava that spewed out and landed in a lake.
The steam forced the lava rock out and it landed in a three-sided formation that appears fort-like. Climbing into it provides a closeup view of the steep walls. Sand and dirt trapped by the walls now provide soil for plants to grow and the windblown holes in the rocks offer nest sites for birds and animals.
Jeff was the one who planned our trip to central Oregon. He looked at the map and announced he wanted to see Hole in the Ground and a couple of other holes and cracks that we didn’t find. He did go down the hole and enjoyed the perspective. His final words on it, “It’s a big hole.”
The next day we continued our lava search first by driving up to the peak of Newberry National Volcanic Monument to enjoy the view. Unfortunately, the sky is hazy from fires and all the views are impacted by smoke. You can look at the sun and see it as an orange ball not an over bright orb.
Newberry is considered a loner volcano because they claim “it has too many faults” (sorry not my pun). It is not part of the Cascades and other mountain ranges with volcanic origins but is its own formation. From the top, we viewed Paulina and East Lakes.
On the Obsidian Flow Trail we clambered along a trail lined with this natural glass. Native
Americans used obsidian to make such tools as arrowheads and as a valuable trading commodity.
We found it beautiful, some with razorsharp edges and some truly as smooth as glass.
Our last stop in this area was a walk through Lava Cast Forest. Here, where trees grew tall, lava flowed around the bases. Its heat dissolved the trees and what is left is a lava hole or cast where the tree once grew. Some of the trees in the area twist around seeking to distribute water to their limbs. These trees too left the imprint of their twisted bark upon the lava cast.
Next we went to Paulina Falls.
Jeff and Anna Lee took a trail up to the top of the falls.
Then they went down to the bottom which was a much better view.
Re your opening paragraphs, are you telling me that the lava flow from the volcanic eruption entered the lake and the resulting steam then caused the he now cooled lava to be ejected from the lake and wind up in the formation we now see? Sounds a bit far fetched to me.
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