Attractions and Places To See around Three Rivers - Top 20

The area around Three Rivers is rich in natural features, primarily shaped by volcanic activity. You can explore the unique moonlike lava landscape at Newberry Volcanic Monument: Lava Lands, which offers short trails and access to a cinder cone. Another highlight is the Trail of the Molten Land, where information boards detail the geological history and unique flora and fauna of the volcanic landscape. The Deschutes River Bridge is also a notable spot along the river.

Yes, several attractions around Three Rivers are suitable for families. The Newberry Volcanic Monument: Lava Lands and the Trail of the Molten Land are both categorized as family-friendly, offering engaging educational experiences about volcanic history. Lake Aspen at Sunriver Nature Center is another excellent family spot, featuring a bike path and diverse wildlife, including various birds, snakes, and frogs.

Three Rivers offers a variety of outdoor activities, especially cycling and running. You can find numerous routes for touring bicycles, such as the 'Benham Falls via Lava-Benham Trail loop' or the 'Newberry Volcanic Monument loop'. For runners, there are trails like the 'Lake Aspen – View of the Deschutes River loop'. You can explore more options for cycling and running in the area.

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. Popular options include the 'Anns Butte Trail', 'Deschutes River and Sun-Lava Trail Loop', and 'Benham Falls via Deschutes River Trail'. These trails offer accessible ways to experience the natural beauty of the region. For more details on easy hikes, refer to the easy hikes guide.

The Trail of the Molten Land is a short nature trail located near the Lava Lands Visitor Center. It leads directly into a landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions, offering an impressive and well-designed experience. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the geological history of Oregon, the eruption history, and the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this environment.

Newberry Volcanic Monument: Lava Lands is part of the larger Newberry Volcanic Monument. It features short trails that take you into a moonlike lava landscape and up to a cinder cone, which is even accessible by car. The Visitor Center provides interesting information and maps. On busy days, you might need to reserve a time slot to access the cinder cone.

The Deschutes River Bridge, which resembles a suspension bridge, has a fascinating history. It was installed in 1905 as a river ruler to measure water flow, a function explained by a sign at the site.

Lake Aspen at Sunriver Nature Center is a scenic area featuring a bike path that winds along the lake to Sunriver. It's a great spot for wildlife observation, with various species like snakes, lizards, frogs, salamanders, and a wide array of birds, including owls, hawks, eagles, and swans.

Yes, the Log Jam is a notable historical site. This man-made log jam predates the current footbridge and was created in the 1920s to protect an older bridge from debris floating downstream. It's unique for resembling a floating garden due to the grass growing on the logs.

Visitors particularly appreciate the geological history on display at sites like the Trail of the Molten Land, where interpretive signs make the volcanic landscape come alive. The moonlike scenery at Newberry Volcanic Monument: Lava Lands is also highly regarded for its unique visual appeal and accessible trails. The area's natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling and running are also major draws.

Yes, both the Trail of the Molten Land and Newberry Volcanic Monument: Lava Lands offer viewpoints where you can take in the unique volcanic landscapes. Additionally, Lake Aspen at Sunriver Nature Center provides pleasant views of the lake and surrounding nature.

The Newberry Volcanic Monument: Lava Lands is listed as dog-friendly, making it a great option for exploring the volcanic landscape with your canine companion. Always ensure to check specific park rules and keep your dog on a leash.