What Makes Paulina Lake Extraordinary

Paulina Lake and East Lake sit inside the caldera of Newberry Volcano — a shield volcano that last erupted approximately 1,300 years ago. The caldera is about 4 miles wide, ringed by the volcano’s rim at 7,000–7,985 feet. Standing at Paulina Peak above the lake, you’re looking down into a geologic cauldron that still shows its volcanic heart: geothermal hot springs vent along the shore, the obsidian flow on the caldera floor is one of the largest in the U.S., and the pumice desert surrounding the monument remains largely unchanged from the last eruption.

The lakes themselves are geothermally warmed — Paulina Lake runs 2–4°F warmer than similar-elevation lakes, which extends its ice-free season and supports exceptional aquatic productivity. That productivity is why the lake holds the world record for brown trout: a 27-pound, 10.5-ounce fish caught in 2002. Trophy fishing is not hyperbole here.

Getting There

From Bend: take US-97 south approximately 24 miles to La Pine, then turn east on Paulina Lake Road (Forest Road 21) and drive 13 miles up to the lake. The access road is paved its full length. The drive itself is beautiful — ponderosa forest transitioning to lodgepole as you gain elevation. Allow 45–50 minutes from Bend. The access road is typically snow-free from late May through October; check conditions in shoulder months.

A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required at the day-use areas. The annual pass ($80) is the right call if you’re visiting more than twice — it covers every federal recreation site in Oregon.

What to Do

Fishing

Paulina Lake is managed for trophy fishing under Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife regulations. Consult the current ODFW regulations before fishing — special rules apply to methods, bag limits, and seasons. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon are the primary targets. Boat fishing is productive; bank fishing works especially well around the inlet areas and near the geothermal springs on the south shore.

Hot Springs

Geothermal springs emerge along the south and east shores of Paulina Lake, warming the shallow water to bathing temperature in spots. The most accessible springs are reachable by a short walk from the Paulina Lake Resort area. This is genuinely magical — sitting in 100°F water, looking up at the caldera rim and the stars. It’s best in the shoulder season (September–October) when the water temperature differential is most comfortable.

The Obsidian Flow

Between Paulina Lake and East Lake, the Big Obsidian Flow is one of the most recent volcanic features in the continental U.S. — formed approximately 1,300 years ago. A 0.9-mile interpretive loop trail takes you across the flow, which is pure volcanic glass underfoot. Native Americans quarried this obsidian for tools and traded it across the Pacific Northwest for centuries. The flow glitters under direct sunlight in a way that has to be seen to be believed.

Paulina Peak Hike

The 4-mile round-trip trail from the Paulina Lake Campground to the summit at 7,985 feet delivers one of the most jaw-dropping views in the state. You can also drive to within a mile of the summit on Forest Road 500 when it’s open (typically July–October). The trail and road options give you flexibility based on your fitness level and time.

Where to Stay

Paulina Lake Resort offers rustic cabins, a small store, boat rentals, and a café. Reservations are essential in July and August. The resort’s season typically runs Memorial Day through mid-October.

Paulina Lake Campground and Little Crater Campground are both bookable on recreation.gov and fill up months in advance for summer weekends. For a near-guaranteed spot, visit on a weekday or in September after Labor Day.