Big Lava Bed

The Big Lava Bed, located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in the southwestern area of the State of Washington, originated from a 500-foot-deep crater in the northern center of the bed.

The Big Lava Bed is the youngest feature of the Indian Heaven volcanic field.

The 0.9-cubic kilometer lava flow erupted from the cinder cone about 8200 years ago.

Lodgepole pine, alder, and other pioneer plants struggle to grow, seen sparsely growing between and amid towering rock piles, caves, and strange lava formations.

Explorers who wish to venture deep within the lava flow are advised to choose their route carefully.

Satellite map showing the various shield volcanoes topped by cinder and spatter cones that characterizes the Indian Heaven Volcanic Field The Big Lava Flow can be seen as the lighter green/brown area at the bottom center. The orange volcano icon in the flow marks the location of the cinder cone, the lava flow's source.