Quick FactsOverview
About East Lake Hot Springs
East Lake Hot Springs, Oregon is a series of primitive geothermal pools along the volcanic south shoreline of East Lake inside the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, approximately 40 miles southeast of Bend. The pools emerge where superheated groundwater forces through volcanic rock at the lake's edge, with source temperatures as high as 140 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. A $5 per vehicle day-use fee or Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking. The site is accessible only in late summer and fall when lake levels drop enough to expose the pools.
The springs are geologically similar to the Paulina Lake Hot Springs across the caldera, both fed by magma-heated groundwater beneath the Newberry Caldera. East Lake sits approximately 50 feet higher in elevation and about two miles east of Paulina. The hot springs on East Lake's south shore see far fewer visitors, making them a quieter alternative. A pronounced sulfur odor is present. Natural hot springs in this volcanic setting are among the most geologically distinctive in Oregon.
The area near the springs was the site of the East Lake Health Resort from 1913 until a fire destroyed the property in 1952. Remnants of a boathouse and an old boat remain on site. The Newberry National Volcanic Monument is open from approximately May through mid-October each year.
Location & Access
Getting to East Lake Hot Springs
East Lake Hot Springs is reached by driving south from Bend on US-97 for approximately 23 miles to the Newberry Crater turnoff, then turning left onto Paulina East Lake Road and following it approximately 17 miles into the caldera. The road is paved and accessible by any vehicle during the open season from May through mid-October. Follow the road around the north shore of East Lake to the Hot Springs Boating Site, which has a parking area and a toilet. From the boating site, walk west along the shoreline for approximately 0.4 miles until you reach a red-brown cliff jutting into the lake. Round the cliff and the hot springs are visible on the other side.
Alternatively, the springs can be reached by boat from any launch site on East Lake, paddling to the south shore near the prominent rocky cliff. For visitors looking for hot springs near Bend, East Lake offers a geologically unique experience within the same volcanic monument as Paulina Lake Hot Springs, though East Lake sees considerably fewer visitors. The springs are submerged during spring and early summer when snowmelt raises the lake level, so visiting between late July and mid-October gives the best chance of finding exposed, soakable pools. There is no cell service in the caldera.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who East Lake Hot Springs Suits
East Lake Hot Springs suits visitors who are already spending time at Newberry Caldera and are willing to make a 0.4-mile shoreline walk or a short boat trip to reach pools that are less predictable and less developed than those at Paulina Lake. The springs may be fully submerged in spring and early summer, so visitors should not plan a dedicated trip to East Lake Hot Springs without confirming current lake levels. The experience is best described as exploratory, involving digging into the volcanic gravel along the shoreline to expose and adjust the pools rather than stepping into a defined soaking area.
For those seeking natural hot springs in Oregon with a volcanic and sulfurous character, East Lake delivers a more raw and less-visited experience than Paulina Lake. Anglers, paddlers, and campers already at East Lake Campground or East Lake Resort will find the springs a natural addition to a multi-day stay in the caldera. The strong sulfur odor at the pools is a distinguishing feature that some visitors find unpleasant.
Wheelchair access is not possible, as the shoreline walk involves uneven rocky terrain and the springs themselves require wading or crouching along the lake edge. Families with young children should be cautious given the very high source water temperatures, which require mixing with cold lake water before soaking is safe. Swimwear is practical given the public, lake-facing setting. Dogs are allowed on leash but should not be near the hottest source vents.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at East Lake Hot Springs
East Lake Hot Springs requires careful attention to water temperature, as the geothermal source vents produce water at up to 140 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit, which is life-threatening on direct contact. The pools are not pre-mixed to a safe soaking temperature, and visitors must actively manage the ratio of hot spring water to cold lake water to create a safe soak. This is done by adjusting the shoreline gravel and using a bucket to introduce cold lake water. Never enter water directly above an active vent without thoroughly testing the temperature first.
The sulfur gas released at the springs contains hydrogen sulfide. At outdoor concentrations this is generally not dangerous but may cause discomfort with prolonged exposure. The water is mildly acidic at pH 6.4, safe for soaking but not for consumption. Always wash hands and avoid touching your face near the source vents.
The springs are accessible only when lake levels are low, typically between late July and mid-October. Outside of this window the pools are submerged. The Paulina East Lake Road closes in mid-October and reopens in late May. Checking current conditions before making the drive is advisable, and there is no cell service in the caldera.
Leave No Trace principles apply throughout the monument. Pack out all waste, stay on established paths, and do not disturb the shoreline vegetation or volcanic terrain. The $5 day-use fee or valid recreation pass must be displayed at the Hot Springs Boating Site parking area. No camping is permitted at the springs, though East Lake Campground and East Lake Resort are both nearby.
