Newbery National Volcanic Monument

Our first field trip day was at the Lava Lands Visitor Center to pickup Sidney’s Jr. Ranger Book and ask questions about ‘accessible’ trails and activities in the area. After checking out the Visitor Center and enjoying a nice presentation by a couple rangers about the local predators in the area, we enjoyed the Lava Lands Interpretive Trail that is next to the Visitor Center and at the base of the Lava Butte.

It was a nice little trail with lots of interruptive signage. Sidney and mama were very excited about the lava formations. About half of the trail was wheelchair accessible with signage indicating when the wheelchair accessibility ends; the rest of the trail was rougher but still stroller friendly.

For our 2nd field trip, we drove out to the “Lava Cast Forest” Day-use area. It was a nice winding but rough drive for about 45 minutes up to the parking lot and picnic. We ate our lunch before going on our hike. There is a short interruptive trail that is semi-‘accessible.’ Our stroller did fine on it but only 1/2 of it would likely be wheelchair friendly…

There was great signage and Sidney did some of his Jr. Ranger Book.

The High Desert Museum

Wednesday, June, 10th 2024 | Bend, OR

Mama’s sister and our niece drove up for the day from Salem, Oregon to join us for a day at the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon.

We really enjoyed our day starting with visiting an exhibit about the native history and local pioneers. After that we headed for the restrooms and found a 1025 USFS Wildland Fire Truck. We then went outside to the Otters exhibit. After enjoying sitting and watching the Otters play and go about their day, we got to see a presentation about the Otters and their life in the Pacific Northwest.

We then took a lunch break on the patio. After lunch we kept exploring the outside and heading for the and then headed for the Birds of Prey visit. We listen to a talk about Wolves returning to the High Desert and a second talk about Wild Horses and how BLM is trying to manage them.

We finished our day at the kids play room where both boys went wild.

Benham Falls Trail & Pilot Butte State Park

Wednesday, June, 19th 2024 | Deschutes National Forest | Bend, OR

The boys’ grandparents joined us for a quick hike to the overlook at Benham Falls for a photo opp. Sidney did a little work on his Jr. Ranger Book for the National Forest.

After we parted ways we stopped by Pilot Butte State Park for a quick photo op and looked around.

Paulina Lake, Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Friday, June, 21st 2024 | Deschutes National Forest | Bend, OR

Our final field trip before we left was to Paulina Lake. This is definitely an area we need so spend several more field trips the next time we are in the area. We drove up to the resort for a restroom break and walked along the beach of one of the lakes.

We then explored the Big Obsidian Flow Trailhead and Interpretive Site. Sadly, this area was not stroller friendly; so, we did not get to do the entire trail. We did go to the the base of the Obsidian Flow and a couple of us walked up to the to stop of the stairs and then back down.

We finished the day at the Ranger Station where Sidney not only got sworn in, but got the honor of having it done by the very Ranger the that made the book and program for the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, whose name was also Sydney.