Paulina Lake Hot Springs

## Overview Paulina Lake Hot Springs are a set of free, primitive geothermal hot springs nestled along the sandy eastern shore of Paulina Lake, deep within the Newberry Volcanic Monument in the Deschutes National Forest of central Oregon. Sitting at an elevation of approximately 6,340 feet, these springs offer a rare and rewarding backcountry soaking experience surrounded by volcanic geology and old-growth forest. The hot springs formed as a result of the dramatic collapse of Newberry Volcano's caldera thousands of years ago. As the massive crater filled with water, residual geothermal activity continued to heat groundwater beneath the surface. Over time, lava flows divided the caldera into two distinct bodies of water — Paulina Lake and East Lake — and hot springs emerged along Paulina Lake's shoreline. Today, roughly five geothermal vents bubble up through the sandy beach in an area known as **Hot Springs Beach**, creating small, shallow soaking pools. The pools are hand-dug into the sand and sometimes bordered with rocks or pieces of wood. Each pool is generally large enough for only one person at a time. Water temperatures typically range from **90°F to 115°F**, depending on the season and lake level. Because the springs sit right at the lake's edge, they can become partially or fully submerged when lake levels rise during the summer months. The best window for soaking is generally **late spring through early summer (May–July)**, before the lake level peaks. Water clarity in the pools is moderate, and visitors have not reported any notable sulfur odor. ## Directions Paulina Lake Hot Springs can be reached by trail or by boat. There are two main hiking options and a water route: ### Option 1: Hot Springs Spur Trail (Shortest Hike — ~1.2 miles) 1. From Bend, Oregon, drive south on US-97 for approximately 23 miles. 2. Turn left (east) onto Paulina-East Lake Road (Forest Road 21) toward the Newberry Volcanic Monument. 3. Follow FR 21 for about 13 miles up to the Paulina Lake area. A Northwest Forest Pass or Newberry Monument day-use fee ($10) is required. 4. Park at the trailhead near the eastern end of Paulina Lake (near the Little Crater Campground area). 5. Follow the **Hot Springs Spur Trail** east along the lakeshore for approximately 1.2 miles to Hot Springs Beach. ### Option 2: Paulina Lake Loop Trail (Longer Scenic Hike — ~7.5 miles) 1. Begin at any trailhead along the Paulina Lake Loop Trail, which circumnavigates the entire lake. 2. The full loop is approximately 7.5 miles and passes through old-growth forest, lava flows, and scenic lakeshore. Hot Springs Beach is located along the eastern shore. 3. This route is ideal for hikers looking for a more immersive experience of the Newberry Volcanic Monument. ### Option 3: By Kayak or Boat - Launch a kayak, canoe, or small motorboat from the Paulina Lake boat ramp and paddle east along the shoreline to Hot Springs Beach. This is a scenic and relatively easy approach, especially in calm conditions. **Note:** The access road (FR 21) is typically open from late May through October and is closed during winter due to heavy snowfall. Check with the Deschutes National Forest for current road conditions before your trip. ## What to Expect Hot Springs Beach is a remote, undeveloped stretch of sandy lakeshore with a handful of small, hand-dug soaking pools fed by geothermal vents. The setting is quiet and scenic — expect views across Paulina Lake toward the forested caldera walls of Newberry Volcano. Because of the hike or paddle required to reach them, the springs see relatively low visitation compared to more accessible Oregon hot springs, making this a great spot for solitude. The pools are shallow and small, so plan on soaking one person at a time per pool. You can adjust the temperature by mixing in cool lake water or digging your pool closer to or farther from the water's edge. Keep in mind that **during peak summer months, rising lake levels may submerge the springs entirely**, so timing your visit for late May through early July tends to yield the best soaking conditions. Bugs can be moderate, particularly mosquitoes in early summer — come prepared. Wildlife sightings are common in the area, including deer, osprey, and bald eagles. There is a moderate amount of foot traffic on the trails, and visitors are encouraged to pack out all trash to help keep this pristine area clean. ### Camping Options Several campgrounds are located nearby for those who want to make it an overnight trip: - **Paulina Lake Campground** — Located on the south shore of Paulina Lake. Offers water and toilet facilities. Rates are approximately $18/night per site, $9 for an additional vehicle, and $10 for dump station use. Reservations are highly recommended. Open May through October. - **Little Crater Campground** — Situated just east of Paulina Lake with 49 campsites accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs. Amenities include potable water and flush toilets. Rates are approximately $18/night, $9 for an additional vehicle, and $10 for day use. Open May through October. - **North Cove Beach** — Primitive backcountry campsites located roughly one mile west of North Beach. Note that **camping is not permitted at North Beach itself**. A day-use fee of $10 (or a valid Northwest Forest Pass) is required to enter the Newberry Volcanic Monument area. The nearest food and gas services can be found near Paulina Lake Lodge or back in the town of La Pine/Bend.