Paulina Lake Oregon is one of the best lakes in Central Oregon and beyond!
In fact, Paulina Lake has something for everyone, including opportunities for spectacular hiking, camping, fishing, viewpoints, waterfalls, and more!
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Paulina Lake, including what to expect and how to plan your adventure.
We have visited Paulina Lake many times, during all parts of the year. We are excited to share our knowledge (and local tips) with you so that you can make the most of your visit.
So pack your gear and let’s dive into Paulina Lake Oregon! One more thing: use the table of contents below if you’d like.
Paulina Lake Oregon Overview
Paulina Lake is a relatively large lake in Central Oregon located within the beautiful Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Located about 45 minutes from Bend, we consider Paulina Lake to be one of the best lakes near Bend.
Not only is Paulina Lake saturated within a stunning setting, but there is seriously something for everyone!
In fact, there are tons of hiking trails, three lake-side campgrounds, a resort/lodge, a beautiful waterfall, a soakable natural hot spring, excellent fishing and boating, and plenty of expansive viewpoints.
As you can see, there is no shortage of activities at Paulina Lake! Furthermore, the fun doesn’t end in the winter. Rather, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling opportunities abound.
In this article, we’ll cover all of these activities in detail, as well as provide our own tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Before we go further, it’s important for you to know that the road to Paulina Lake is closed during the winter (at least higher than Ten Mile Snow Park). This closure is typically between November and April.
Check the Deschutes County news and closures page or Trip Check for up-to-date information.
Paulina Lake Map
We made this interactive map of Paulina Lake to help you get your bearings. You can also expand it to view in a new window.
Paulina Lake Lodge Oregon
Paulina Lake Lodge (also called Paulina Lake Resort or simply Paulina Lodge) is a privately owned lake-side resort that is situated in as picturesque a setting as you can ask for in Central Oregon.
This highly rated resort has rustic cabins, a small store, and a restaurant (with a bar).
You can also rent paddle boards and other watercraft, which is a plus for convenience (though it can be pricey).
While most popular during the summer, Paulina Lake Lodge is open year round.
Just be aware that in the winter you must snowmobile in or pay to be picked up and dropped off, as the road is closed at Ten Mile Snow Park.
If you choose to visit in the winter, we recommend parking at the snow park and hiking (cross-country ski, snowmobile, or snowshoe are also options) to the restaurant for lunch!
Paulina Lake Resort is only Paulina Lake lodging option available. However, you can stay at East Lake Resort at neighboring East Lake.
Local tip: Reserve your Paulina Lake cabin stay ahead of time because they do get booked out on some summer weekends.
Paulina Lake Oregon Camping
Paulina Lake has two campgrounds, plus a group site! All of these are owned and managed by the US Forest Service.
Both of these campgrounds are excellent camping Paulina Lake options, and you really can’t go wrong by choosing one over the other.
Paulina Lake Campground is located on the west side of the lake, near Paulina Lodge.
As a result, this campground is recommended for those who want to be closer to the amenities that Paulina Lake Lodge provides.
On the opposite side of the lake lies Little Crater Campground. We love that this campground has lots of sites right by the water.
| Campground | RV Sites? | Number of Sites | Boat Launch? | Best for |
| Paulina Lake Campground | Yes. Non-electric. | 69 | Yes | Close to amenities |
| Little Crater Campground | Yes. Non-electric. | 49 | Yes | Lake-side sites |
| Newberry Group Campsite | Yes. Non-electric. | 3 | No | Large groups |
Local Tip: Make reservations early! The sites at these campgrounds are popular and fill up quickly. To make paulina lake camping reservations, head over to Recreation.gov, or follow the link in the table above.
As you can see Paulina Lake RV camping is available at all three campgrounds at Paulina Lake. However, there are no electrical hookups (this is a remote area after all).
Overall, camping at Paulina Lake is an amazing experience. In fact, we consider Paulina Lake to be one of the best lakes for camping near Bend, and perhaps in all of Oregon.
In addition to these campgrounds, there are other options for camping near Paulina Lake Oregon:
- East Lake, just to the east of Paulina Lake, has three campgrounds.
- There are also some options for Paulina Lake dispersed camping along the road leading up to Paulina Lake.
Paulina Lake Oregon Hiking
There are several incredible trails that make Paulina Lake hiking some of the best in Central Oregon.
The table below shows the best hikes near Paulina Lake!
Local tip: If you only have time for one hike at Paulina Lake, we recommend the Little Crater Trail. Also, we highly recommend driving up to Paulina Peak for the best views around!
| Hike | Distance | Elevation Gain | Description |
| Paulina Lakeshore Loop | 7 miles | 380 ft | A beautiful loop all the way around Paulina Lake! The best way to see the entire lake. Also called the Paulina Lake Trail. |
| Little Crater Trail | 2 miles | 450 ft | A fairly short loop with great views of the lake and obsidian flows. You can even see East Lake. The gradual inclines aren’t too steep. |
| Big Obsidian Flow Trail | 0.7 miles | 200 ft | A short rocky trail that highlights a volcanic obsidian flow. |
| Paulina Peak Trail | 6 miles | 1,600 ft | A challenging hike that has the best views in the entire area. You can also drive to the Paulina Peak summit. |
For a full look at a Paulina Lake trail map, and more hikes at Paulina Lake, check out this page on All Trails.
