Big Obsidian Flow Trailhead and Interpretive Site — Attraction in Sunriver

I expected a flow of only obsidian. The obsidian is mixed in with other types of lava, so it is not just a huge black obsidian mound. Still very glad we went to see it. First part of the trail which gets you to the flow is smooth and slightly uphill. Read the info board at the start of this trail to learn more about the flow and lava types to be found here. At the base of the stairs there is another info board to read. Do stop to read it so you know what you are experiencing. Look around here at the various types of lava in the flow. You won't see any different lava going on from here. Wheelchair users can get to this point to enjoy the flow and feel the different lava types. Next part is up the stairs to some benches on the flow. Sit here a few and look around. Next I went up the trail for 1/4 mile up or so, then turned back as it was challenging for me and I did not think I'd see much more obsidian than what I was looking at along the trail. Going back was more challenging for me than going up. I was really glad we went to see this and that we got to walk on a lava flow. We met some really nice people here. I recommend this for everyone with each person going as far as they feel they should. It is recommended to NOT bring dogs as...

An excellent visit! Firstly, you have to pay attention to the map (on the park's website) and where various things are located. It would otherwise be easy to miss it if you didn't know it was there. After parking in the large lot, walk about 100 feet to the metal stairs, from which you climb onto the lava flow. At the end of those stairs, you can either call it a day, turn around and come back down, or keep going and clamber over the lava. Thankfully, many people before us have made a dusty path, so we followed that. About half-way, the path splits into two, but following either direction brings you back to the same point. You're following a loop, in other words. We visited July 1...I monitored the park website beforehand while planning this trip. It was closed up until mid-June because it was still snowed in. When we got there, there were still icy patches that we had to negotiate, but nothing too hazardous. The obsidian rocks are well worth touching and comparing with the adjacent pumice. We got a good view at the top of the distance snowed-in mountains...I think they were the Sisters mountains if I'm not mistaken. Excellent place to...

This was probably my favorite part of the day. After visiting Paulina Falls and climbing Paulina Peak and walking around Paulina Lake, we headed over to Big Obsidian Flow. The placards are very well done; professional, informative, and interesting! It's fascinating beyond description to walk the trails of broken glass and to learn about obsidian. Otherworldly, full of beauty, it's a very special place. Moreover, on our way off the lollipop and heading towards the stairs we spied a bear romping around in the meadow below us. Fantastic experience from beginning to end! I loved every minute of being on that flow... amazing to look down on it all day from afar and then to walk on it all evening, nose-to-nose. I'm especially astounded that obsidian can be sharpened to a one molecule width. Very easy to resist the urge to pick up a piece to take home as this place is sacred and deserves honor and respect. Wear sturdy shoes and bring trekking poles and a hat. It's very exposed, but the trail is easy to follow and extremely worth...