Lava Butte Interpretive Site

Lava Butte is a cinder cone rising 500 feet above Lava Lands Visitor Center. A cinder covered trail encircles the rim of the cone with outstanding views. 

There is a working fire lookout atop Lava Bute, but please don't disturb the staff in the lookout. You may enter the room beneath the lookout and view the panoramic photos that help identify the peaks in view.

Peak Season (Mid-June – Labor Day Weekend)

During the peak season, the Deschutes National Forest and Discover Your Forest partner with Cascades East Transit (CET) to provide shuttle service to the top of Lava Butte.

• The shuttle departs from Lava Lands Visitor Center and the top of Lava Butte every 20 minutes between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost: $5/person (Children 5 and under ride FREE)
  • Tickets can be purchased inside of the Lava Lands Visitor Center bookstore
  • Tickets can also be purchased using the Umo app
• Shuttles are wheelchair accessible
• Transport available for bicycles and leashed dogs
• Access by personal motor vehicles is not permitted on days when the shuttle is in service

Non-Peak Season (mid-April to mid-June / Tues. after Labor Day to mid-October)

Outside of the peak season, visitors can obtain free first-come, first-serve timed permits to access the top of Lava Butte by personal vehicles. Permits are available at the Lava Lands Welcome Station. Road access for personal vehicles is only available during Lava Lands Visitor Center hours of operation.

• Vehicles greater than 22' long may not go up the butte.

Non-Motorized Access

• Visitors may access Lava Butte by non-motorized methods at any time from dawn to dusk.
• The Lava Lands Visitor Center parking area remains open year-round; however, access during winter months is dependent on snow accumulation. The lot is not plowed or maintained during winter.