Paulina Lake

Paulina Lake sits within the collapsed caldera of the still-active Newberry Volcano—not unlike its more famous cousin, Crater Lake—and offers summertime adventures along seemingly every square inch of its forested banks. (Just next door within the caldera, separated by a jagged lava flow and old-growth forest, is the smaller East Lake. Both pools are filled annually by rain, hot springs, and snowmelt.)

Reaching 250 feet at its deepest point, Paulina Lake filled after the collapse of the Newberry Caldera. Today, the lake is typically accessible between June and late October or early November. Two day-use areas—Paulina Lake Day-Use Area and Little Crater Day Use Site—provide picnic tables, access to a local trail network near the lakeshore, and shallow boat launches. Boaters can bring their own craft—or rent from Paulina Lake Lodge on the reservoir’s western shore; the overnight lodge and marina rents canoes and kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, motorboats, and pontoon boats that seat up to 10.

To see the lake from all angles, follow the Paulina Lakeshore Loop Trail–which measures 7.5 miles, gains 200 feet along the way, and rarely strays from the banks of Paulina Lake; try hiking counterclockwise for the trail’s best views.

If you’re staying the night, six campgrounds sit within Newberry Caldera—and most offer easy access to Paulina Lake. Typically open between mid-June and late September, Paulina Lake Campground is among the most popular; it sits near the lake’s southwestern shore, hosts nearly 70 sites, and offers a variety of amenities—including picnic tables, campfire grills, and flush toilets.