Paulina Lake Fishing and Boating
Boating and fishing are popular at Paulina Lake. Paulina Lake has plenty of room for fish and anglers, as it is over 1,500 acres and the Paulina Lake depth is up to 250 feet.
Motorized boats are allowed on Paulina Lake and there are three boat ramps: one at Paulina Lodge, Paulina Lake Campground, and Little Crater Campground.
Anglers can expect to catch Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Kokanee Salmon.
We are not huge anglers ourselves, so we’ll happily refer you to this helpful webpage for more information about fishing at Paulina Lake.
This is a great resource and contains information on Paulina Lake fishing regulations and a full Paulina Lake fishing report.
Paulina Falls
Paulina Falls is a beautiful waterfall at the outflow of Paulina Lake.
You can park just steps away from Paulina Falls (also called Paulina Creek Falls) which makes them super accessible.
The very short trail leads you from the parking lot to an overlook at the top of the falls.
You can scramble down to the bottom of the falls if you want another viewpoint, but the view from the top is good enough for most people.
In our opinion, the accessibility of these falls and the fact that they are on the main road into Paulina Lake make this a must-do when visiting this area.
Paulina Lake Hot Springs
If hiking, boating, fishing, camping, and paddling weren’t enough, there is a natural hot spring at Paulina Lake that you can soak in!
This hot spring is on the northeast side of the lake and can be accessed via a hiking trail or by the water.
Don’t get us wrong: it’s certainly not the best natural hot spring we’ve ever soaked in. However, it is the closest natural hot springs near Bend.
The pools themselves are shallow and fairly small. It helps to dig them out a bit and there is usually a shovel that someone has left.
That said, it’s still a fun hike and a decent soak, especially if there is no one else there. If you want to experience one of the best hot springs in Oregon, check out Umpqua Hot Springs.
Paulina Lake in the Winter
Although most people visit Paulina Lake in the summer, the colder months also offer some fun adventures.
At an elevation of about 6,400 feet, there is snow at Paulina Lake most of the winter.
Most importantly, the road to Paulina Lake is closed after Ten Mile Snow Park, which is one of about a dozen snow parks near Bend.
This means you must park at Ten Mile Snow Park if you want to access Paulina Lake in the winter.
Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are fun winter activities during winter at Paulina Lake.
If you are not snowmobiling, we recommend parking at Paulina Lake and hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing to Paulina Falls, and then grabbing lunch at Paulina Lodge.
You can even stay at the Paulina Lake Lodge cabins overnight, though you have to snowmobile in or pay to be shuttled to a from Ten Mile Snow Park.
Things to do Near Paulina Lake
Paulina Lake is just one part of the larger Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which has tons of fun things to explore.
East Lake is the other lake within the Newberry Caulder (which by the is technically an active volcano).
East lake has three campgrounds, excellent hiking, and is also great for fishing and boating. As a result, don’t limit yourself to just Paulina Lake.
We love this area so much we wrote a whole article on the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Paulina Lake FAQ
Can you swim in Paulina Lake Oregon?
Yes. Paulina Lake is great for swimming! The water is clean but can be cold, especially earlier in the summer.
How deep is Paulina Lake Oregon?
Paulina Lake is the deepest of the two lakes inside the Newberry Caldera volcanic craters, with a maximum depth of 250 feet.
Can you paddle board on Paulina Lake?
Yes. The crystal-clear waters and stunning surroundings make it a great paddle destination. In fact, we consider it one of the best places for paddle boarding near Bend.
How do I get to Paulina Lake?
From Bend, travel approximately 23 miles south on Highway 97, then turn left onto Paulina East Lake Road. Drive 13 miles east to reach Paulina Lake.
Can I drive to Paulina Peak?
Yes, and we definitely recommend it for the incredible views. From Paulina Lake, drive 4.1 miles on a gravel road, which is doable in most cars.
How long does it take to hike around Paulina Lake?
The length is about 7 miles which is probably about 3-4 hours, but could take longer if you take breaks.
How hot are Paulina Lake Hot Springs?
The temperature varies mostly between 90 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit, but can be warmer or colder depending on the ever-changing structure of the pools.
Can you boat on Paulina Lake?
Both motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on Paulina Lake. You can rent paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. The speed limit on the lake is 10 MPH.
What fish are in Paulina Lake?
Fish species include brown trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon. Paulina Lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities.
Does Paulina Lake have leeches?
There are leeches in lakes and rivers in Oregon, but it is unclear if there are leeches in Paulina Lake. We have never seen them ourselves!
Is there cell service at Paulina Lake?
Cell service can be limited in remote areas like Paulina Lake. It’s advisable to check with your service provider or assume that coverage may be spotty.
Can you rent kayaks at Paulina Lake Oregon?
Yes. You can rent kayaks and other watercraft at Paulina Lake Lodge. Though it can be on the pricey side. You can also rent them in Bend before heading out, which is likely cheaper.
Can you water ski on Paulina Lake?
It is not recommended as the speed limit is 10 MPH on Paulina Lake.
Conclusion
Hopefully you found this article about Paulina Lake Oregon helpful!
We are excited to be able to share our knowledge with other people to help them make the most of this special region.
If you are interested, check out some of our other articles about Central Oregon, including the best things to do in Bend. Happy adventuring!
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