Scott McBride, Newberry National Volcanic Monument manager for the Deschutes National Forest, talks about Lava Lands Visitors Center and the top of Lava Butte. (Andy Tullis/Bulletin file photo)

Lava Lands Visitor Center closed the gates to its parking lots Monday to allow construction crews to continue paving work that began earlier this fall.

The lower parking lot is tentatively scheduled to reopen Saturday morning. 

Access to Forest Road 9702, which leads to the Benham Falls East Trailhead, will remain open this week, but visitors should exercise caution and watch out for traffic on the roadside.

The Lava Lands Visitor Center is closed for the season.