The Lava Lands National Monument, located only 15 minutes from Bend, is a worth-it destination run, with multiple road and trail options and truly unique terrain. Park at the Lava Lands Visitor Center, pick up a brochure, and enjoy these running highlights, several of which can be combined. Note: entry fee required.
Trail of the Molten Land. A must run! A 1-mile loop on a paved path meandering across a basalt lava flow to a viewpoint. Hilly! Combine with the 0.3 mile Trail of the Whispering Pines.
Lava Butte. For some great hill work with a rewarding view, run to the top of Lava Butte. It’s 3.2 miles out and back, with a 558-foot gain. From the parking lot, follow the paved road, and then climb the hill to the rim. Great views of the Cascades and Newberry Caldera. At the top, there’s a 1/4-mile trail around the rim. Note: A shuttle bus runs from 10am-4:00 pm, but the gate is open to pedestrians at all times.
Sun-Lava Trail. A 5.3 mile paved multi-use path runs all the way to Sunriver. Popular with cyclists. Mix of forested sections, views of the Deschutes River, Benham Falls. Distances from the Visitor Center:
- Benham East Trailhead: 3.8 miles
- Benham Falls Overlook: 4.4 miles
- Sunriver: 5.3 miles
Deschutes River Trail. This is more of a trail run, with some roots, rocks, and narrower sections. Up to 10 miles, some sections right along the river, passing several falls.
The Lava Lands National Monument, located only 15 minutes from Bend, is a worth-it destination run, with multiple road and trail options and truly unique terrain. Park at the Lava Lands Visitor Center, pick up a brochure, and enjoy these running highlights, several of which can be combined. Note: entry fee required.
Trail of the Molten Land. A must run! A 1-mile loop on a paved path meandering across a basalt lava flow to a viewpoint. Hilly! Combine with the 0.3 mile Trail of the Whispering Pines.
Lava Butte. For some great hill work with a rewarding view, run to the top of Lava Butte. It’s 3.2 miles out and back, with a 558-foot gain. From the parking lot, follow the paved road, and then climb the hill to the rim. Great views of the Cascades and Newberry Caldera. At the top, there’s a 1/4-mile trail around the rim. Note: A shuttle bus runs from 10am-4:00 pm, but the gate is open to pedestrians at all times.
Sun-Lava Trail. A 5.3 mile paved multi-use path runs all the way to Sunriver. Popular with cyclists. Mix of forested sections, views of the Deschutes River, Benham Falls. Distances from the Visitor Center:
- Benham East Trailhead: 3.8 miles
- Benham Falls Overlook: 4.4 miles
- Sunriver: 5.3 miles
Deschutes River Trail. This is more of a trail run, with some roots, rocks, and narrower sections. Up to 10 miles, some sections right along the river, passing several falls.
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