Newberry Crater

Large volcanic crater (‘caldera’) situated 40 km/25 mi south of Bend, in central Oregon. The Newberry Crater is 6–8 km/4–5 mi wide, and was formed some 10,000 years ago by the collapse of the huge volcano known as Mount Newberry. The highest point on the rim is Paulina Peak (2,434 m/7,985 ft).

Newberry Crater is the site of Paulina Lake and East Lake, separated by a cinder cone and lava flow that developed long after the initial collapse; both have hot sulphur springs. A flow of black obsidian (volcanic glass-like material) to the south of Paulina Lake creates a surrealistic landscape, while on the rim of the crater, the cinder cone of Lava Butte rises to a height of 152 m/500 ft. On the northwestern slope of the crater stands the Lava Cast Forest (area 5 sq mi/13 sq km), so called from the castings or impressions that were formed when a lava flow engulfed an existing forest. Farther to the northwest is Lava River Cave, popular with potholers; its main shaft is 1,585 m/5,200 ft long.