This massive Oregon shield volcano served as a training ground for Apollo moon missions.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Spanning 1,600 square kilometers, Newberry Volcano is a geological giant in the Cascade Range. Its summit caldera holds two distinct lakes and a history of explosive eruptions, the most recent occurring 1,300 years ago. In the 1960s, its unique landscape helped prepare Apollo astronauts for lunar exploration.

Newberry Volcano is a shield-shaped structure located east of the Cascade Range in Oregon. Covering approximately 1,600 square kilometers, it is characterized by its immense size and more than 400 cinder cones and vents, the highest number of any volcano in the contiguous United States. Unlike typical shield volcanoes that erupt only basaltic lavas, Newberry has a complex eruptive history that includes andesitic and rhyolitic lavas, alongside explosive ejections of pumice and pyroclastic flows.

The volcano's summit features a large 6 by 8 kilometer caldera containing two lakes, Paulina and East Lake. These were once a single body of water before volcanic activity created a separating ridge. The region's dry climate means surface runoff is rare, and the lakes are primarily fed by precipitation and groundwater percolation. Paulina Lake, the larger of the two, reaches a maximum depth of 250 feet, while East Lake reaches 180 feet. The area's rugged, igneous terrain proved so similar to lunar landscapes that it was selected in the 1960s to train Apollo astronauts in identifying rock types and collecting geological samples.

While the volcano has been quiet for 1,300 years, it remains active and is closely monitored by the United States Geological Survey. Its formation is generally attributed to the subduction of the Juan de Fuca and Gorda tectonic plates beneath the North American Plate. Beyond its volcanic hazards, the site has a history of significant flooding, such as a major event between 4,000 and 2,300 years ago that released 12,000 acre-feet of water from Paulina Lake. Whether the mountain once supported glaciers remains a subject of scientific debate, as researchers weigh evidence like displaced glacial erratics against the lack of clear cirque formations on its slopes.

Today, Newberry is a popular destination for recreation, despite its proximity to nearly 200,000 people within a 100-kilometer radius. Its ongoing status as an active volcano means it continues to pose potential threats, including lahars, ashfall, and lava flows. By studying its past eruptions and unique geological features, scientists continue to refine their understanding of this massive, complex volcanic system.

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