Lava Butte Lookout — Attraction in Sunriver

Awesome place! Even the drive up was cool! The walk around the top was really neat and kid friendly (there's no rails, but obviously, make sure your kid doesn't get too close to the edge). The trail was wide enough that it wasn't scary to walk around. The view was amazing in October when we went. It was clear, a little hazy, but we could still see the mountains in the distance. Entry was free, but we did have to pay for a pass to park at the top. We didn't have to wait to drive up and walk around, but you do need a pass because there is limited parking. We got there kind of late so we had to rush it, but it was still awesome! It was really cool to look down and see where the lava rock is! The whole area is very well maintained and there's a cute little gift shop/information/museum area that has a lot of info and a pretty awesome model topographical map...

Dec 28, 2023 Although the facilities are closed in the winter. The parking lots were open. You can park and do all the trails still. We hiked to the lookout on top using the paved road. Its the only way up. There is a big gate at the bottom to keep cars off the road. There is an unlocked pedestrian gate at the same spot. The uphill grade is 8% according to a sign. If your in moderate shape it takes about 2 hours top to bottom including the 1/4 rim trail at the top. Great hike, views and interpretive signs. Only negatives were off leash dogs and some rude bicyclist that were determined to ride all the way to the lookout building using the narrow path at the top. Also bicyclist would speed downhill at over 40 mph between downhill and uphill walkers. Truly dangerous with kids and unleashed dogs darting around. We encoutered 4 speeding bicyclist...

Great visitor center. Guides have large map and explain volcanoes and cinder cones in area location/history. Then fairly large center has many displays, visual, hands on, films, etc. that provide an interesting and great educational experience for all ages. small gift shop. They give out free timed passes so you can drive to top of cinder cone (ask at entrance gate). Beautiful views up there. Also a fire lookout with a very informative ranger. Steep stairs to get to lookout. You can hike around cinder cone. Trail is tiny/small red rocks and a little step at start and finish. National park so there is an admission. Free parking. WC accessible at center and top parking lot. Bathrooms were very clean. 3 Hiking trails begin at...