Pine trees towering over an ancient lava flow at Lava Lands Visitor Center, in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon. You can see South Sister and Broken Top in the distance.

The 0.4-mile Trail of the Whispering Pines winds its way through the forest near the visitor center. You get great views of pine trees, Lava Butte, and several nearby volcanoes. This path sits on part of Newberry Volcano, a 1,200-square mile shield volcano.

South Sister, pictured on the left above, is the youngest and most geologically active of the Three Sisters volcanoes. The mountain last erupted 2,000 years ago, but a “bulge” began forming in 1997. By 2001, the bulge grew to 9 inches in height and 10 miles in diameter. Its growth since that time has slowed considerably. Both South Sister and Newberry are regularly monitored for volcanic activity.

Thursday Tree Love

SoyBend

Centered in Bend, Oregon, my blog branches out into nature, history, and art-related topics.

View Comments

Recent Posts

Winter branches: Wordless Wednesday

Winter branches at Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland, Oregon Wordless Wednesday Bend Branches always appreciates…

1 day ago

A chill approaches tanka: TT, RDP, TFH

a chill approacheskaleidoscopes of colorthe grandeur of fallenlightened in the darknessby a brilliant harvest moon…

2 days ago

Old classroom: One-to-three challenge

I recently took a picture of a recreated old classroom at the Deschutes Historical Museum…

5 days ago

Norris Geyser Basin panorama: Wordless Wednesday

Norris Geyser Basin panorama in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Wordless Wednesday Bend Branches always appreciates…

1 week ago

Provide Passage nonet poem: LAPC

Provide passage over barrierson elevated paths and roads.Built of metal, wood, and stoneon sturdy foundations.Create…

2 weeks ago

Brickhouse restaurant: Foodie Friday & OWS

In June 2025, we had an excellent meal at the Brickhouse in downtown Bend, Oregon.…

2 weeks ago