Paulina Lake Hot Springs

Paulina Lake Hot Springs: Soaking Guide & Directions

Paulina Lake Hot Springs is a non-commercial hot springs located just outside of Bend within the Newberry Volcanic Monument in the Deschutes National Forest. The hot pools at Paulina Lake are primitive, to say the least – typically circular dugouts within the lake’s sandy banks, with some bordered with rocks and wood.

The hot springs are located in an area of Paulina Lake known as Hot Springs Beach and are accessible via the Paulina Lake Hot Spring Trail, the Hot Springs Spur Trail or by kayaking or boating on Paulina Lake. The relatively remote location of the hot pools leads to fewer visitors and makes it a perfect place to escape and relax while visiting the Deschutes National Forest.

At a Glance Information

• Status: Open (seasonal access)
• Type: Public (natural, primitive beach dugouts)
• Access: Hike-in or boat/kayak (1.2-mile or 7.5-mile trail)
• Location: Newberry National Volcanic Monument, 23 miles south of Bend, Oregon, plus 14 miles east
• Elevation: 6,340 ft
• Season: Late Spring through Summer (best May through July)
• Spring Runoff / Lake Level Risk: High (pools become fully submerged when lake levels rise in late summer, fall, and winter)
• Water Temp: 90°F to 115°F (varies by season, thermal activity, and cold lake water mixing)
• Fees/Permits: Free soaking (Northwest Forest Pass or day-use fee required at trailhead and campgrounds)
• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service (Deschutes National Forest)
• Nearby Hot Springs: McCredie, Wall Creek

Pictures

Pictures: Well-constructed pools dug out of the sand and reinforced with rocks and logs at Paulina Lake Hot Springs.

Current Soaking Conditions

Located inside a massive volcanic caldera, the soaking area at Hot Springs Beach pairs warm geothermal water with panoramic views across Paulina Lake. Soakers construct or adjust circular sandy pools along the shore, using rocks and driftwood to wall off the colder lake water. Because thermal water rises directly through the sandy lake bed, you can move rocks to adjust cold water flow and dial in your preferred temperature.

Hot Pool Details

• Pool Type: 5 primitive, hand-dug beach pools situated along Hot Springs Beach
• Substrate: Fine sand, gravel and natural silt
• Pool Features: Shallow circular dugouts bordered by logs and rocks (typically accommodating 1 to 2 people per pool)
• Environment: Volcanic lake shoreline surrounded by pine forests within the caldera
• Visibility: Moderate (exposed along the open lake beach)
• Water Clarity: Moderate (can become murky when bottom sand and silt are stirred)
• Usage: High (popular summer destination for hikers and boaters)
• Trash: Moderate (pack out all trash, as no services exist at the beach)
• Bugs: Moderate (mosquitoes can be active during early summer)
• Wildlife: Moderate (chipmunks, deer, osprey and waterfowl)
• Pit Toilet: None at the beach (restrooms available at Little Crater and Paulina Lake Campgrounds)

Pro Tip: Bring a small lightweight trowel if you plan to clear or deepen a pool, and always test the sand temperature with your hand first. Geothermal heat rising directly out of the lake bed sand can be hot enough to cause burns.

Seasonal & Access Restrictions

• Seasonal Window: The best time to visit is between May and July. Later in the season or during high-water periods, rising lake levels submerge the shoreline pools under cold water.
• Winter Access: Paulina Lake Road (East Lake Road) closes to motor vehicles during winter due to heavy snow. Winter access requires snowmobiles, cross-country skis or snowshoes.

Rules, Etiquette & Crowds

• Clothing Policy: Clothing is strongly recommended. Because the soaking dugouts sit on an open, high-visibility public beach along a popular hiking loop and boating route, nudity is generally discouraged.
• Leave No Trace: No trash receptacles or restrooms exist on Hot Springs Beach. Pack out all trash and food waste, and use campground facilities before hiking in.
• Pool Sharing & Soaking Courtesy: Most beach dugouts only fit 1 to 2 people. During busy summer afternoons, limit your soak time if other visitors are waiting.
• Glass & Soap Restrictions: Glass containers are prohibited near the water to prevent injuries on the sandy shore. Never use soap, shampoo, or chemical products in or near the pools and lake.
• Crowd Expectations: Expect high traffic on summer weekends between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM when boaters, paddleboarders, and loop hikers arrive. Early mornings on weekdays offer the quietest conditions.

Paulina Lake Hot Springs Directions

Paulina Lake Hot Springs Map – Statewide Oregon Hot Springs Map

Trailhead Driving Directions

1. From Bend, Oregon, drive south on US Highway 97 for approximately 23 miles.
2. Turn left onto Paulina East Lake Road and proceed east for 14 miles into the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
3. Turn left into Little Crater Campground and follow the campground road to the end to reach the Paulina Lake Hot Springs Trailhead.

Hiking & Access Options

• Hot Springs Spur Trail (Short Route): A quick 1.2-mile hike along the eastern shore of Paulina Lake with minimal elevation gain. This is the fastest foot path to the pools.
• Paulina Lake Loop Trail (Full Loop): A 7.5-mile scenic loop trail around the entire perimeter of the lake, offering sweeping caldera views and a longer hike.
• Water Access: Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards can launch from Little Crater Campground or Paulina Lake Day Use Area to reach Hot Springs Beach directly across the water.

Camping & Overnight Accommodation

• Little Crater Campground: Located at the trailhead right on the edge of Paulina Lake with 49 sites for tents, trailers, and RVs. Features potable water and flush toilets. Open May through October ($18 per night, $9 extra vehicle fee, $10 day-use fee).
• Paulina Lake Campground: Situated on the south shore of the lake with potable water and restrooms. Open May through October ($18 per night, $9 extra vehicle fee, $10 dump station fee, $10 day-use fee).
• Backcountry Camping: Primitive backcountry campsites are located at North Cove Beach, roughly 1 mile west of North Beach (camping is strictly prohibited directly on North Beach / Hot Springs Beach).

History & Geology

Paulina Lake Hot Springs sits inside the Newberry Caldera, which formed after the collapse of the central volcanic core thousands of years ago. Subsequent lava flows created two distinct bodies of water, Paulina Lake and East Lake. Active geothermal heat deep beneath the caldera continues to heat groundwater, rising through thermal vents along the shoreline of Paulina Lake.

Technical Maps & Resources

• USGS Quad: CRESCENT
• GPS: 43.719 121.209
• Public Land Contact: Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District | Deschutes National Forest | Phone: (541) 383-5300

Paulina Lake Hot Springs Video

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed at Paulina Lake Hot Springs?

Yes, dogs are permitted on leash along the Paulina Lake Loop Trail and shoreline. Keep pets out of the thermal pools for their safety and to maintain water hygiene.

Do I need a pass or permit to park at the trailhead?

Yes, parking at Little Crater Campground or Paulina Lake Day Use Area requires a Northwest Forest Pass, an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass, or a standard day-use fee.

Can you visit Paulina Lake Hot Springs year-round?

Vehicle access is seasonal because Paulina Lake Road (East Lake Road) closes during winter due to heavy snow. Winter access requires snowmobiles, cross-country skis or snowshoes. Furthermore, rising lake water levels submerge the beach pools during late summer, fall and winter.

How hot is the thermal water?

Water temperatures range between 90°F and 115°F. Geothermal water seeps directly through the sandy lake bed, allowing soakers to adjust pool temperatures by letting in cold lake water.