the summit of Paulina Peak ( elevation |
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7,985 feet ). |
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The route – an unplowed road – |
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was well-groomed but steep , with |
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Established in 1990 , the Newberry National Volcanic Monument contains the most spectacular geologic features to be found within the Newberry Volcano region , which includes ancient lava flows that encompass 1,200 square miles . These include Lava Butte , Lava Cast Forest , Lava River Cave ( Oregon ’ s longest intact lava tube ), Pumice Flat and the Big Obsidian Flow , a 700-acre field of volcanic glass created during the most recent eruption 1,300 years ago .
Interestingly , Newberry ’ s desolate lava fields served as training ground for Apollo astronauts in the mid-1960s prior to their missions to the moon . With numerous fumaroles emitting volcanic gases at the surface , this is an active volcanic system and is monitored accordingly .
The centerpiece is the Newberry Caldera , created when the volcano ’ s magma dome collapsed and formed a crater 17 square miles in diameter . Within the caldera are Paulina and East Lakes , with the nearby Paulina Mountains and Paulina Peak overlooking this scenic tableau .
Newberry Volcano was named in honor of geologist John Strong Newberry , who explored central Oregon in the early 19th century , but never actually visited the volcano itself .
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plenty of twists and turns as we worked our way higher . The view was increasingly impressive as we climbed , but it was essential to keep eyes on the trail , especially when it became a shelf road for several hundred yards with a treacherous drop-off alongside .
The last half-mile was the steepest and took us past a cluster of “ snow ghosts ” – heavily flocked pine trees laden with snow and standing like sentinels guarding the summit . A moment later we were at the top , and a spectacular 360-degree view was our reward . With clear skies and unlimited visibility , we could see a dozen faroff peaks , which our hosts identified by name . Just below us to the north were snow-covered Paulina Lake and East Lake .
After basking on the mountaintop for a few minutes , we were
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This trail shot showcases the firm and smooth conditions we encountered .
mobiles , each with two riders , arrived at
the summit . Three of them were carrying
snowboards and the other was toting a
pair of skis . They parked their sleds and
before they began their descent , Dan and
I began asking questions and snapping
pictures . These intrepid young men explained
their system of shuttling up and
down the mountain between runs , leav-
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As we watched , the foursome mounted their boards and skis and headed down the back side of the mountain , effortlessly sidehilling across a snowy cliff face before disappearing from view . It looked insanely dangerous , but it was obvious that these guys were both passionate and skilled .
Heading down the mountain was an easy ride and it was only a few minutes
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preparing to head down from our |
ing two sleds at the peak and two below |
to our lunch spot , Paulina Lake Lodge , the |
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lofty heights when a pair of snow- |
where they would end up . |
only establishment in the proximity . Our |