Paddling in a Shield Volcano
Paulina Lake – Near Bend, Oregon
Paulina Lake is in the Newberry National Monument, just 22 miles south of Bend, Oregon. The road is paved all the way into the lake and you’ll have to stop at the National Forest Service booth and get a $5 pass. This allows you to park at all of the day-use areas, including boat ramps, picnic areas, visitor centers, and trailheads.
Paulina Lake is in the Newberry National Monument, just 22 miles south of Bend, Oregon. The road is paved all the way into the lake and you’ll have to stop at the National Forest Service booth and get a $5 pass. This allows you to park at all of the day-use areas, including boat ramps, picnic areas, visitor centers, and trailheads.
Paulina Lake - Near Bend, Oregon
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Two Lakes to Choose From
The Newberry Volcano is 1200 square miles and is still seismically and geothermally active today. Its magma body (underground lava) is only 1.2 miles deep in some areas. In the middle of this volcanic area are two lakes. Paulina Lake is the biggest at 1,531 acres, and also the deepest – 250 feet. Its twin, East Lake, is just above Paulina and has a 1-mile diameter and a depth of 67 feet.
The Newberry Volcano is 1200 square miles and is still seismically and geothermally active today. Its magma body (underground lava) is only 1.2 miles deep in some areas. In the middle of this volcanic area are two lakes. Paulina Lake is the biggest at 1,531 acres, and also the deepest – 250 feet. Its twin, East Lake, is just above Paulina and has a 1-mile diameter and a depth of 67 feet.
Paulina Lake - In the Middle of a Shield Volcano
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Parking and Launching
If you need to rent a watercraft, Paulina Lake Lodge is right on the water’s edge and can provide kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, rowboats, pedal boats, fishing boats, and patio boats. Right next to the lodge is a lovely launch site and a nice parking area with restrooms and potable water. On a Monday afternoon in August, it wasn’t too busy at all. I was the only one going out to paddle; everyone else was heading out to hike one of the many trails in the area. There are also other boat launch and picnic sites around the other sides of the lake.
If you need to rent a watercraft, Paulina Lake Lodge is right on the water’s edge and can provide kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, rowboats, pedal boats, fishing boats, and patio boats. Right next to the lodge is a lovely launch site and a nice parking area with restrooms and potable water. On a Monday afternoon in August, it wasn’t too busy at all. I was the only one going out to paddle; everyone else was heading out to hike one of the many trails in the area. There are also other boat launch and picnic sites around the other sides of the lake.
Paulina Lake - Launching from South Side
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Marsh, Pine Trees and Beaches
There is some beautiful scenery to enjoy as you paddle around the lake. Some areas are heavily wooded, other areas are grassy and marshy, and there are some nice beaches for hanging out with friends. On the north end of Paulina Lake is a black-pebbled beach with a hot spring just under the surface. If you mix the 110°F water with the lake water, it makes the perfect soak. I didn’t stop to do that though, as soaking in warm water on a 95-degree day didn’t appeal to me. Check out the flora and fauna around Paulina Lake:
There is some beautiful scenery to enjoy as you paddle around the lake. Some areas are heavily wooded, other areas are grassy and marshy, and there are some nice beaches for hanging out with friends. On the north end of Paulina Lake is a black-pebbled beach with a hot spring just under the surface. If you mix the 110°F water with the lake water, it makes the perfect soak. I didn’t stop to do that though, as soaking in warm water on a 95-degree day didn’t appeal to me. Check out the flora and fauna around Paulina Lake:
Paulina Lake - Absolutely Gorgeous!
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Picnicking, Camping and Soaking Around Paulina Lake
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Sometimes Calm, Sometimes Breezy
While I was there, the lake never got too windy, though the breeze did riffle the water occasionally. I cut across open water on the east end and didn’t feel nervous at all. The speed limit on the lake is 10 mph, so there was no wave action from motorboats. Due to the fires all over the west (California, Utah, Colorado and Oregon), the sky all week was smoky. It wasn’t bad enough to affect my breathing, but it sure made me miss the beautiful blue outdoor sky I’m used to.
While I was there, the lake never got too windy, though the breeze did riffle the water occasionally. I cut across open water on the east end and didn’t feel nervous at all. The speed limit on the lake is 10 mph, so there was no wave action from motorboats. Due to the fires all over the west (California, Utah, Colorado and Oregon), the sky all week was smoky. It wasn’t bad enough to affect my breathing, but it sure made me miss the beautiful blue outdoor sky I’m used to.
Across the Open Water on Paulina Lake
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Other Things to Do
I saw a few people taking advantage of the trail that runs around the perimeter of the lake. You can also hike plenty of trails like Paulina Peak (5.5miles/hard), Paulina Creek Falls (5.1 miles/moderate), and the Big Obsidian Flow (0.6 miles/easy). The Lava Cast Forest trail is short and interesting (0.9 miles/easy), but if you take your dog, be aware of the weather. There is no shade and hot days heat up this trail quickly – not comfortable for their paws. On my next trip, I want to explore the Lava River Cave (2 miles/moderate) which requires warm clothes and a good flashlight. Dogs are not allowed in the cave, so I’ll have to board Sissy in Bend while I check out the lava tube that was formed 80,000 years ago during one of Newberry’s eruptions.
I saw a few people taking advantage of the trail that runs around the perimeter of the lake. You can also hike plenty of trails like Paulina Peak (5.5miles/hard), Paulina Creek Falls (5.1 miles/moderate), and the Big Obsidian Flow (0.6 miles/easy). The Lava Cast Forest trail is short and interesting (0.9 miles/easy), but if you take your dog, be aware of the weather. There is no shade and hot days heat up this trail quickly – not comfortable for their paws. On my next trip, I want to explore the Lava River Cave (2 miles/moderate) which requires warm clothes and a good flashlight. Dogs are not allowed in the cave, so I’ll have to board Sissy in Bend while I check out the lava tube that was formed 80,000 years ago during one of Newberry’s eruptions.
Hiking Around Paulina Lake
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Perfect Beginning for an Oregon Kayak Trip
I didn’t plan to stay in the Newberry Volcano area, so I only had time to paddle one lake. The facilities were clean and easily accessible, the weather was perfect, and the four hours I spent paddling Paulina Lake’s shores were quite enjoyable. There were plenty of spots for Sissy (my intrepid canine paddling partner) to get out and sniff around. When I do this again – and I definitely will – I’ll plan to spend more time hiking and exploring. I want to paddle East Lake, too, and see how it compares to Paulina. What a great start to my Oregon vacation!
I didn’t plan to stay in the Newberry Volcano area, so I only had time to paddle one lake. The facilities were clean and easily accessible, the weather was perfect, and the four hours I spent paddling Paulina Lake’s shores were quite enjoyable. There were plenty of spots for Sissy (my intrepid canine paddling partner) to get out and sniff around. When I do this again – and I definitely will – I’ll plan to spend more time hiking and exploring. I want to paddle East Lake, too, and see how it compares to Paulina. What a great start to my Oregon vacation!
Enjoying the Sandy Shores of Paulina Lake
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