Interpretive Trails Photo Gallery

Interpretive Trails Photo Gallery

The Big Obsidian Flow Trail Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon

The Big Obsidian Flow is a mountain of volcanic glass. It erupted 1300 years ago and is considered "young" in geologic terms. It is also the largest obsidian flow in North America and Native Americans used it to make high-quality tools that were traded throughout the West. This 3/4-mile interpretive trail climbs up onto the flow and loops around to several scenic viewpoints. It took Dick more than two years to complete the layout and design. Walking and surveying was extremely difficult since the glass shredded everything that touched it, but the result is a trail that is one of the highlights of the National Monument.

Trailhead sign. View Larger	Stairway to the top of the flow. View Larger	The trail becomes part of the flow and fits the landscape perfectly. View Larger	Walking on crushed glass. View Larger	Rest stop at the "bonzai tree." View Larger
Flowing through the Flow. View Larger	The viewpoint at the top. View Larger	Creative and durable interpretive signs tell the story of the Flow. View Larger	This one is a tribute to the trail engineer- Dick Dufourd. View Larger	Viewpoint at the top of the stairs. View Larger