East Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District
When the lava flows from Lava Butte reached the Deschutes River, they filled the existing canyon from the Benham Falls area to Dillon Falls with more than 100 feet of lava and formed a dam. The river backed up to form a lake which extended south through the Sunriver Area. When the lake reached its maximum depth it spilled over a low saddle on Benham Buttes and began to cut the channel that today is known as Benham Falls.

Permit Information
Permits required and may be obtained from the ranger station in this district for a minimal fee.

Directions
Head east on State Highway 31 off US Highway 97.

Information Center
Ranger stations are located in Bend and Crescent cities, or you can head over to the Newberry National Volcanic Momument where there are two visitor centers.

Activities