Central Oregon is a natural wonderland, a high desert region that boasts deep canyons, snowy peaks, and idyllic spots for recreation — like this scenic state park where you can camp, hike, or swim . Unlike the often-soggy western part of the state, central Oregon sees more than its fair share of sunshine, which makes diving into its many outdoor gems all the more enjoyable.
Situated in the heart of the Deschutes National Forest just 25-miles south of the stunning West Coast destination of Bend , Paulina Lake is central Oregon at its best. This 1,531-acre freshwater body sits in the caldera of the Newberry Volcano and boasts cool, clear, very deep waters. It’s surrounded by a gorgeous, pine-blanketed shoreline, with the rocky spires of nearby Paulina Peak rising starkly from the forest.
Paulina Lake is perfect for either a day trip or a weekend getaway, with plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping. The lake is also home to a natural hot spring that can be accessed via a short trek along the lakeshore, where visitors can soak in soothing waters while also soaking up the sublimity of Oregon’s great outdoors.
Pristine Waters Among The Rocks And Pines
The collapsed caldera that Paulina Lake calls home was formed by over 500,000 years of volcanic activity. With no feeder streams, the lake is only supplied by rain, snowmelt, and the water that comes up through its hot springs. Also, like many caldera lakes, Paulina Lake is quite deep, reaching depths of 250 feet in spots. This means that the water remains chilly year round, so even a plunge into the lake during the height of summer can be a bracing experience…