The area around Bend, OR is filled with evidence of volcanic activity. From soaring mountains, like nearby Mount Bachelor, to smaller cinder cones like Lava Butte, it's not hard to figure out that once upon a time, Central Oregon was a place where fire from the ground reigned supreme.
Our first stop yesterday was Pilot Butte, a 500' tall cinder cone located in the heart of Bend. This drive to the top scenic state park, provided us with some panoramic views of the surrounding area, and is a popular hiking spot.
Our next stop was at Lava Butte, located about half way between Bend & Sunriver. This cinder cone is also accessible by a narrow road that winds it's way to the top. An active forest service fire lookout is situated at the end of the road, and the 150' deep volcanic crater is served by a trail all the way around the top of the small mountain. We hiked around the crater, before heading off to the Lava Lands Visitor Center.
After checking out the Visitors Center, we stopped a few miles down the road at Lava Cave. Patty & I had not previously been to this almost mile long volcanic cave. We probably went down, and into the cave for 1,000 feet or so, far enough where it was really dark. There were a group of school kids in front of us, and as noisy as they were, their voices soon disappeared from hearing distance.
Just inside the entrance, we came across a small ice field of moisture that drips from the ceiling. It was still early enough in the season for this natural phenomenon to still exist, as the temperature in the cave was only 42 degrees.
On our climb back out of the cave, some of the school kids passed us by, and when we returned to the top, the 60 degree temps almost felt like we were entering an oven. We've been in other caves, but this was one like no other, especially with the ice formations.
This morning we're off to Bend for an appointment with the local Jeep dealer at 8am. I'm sure we'll find something to do while waiting for the repairs to be completed.
No comments:
Post a Comment