1. Quick Overview
📍 Location: Paulina Lake Hot Springs, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Deschutes National Forest
🏙️ Closest Town: La Pine, OR (23 miles)
🐶 Dog Policy: Dogs allowed but must be leashed at all times.
🚻 Restrooms: Available at the trailhead in Little Crater Campground.
🅿️ Parking Details:
- Day-Use Permit: $5/day or $30/season (Northwest Forest Pass accepted)
- Limited parking at Little Crater Campground Day-Use Area – arrive early!
🔹 Downloadable Maps:
2. Geological & Natural History of Paulina Lake Hot Springs
🌋 The Story Behind Paulina Lake Hot Springs
Paulina Lake sits within the Newberry Caldera, a massive volcanic crater formed over 75,000 years ago. Beneath the surface, magma still fuels geothermal activity, creating the hot springs along the lakeshore. These pools form as thermal water seeps through volcanic rock, heated by the underground magma chamber.
🌿 Ecosystem & Plant Life
The surrounding terrain features subalpine forests of lodgepole pine and mountain hemlock, thriving alongside lava flows and pumice flats. These harsh volcanic landscapes support hardy wildflowers like fireweed and lupine, adding seasonal bursts of color.
🏕️ Cultural Significance
Paulina Lake has long been a sacred site for the Klamath people, who used the region for hunting and gathering. Today, it is part of Newberry National Volcanic Monument, protected to preserve its unique geological and cultural history.
🔹 RESPECT Your Recreation: Pursue Connection to Place – Every landscape has a story. Understanding the land deepens your experience and strengthens your connection to nature.
3. Trail Details & Key Stats
🥾 Distance: 4.4 miles round-trip
〽️ Elevation Gain: 150 feet (mostly flat)
⚠️ Difficulty Level: Easy – mostly level trail with some uneven sections near the springs.
⌚️ Estimated Time: ~2 hours round-trip
♾️ Trail Type: Out-and-back
4. Getting There & Trailhead Access
🚗 How to Get to Paulina Lake Hot Springs Trailhead
- From Bend, drive 32 miles south on Hwy 97.
- Turn left onto Paulina Lake Road (NF-21) and follow it 14 miles into Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
- Park at Little Crater Campground Day-Use Area.
