Hiking the Paulina Lake Loop: Hot Springs, Volcanic Views, and One of Central Oregon's Best Lake Trails

There are some hikes in Central Oregon that leave a lasting impression, and the loop around Paulina Lake is one of them.

Yesterday, we completed the 7-mile hike around Paulina Lake within the spectacular Newberry National Volcanic Monument. With only 207 feet of elevation gain, the trail is relatively easy by Central Oregon standards, but what it lacks in climbing it more than makes up for in scenery, geology, and unique features that simply don't exist anywhere else in the region.

A Lake Inside a Volcano

Paulina Lake sits within the massive caldera of Newberry Volcano, one of the largest volcanoes in the Cascade Range. The caldera itself is nearly five miles across and contains both Paulina Lake and nearby East Lake. The volcanic landscape surrounding the lake is the result of thousands of years of eruptions, lava flows, obsidian deposits, and geothermal activity that continues today. As we started the hike, the towering cliffs of Paulina Peak and the rugged volcanic ridges dominating the skyline immediately drew our attention. Even on a sunny summer day, patches of snow remained tucked into the steep gullies above the lake. One of the most impressive aspects of this trail is that the scenery changes constantly. The route moves through lodgepole pine forests, open shorelines, marshy wetlands, lava formations, and quiet coves with crystal-clear water.

The Trail Around the Lake

The Paulina Lakeshore Trail follows the shoreline for nearly the entire route, offering continuous views across the deep blue water. Paulina Lake itself covers more than 1,500 acres and reaches depths of approximately 250 feet. It is fed primarily by snowmelt, groundwater seepage, and geothermal springs. Because the trail stays close to the water, the elevation gain remains modest. The path gently rolls through the forest, occasionally climbing above the shoreline before descending back toward the lake.

Along the way we encountered:

• Expansive views of Paulina Peak
• Volcanic cliffs and lava formations
• Clear, shallow coves with turquoise water
• Wetland areas filled with birdlife
• Numerous fishing boats taking advantage of the lake's renowned trout fishery
• Quiet forest sections where the sounds of the water replaced everything else

The diversity packed into seven miles is remarkable.

The Famous Hot Springs

For many visitors, the highlight of the hike is reaching the hot springs located along the north shore of the lake. Unlike developed hot springs with constructed pools, the Paulina Lake Hot Springs remain largely natural. Hot geothermal water bubbles up beneath the shoreline and mixes with the cool lake water. Visitors often dig shallow pits in the sand to create their own temporary soaking pools. By adjusting the depth and location, people can customize the water temperature to their liking. Watching steam rise from the shoreline while standing beside a cold mountain lake is a reminder that the volcanic forces that created Newberry are still very much present beneath the surface.The hot springs can be reached via a short hike from Little Crater Campground, but hiking the entire lake loop provides a much richer experience and allows visitors to see far more of the caldera.

More Than Just a Hike

One of the things that makes Paulina Lake special is how many different recreational opportunities exist in one location.

Visitors can:

• Hike the lakeshore trail
• Fish for trophy trout and kokanee salmon
• Kayak or paddleboard
• Boat on the lake
• Soak in natural hot springs
• Explore the nearby Big Obsidian Flow
• Visit Paulina Falls
• Drive to Paulina Peak for panoramic views of Central Oregon

All of these activities exist within the same volcanic caldera.

A Photographer's Dream

The conditions yesterday were nearly perfect. The deep blue water reflected the clear Central Oregon sky, while the volcanic ridges provided dramatic contrast against the surrounding forests. The shoreline wetlands added another layer of visual interest, especially where the clear spring-fed water met the lake. Several of the best views came from elevated sections of trail overlooking the lake, where the turquoise water and dark volcanic slopes created scenes that looked more like the Canadian Rockies than Central Oregon.

Final Thoughts

For hikers looking for an approachable day hike with exceptional scenery, the Paulina Lake Loop deserves a place near the top of the list. At 7 miles with minimal elevation gain, it is accessible to most hikers. Yet the experience feels much larger than the mileage suggests. Between the volcanic history, pristine lake views, geothermal hot springs, abundant wildlife, and ever-changing landscapes, there is rarely a dull moment on the trail.

Central Oregon is known for its mountains, rivers, and high desert terrain, but Paulina Lake offers something different—a chance to walk the shoreline of a volcano while soaking in views that remind you just how unique this region truly is.

Trail Stats

• Distance: Approximately 7 miles
• Elevation Gain: 207 feet
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Location: Paulina Lake, Newberry National Volcanic Monument
• Best Season: Late spring through fall
• Highlights: Hot springs, volcanic scenery, lake views, fishing, wildlife, and geothermal features

For anyone who has not yet explored Paulina Lake, it is one of the most rewarding and unique hikes within an hour of Bend.