Overview
Paulina Peak is the high point of the Newberry Caldera in Deschutes National Forest, the collapsed summit of Newberry Volcano, one of the largest shield volcanoes in the lower 48. The peak sits at 7,985 feet and marks the caldera rim. From the summit, you look down into a crater holding two lakes, Paulina Lake and East Lake, separated by a massive obsidian flow that erupted about 1,300 years ago. In the other direction, the entire central Oregon Cascade Range spreads out: Mt. Bachelor directly to the northwest, Broken Top and the Three Sisters beyond it, Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood farther north.
The trail gains 1,500 feet in 2 miles. That's an average grade of 14 percent, which is steep but not technical. This is a cardiovascular workout, not a scramble. The trail is well-maintained singletrack that switchbacks up the east slope of the caldera wall. Fit hikers will find it hard but manageable. If you're not used to sustained climbing at elevation, expect the last half mile to be slow.
The summit also has a road. You can drive to the top if you want. But the trail version earns the view, and you'll have the summit area to yourself more often than the road-trippers do. If you want to understand the distinction between national monuments like Newberry and the surrounding national forest lands, the national forest vs. national park explainer is useful context.
The Route
Miles 0 to 0.5: Forest and early switchbacks. The trail starts near Paulina Lake Lodge on the south side of Paulina Lake. The first section climbs through lodgepole pine forest on a series of short, steep switchbacks. The grade sets in immediately. There is no warm-up here. Pace yourself from the start and resist the temptation to charge the opening pitch.
Miles 0.5 to 1.5: Open slopes and caldera views. The forest thins as the trail gains elevation and begins to cross more open volcanic terrain. The caldera below starts to come into view, first as glimpses through trees, then as broader panoramas as the slope opens. Paulina Lake appears below, its water a deep blue against the gray lava. The obsidian flow between the two lakes becomes visible, its black surface a sharp contrast against the lighter pumice fields.
Miles 1.5 to 2.0: Final push to the summit. The trail steepens again for the final half mile. The vegetation drops away almost entirely and the terrain becomes exposed ridge and pumice. Wind picks up here and can be significant, even on otherwise calm days at lower elevation. The air temperature also drops. Layering up before this section is smart rather than optional.
Mile 2.0: Summit at 7,985 feet. The summit area is wide enough to spread out and find a wind-sheltered spot. A small structure and a USFS summit register are at the top. The view is as good as any non-technical summit in Oregon. To the northwest, Mt. Bachelor's ski area infrastructure is visible, with the Three Sisters and Broken Top rising behind it. To the north, Mt. Jefferson and on clear days Mt. Hood mark the distant horizon. Directly below, the Newberry Caldera displays its complete geology: two lakes, an obsidian flow, cinder cones, and pumice flats. Looking south, the high-desert plateau of central Oregon extends toward the Warner Mountains and the Nevada border.
Spend time here. The hard work is done and the summit is one of the better payoffs in the region. For comparison, the view from South Sister's summit at 10,358 feet includes Paulina Peak directly below to the southeast on clear days.
Return: Retrace your steps. Descending 1,500 feet in 2 miles is hard on the knees. Trekking poles are genuinely useful on the way down. Take it slow on the steeper switchbacks.
Permit Requirements
Entry into Newberry National Volcanic Monument requires a day-use fee of $5 per vehicle, collected at the entrance station on Paulina Lake Road (Forest Road 21). The America the Beautiful Pass (Interagency Annual Pass) covers this fee. A Northwest Forest Pass does not. This is a common source of confusion: Newberry is managed separately from surrounding national forest lands and has its own fee structure.
Fees are collected at the entry kiosk, approximately 5 miles from the highway on Paulina Lake Road. Cash and card are accepted. Annual monument passes are also available if you plan multiple visits.
No additional wilderness permit is required for day hiking. For visitors planning to also hike at Green Lakes or South Sister on the same trip, those trails do require a separate Central Cascades Wilderness Permit booked through Recreation.gov.
When to Hike
June through October is the usable window, with July through September being the most reliable. Paulina Lake Road opens in late spring, typically by late May or early June, depending on snowpack. The summit itself can hold snow patches into July after heavy-snow winters.
July and August offer the best summit visibility and the most reliable warm weather, but afternoon thunderstorms are common in late summer. Start early. The summit is fully exposed and there is no shelter if lightning develops.
September is ideal: dry and stable weather, fewer visitors, and excellent visibility for the Cascade Range views. The caldera lakes shift color in the September light and the crowds from peak summer are gone.
October brings uncertainty. The road can close with early-season snow. Check with the Lava Lands Visitor Center or the Deschutes National Forest website for current access conditions before committing to a late-season trip.
Wind: The summit is exposed on all sides. Even in summer, gusts of 20 to 30 mph are common. Wind at 7,985 feet drops the effective temperature significantly. Prepare for it every time, regardless of the forecast at the trailhead.
What to Bring
This is a strenuous climb to a high and exposed summit. The short distance can create a false sense of ease. Pack accordingly.
- Water: Carry at least 2 liters per person. There is no water on the trail or at the summit. The climb is hard enough that dehydration sneaks up on you.
- Wind layer and insulation: The temperature at the summit can be 20 degrees colder than at the lakeshore. A fleece and a wind shell are required, not optional.
- Sun protection: The open upper slopes and summit are fully exposed. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. The elevation intensifies UV exposure.
- Trekking poles: Not required, but the descent is hard on knees and ankles. Poles reduce the impact considerably.
- Snacks: The climb burns more energy than the short distance suggests. Bring more food than you think you need.
- Layers for the summit: Even on a July day, sitting on the summit in 30 mph wind without insulation is cold. Pack a light puffy or at minimum a heavier mid-layer.
Dogs are welcome on leash. The rocky upper terrain requires some care for dogs with soft paws on pumice and volcanic rock edges.
Trailhead Access
From Bend, take US-97 south approximately 23 miles to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument turnoff (signposted for Paulina Lake and East Lake). Bend makes an excellent base for the Deschutes: the city sits within an hour's drive of nearly every major trailhead in the forest. Turn east onto Paulina Lake Road (Forest Road 21) and drive approximately 14 miles to the Paulina Lake area. The fee station is about 5 miles in. The road is paved and accessible to all passenger vehicles. No RV size restrictions apply to the main road, though the parking areas near the lodge are tighter.
Parking near Paulina Lake Lodge is available in a gravel lot. Pit toilets are available. A small store at the lodge sells basic supplies and food during the summer season.
The drive from Bend takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes. From Sisters, allow about 55 minutes via US-20 and US-97. Other best hikes near Bend worth adding to a Deschutes trip include Tumalo Falls and the Black Crater summit trail west of Sisters.