Paulina Lake Hot Springs is a non-commercial hot springs located just outside of Bend near the Newbury Volcanic Monument in the Deschutes National Forest. The hot pools at Paulina Lake are primitive, to say the least – typically featuring circular dugouts within the sandy banks of the lake where some pools are bordered with rocks and wood.
The hot springs pools are located in an area of Paulina Lake known as Hot Springs Beach and are accessible either through the Paulina Lake Hot Spring Trail, the Hot Springs Spur Trail or by kayaking or boating Paulina Lake. The relatively remote location of the hot pools results in limited visitors and is a perfect place to escape to and relax when visiting the Deschutes National Park.
Paulina Lake Hot Springs Pool Information
The Paulina Lake Hot Springs complex includes five geothermal pools situated within the sandy banks of Paulina Lake Beach. The hot springs pools are relatively small and typically accommodate one person per pool.
How hot are Paulina Lake Hot Springs?
The water temperature ranges from 90 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the time of year.
Seasonal Access Information
For the best experience, consider visiting Paulina Lake Hot Springs between May and July. During other months, the hot springs are fully submerged under Paulina Lake.
Hiking to Paulina Lake Hot Springs
You can reach Paulina Lake Hot Springs from either the Paulina Lake Hot Springs Trail or the Hot Spur Spring Trail. The Paulina Lake Hot Springs Trail is the longer route covering over 7.5 miles around the picturesque Paulina Lake loop. This hike is perfect for experiencing more of the natural beauty of the Deschutes National Park and also ideal for those wanting a more challenging hiking option. The Hot Spur Trail is the quickest way to get to the Paulina Hot Springs; it is a 1.2-mile hike across the eastern shores of the Paulina Lake with extremely limited elevation.
Camping Information
Paulina Lake Hot Springs is located within the Deschutes National Forest, and there are camping areas relatively close to the Hot Springs if you choose to stay overnight and experience as much of the natural beauty of the volcanic area as possible. The Paulina Lake and Little Crater Campgrounds are excellent options for those interested in hot springing.
The Paulina Lake Campground is located on the south shore of the Lake and includes amenities such as potable water and restrooms. The cost to stay overnight at this campground is $18 per night for one RV and an additional $9 per if you are adding a second RV. For a Dump Station, the nightly rate is $10. The Day use fee for the Paulina Lake Campground is $10. It is recommended that you make prior reservations for this campsite. Paulina Lake Campground is open between May and October.
The Little Crater Campground includes 49 camping sites and is found almost at the edge of Paulina Lake. The Campsites here can accommodate RVs, trailers and tents and potable water and flush toilet facilities are available. This campground is available between May and October. The cost for an overnight stay at Little Crater Campground is $18, an additional $9 is charged for a second RV and the Day use fee is $10.
There are also a handful of backcountry campsites available at North Cove Beach, which is about 1 mile west of North Beach.
History of Paulina Lake Hot Springs
Paulina Lake Hot Springs was developed after the collapse of the Newbury Volcano core and the resulting crater filling with water. Continued lava flow throughout many years resulted in the separation of the crater into two bodies of water – Paulina Lake and East Lake along with the development of hot springs on the beach of Paulina Lake.
Paulina Hot Springs – Oregon
Featuring the lake and hot springs pools.
Paulina Lake Hot Springs Trailhead Driving Directions & Map
View Oregon Hot Springs in a larger map
From the town of Bend Oregon, drive approximately 23 miles south on US Highway 97 until reaching Paulina East Lake Road. Take a left turn onto Paulina East Road and drive 14 miles east until reaching Little Crater Campground. Turn left and travel to the end of the Little Crater Campground Road until you get to the Paulina Lake Hot Springs Trailhead.
Paulina Lake Hot Springs Soak Stats:
Season: Spring, Summer, Fall (access road often closed during winter)
Type: Hike (1.2-7.5 miles depending on which trail)
GPS: 43.719 121.209
Map Quad: CRESCENT
Elevation: 6,340 ft
Land: Public – Deschutes National Forest
Fee: None
Restrictions: No camping allowed at North Beach
Usage: High
Visibility: Moderate
Temp: 90-115
Water Clarity: Moderate
Odor: n/a
pH: n/a
Area Features: Newbury Volcanic Monument
Closest Food/Gas: Paulina Lake
Trash: Moderate
Bugs: Moderate
Wildlife: Moderate
Camping: Paulina Lake Campground, Little Crater Campground, North Cove Beach (primitive sites)
Clothing Optional: n/a
Pit Toilet: No
One pool is hot, the second is warm and the third and fourth are lukewarm. There was some waiting for the hot pool to become available, but everyone was respectful! Beautiful hike in! You follow the lake and then begin to weave into the forest and uphill. Do not let this deter you. As you cut back toward the lake, there are paths directly off the main path and down toward the lake.
Do you think it would be warm enough to go at the end of December?
Also looking at a visit days before Christmas,is this site open, available?
You can only get to Paulina Lake by snowmobile in the winter. Road is closed at 10-Mile Sno Park.
Does anyone know the status of the southern end hot springs?
The part that makes me sad is the featured photo of the dog. So man hot springs of my youth are now sullied by glass, drugs, butts, feces both human and dog and those with no environmental ehtic. How about a link to leave no trace instead of the dog ?
True that. Pic was removed. We do actually have a LNT link and banner running site-wide with other advocacy issues. There are a number of us that actively clean-up hot springs, often in groups. You might consider organizing an effort for Paulina. We would be more than happy to promote it, just let us know. We have also found that bringing extra bags to haul out trash and offer to other soakers is a solid approach. Thank you for commenting.
On a Memorial Day Weekend, the ranger advised us that we could be fined for digging a hot spring pool as they try to have a policy of Leave No Trace (LNT). The rangers spend time trying to fill them back in.