Paulina Lake Oregon
A stunning volcanic crater lake in Central Oregon, offering hot springs, hiking, fishing, and breathtaking peak views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and bugs
Paulina Lake Oregon
Best Time
Beat the crowds and bugs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning volcanic crater lake in Central Oregon, offering hot springs, hiking, fishing, and breathtaking peak views.
"The lake is just stunning. There’s a lot of wildlife around and cute little hot spring holes in the ground."
🦟 Bug Spray is Non-Negotiable
Seriously, bring the strongest you can find. Bugs are a major complaint! :bug:
📵 Embrace the Digital Detox
No cell service here! Download offline maps and enjoy being unplugged. :iphone:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 195 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Paulina Lake Hot Springs
Eastern shoreline
Dig your own natural hot spring tub in the volcanic sand along the lake's edge. A unique, primitive experience combining hot and cool waters.
Paulina Peak Views
Summit of Paulina Peak
Drive or hike to this incredible overlook for panoramic views of the twin crater lakes and surrounding volcanic landscape.
Paulina Falls
Off the main road
An easily accessible waterfall offering a beautiful natural spectacle, perfect for a quick stop and photo opportunity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bug Off: Essential Gear for Paulina Lake
Unplug and Unwind: Embrace the Digital Detox
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦟 Bug Spray is Non-Negotiable
Seriously, bring the strongest you can find. Bugs are a major complaint! :bug:
📵 Embrace the Digital Detox
No cell service here! Download offline maps and enjoy being unplugged. :iphone:
♨️ Dig Your Own Hot Spring
The hot springs are primitive; dig your perfect spot by the lake. 
🚗 Drive to Paulina Peak
The road can be treacherous, but the views are worth it!
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Bug Spray is Non-Negotiable
Seriously, bring the strongest you can find. Bugs are a major complaint! :bug:
📵 Embrace the Digital Detox
No cell service here! Download offline maps and enjoy being unplugged. :iphone:
♨️ Dig Your Own Hot Spring
The hot springs are primitive; dig your perfect spot by the lake.
🚗 Drive to Paulina Peak
The road can be treacherous, but the views are worth it!
🎣 Fishing is Popular
Paulina Lake is known for good fishing opportunities. :fishingpoleand_line:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Paulina Lake is lauded for its stunning volcanic scenery, unique hot springs, and the rewarding hike to Paulina Peak. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to unplug and enjoy nature, with many calling it a hidden gem. However, the abundance of bugs is a consistent drawback, and some find the roads challenging.
"Tons of bugs! Bring the strongest bug spray you can find and drench yourself in it. The camping spot we got didn’t provide that much shade. Bathrooms were really well taken care of. The lake is just stunning. There’s a lot of wildlife around and cute little hot spring holes in the ground. There’s also an amazing overlook. No cell signal, but it’s kind of nice to unplug. There’s two lodge restaurants in the area. So much to do. But those bugs just don’t quit. I left with so many bug bites."
Kara Cooper
"A beautiful lake near Bend and it's a must visit place. The view around the lake is fantastic, and the scenery is close to the lakes in Rocky Mountains. The trail around the lake is great, with great views and lots of trees. What makes this lake unique is the amazing hot spring, it's primitive but is pure natural. It's just some small ponds by the lake and you can enjoy both the cool water and the hot water alternatively. It's about 1.5 miles hike from the trailhead, and really worth it. Only problem is that it could get crowded so I would suggest going there early in the morning."
J. X. (JX2069)
"An overall excellent experience. The camping locations around the lake are amazing with gorgeous views. The fishing is good. The trail hikes are great. The area is kept clean. The hotsprings are wonderful to sit in. You can really find yourself at peace here."
Jason Saunders
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Paulina Lake is located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, about an hour's drive southeast of Bend. Take US-97 South and then follow signs for Paulina Lake Road. The road can be rough in places, especially the drive up to Paulina Peak.
Paulina Lake Road is typically open seasonally, usually from late spring through fall. Winter conditions can make it impassable due to snow. Always check current road conditions before your visit.
Yes, you can drive to Paulina Peak, but the road is steep and can be challenging, especially for lower-clearance vehicles. Many visitors opt to hike it instead.
Within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, driving is the primary way to access different areas like the lake, Paulina Peak, and the hot springs. Once at the lake, activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking are popular.
Currently, there are no regular shuttle services to Paulina Lake. Visitors typically drive their own vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Paulina Lake is part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which typically requires a recreation pass. You can purchase a day pass or an annual pass at the monument entrance or online.
Paulina Lake and the surrounding monument are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific facilities like the lodge may have their own operating hours.
Yes, camping at Paulina Lake is highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season. Popular campgrounds like Paulina Lake Campground often fill up quickly.
The Paulina Lake Hot Springs are a natural, primitive area and do not require reservations. However, they can get crowded, so arriving early is advised.
Occasionally, areas within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument may experience temporary closures due to weather, fire restrictions, or maintenance. It's always a good idea to check the Forest Service website for any alerts before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular activities include fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking to Paulina Peak, exploring the hot springs, and visiting Paulina Falls. The scenery is stunning year-round.
While the lake is beautiful, the water can be quite cold. Many visitors enjoy the hot springs for soaking and the lake for water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking.
You might spot various wildlife, including deer, birds, and other forest creatures. Be mindful of your surroundings and do not feed the animals.
Yes, there are several hiking trails, including the trail around the lake and the more challenging hike up to Paulina Peak. The trail around the lake offers great views.
Paulina Lake has a maximum depth of approximately 250 feet.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are lodge restaurants available at Paulina Lake, offering dining options for visitors.
Absolutely! Many visitors pack picnics and snacks, especially if camping or spending the day exploring. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Besides the lodge restaurants, options are limited. It's advisable to bring your own food or plan to dine in Bend before or after your visit.
Information about a general store is not readily available, but it's best to come prepared with your essentials as services can be limited.
The lodge restaurants offer a range of meals. One visitor mentioned having a delicious breakfast casserole before heading out. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Paulina Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views, making it a prime photography location. The lake itself, Paulina Falls, and the hot springs also provide stunning photographic opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset often provide the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but the unique volcanic landscape still offers great shots.
Drone usage is subject to regulations within National Forests and Volcanic Monuments. Always check current FAA and Forest Service guidelines before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures of waterfalls.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit