Paulina Peak Observation Site

Area Status: Open

The summit of Paulina Peak with an elevation of 7,984 feet, is the highest point on the Newberry Volcano. This site offers a grand overview of the Newberry Caldera, the south and west flanks of the Newberry Volcano, the Cascades, the Fort Rock Basin, and much of central Oregon. On a clear day, the Cascade Range is visible extending into California (Mt. Shasta) and Washington (Mt. Adams).

Driving access to Paulina Peak has been closed for the season. Hiking access is still open.

Recreation Fee Site: Parking at this site requires a recreation pass. Passes are NOT available at this site, but can be purchased from Forest Service offices or vendors. Please check here for more information about recreation passes and where they can be purchased.

At a Glance

Fees:	Recreation Fee Area: $5/vehicle/day – On-site payment not available
Usage:	Heavy
Closest Towns:	Bend, Oregon
Water:	No
Restroom:	Vault Toilet
Passes:	Recreation Fee Site: Parking at this site requires a recreation pass. Please check here for more information about recreation passes and where they can be purchased. Acceptable passes include: Northwest Forest Passes (Oregon & Washington) Day ePass ($5) National Forest Day Pass ($5) Annual Pass ($30) Local Pass Digital Recreation Day Pass ($5) (Day Pass for Forest Service fee sites ONLY in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Deschutes National Forest, Mt. Hood National Forest, and Siuslaw National Forest) Interagency Passes 4th Grade Interagency Pass (free for current fourth graders) Interagency Annual Pass ($80) Interagency Senior Lifetime Pass ($80) Interagency Annual Senior Pass ($20) Interagency Access Pass (free) Interagency Annual Military Pass (free) Gold Star Family Voucher (free)
Operated By:	Forest Service

General Information

Directions:

From Bend, OR: Travel 23.5 miles south on Highway 97, then 12.9 miles east on County Road 21/Paulina Lake Road, and then 4.1 miles south on Forest Road 2100 500. Vehicles less than 23' in length (passenger cars, pick-ups and vans) can be driven on this steep and dusty road, however, it is quite rough and narrow in some places. This area is often inaccessible and closed due to snow until early July and will close in late October/early November depending on snow conditions.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Access to the Paulina Peak Trail #3951 which accesses the Crater Rim Trail #3957.

Viewing Scenery

On a clear day the view of the Cascades extends from Mt. Adams (in Washington) to Mt. Shasta (in California). Things to notice from the summit include: 1) Three Sisters and Cascade Range, 2) South and west flank of the Newberry Volcano, 3) Large number of cinder cones (bumps) on flank of the Newberry Volcano, 4) Oregon's High Desert to the southeast, 5) Rim of the Newberry Crater, 6) Main road (County Road 21) through the Newberry Crater, 7) Paulina Lake, 8) East Lake, 9) Big Obsidian Flow, 11) Central Pumice Cone, 12) The 360-degree view of Central Oregon and the Newberry Crater.