Paulina Lake Hot Springs, Oregon

What it is

Paulina Lake Hot Springs is a small cluster of primitive, lakeshore soak spots on Paulina Lake inside the Newberry Caldera area. There is no built facility, no maintained pool complex, and no guarantee that the pools look the same week to week. The experience is part hot spring, part lakeside hangout, and part short hike in volcanic forest.

Why it’s different

Unlike creek-fed springs, these pools are right at the lake edge. Water temperature depends on where you dig or sit, the lake level, and how much cold lake water mixes in. In practice, that means you should expect variability. Some days it is a mellow warm soak, other days the best pool is small and crowded, and occasionally the shoreline setup is not worth the effort.

No amenities

There are no verified on-site services at the soaking area. Treat it as backcountry-style soaking close to a developed recreation corridor, bring what you need and take it back out.

Where it is

The hot springs sit on the shore of Paulina Lake within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument area of Deschutes National Forest. Access is typically from the Little Crater Campground area, which is reached by driving into the caldera on forest roads.

Getting there

From the Little Crater Campground area, it is roughly a short hike along the lakeshore to reach the hot springs zone. The trail is generally straightforward but expect roots, sand, and uneven shoreline approaches. Some visitors also reach the area by paddling or boating on Paulina Lake, but that still requires you to handle changing weather and cold-water risk on a mountain lake.

Seasonal reality

Road access into the caldera is seasonal, and conditions can change quickly with snow and shoulder-season storms. Separately, lake level can affect whether pools are exposed, submerged, or simply cooler. If this spring is the core goal of your day, have a backup plan nearby in the monument area in case the shoreline setup is not workable.

What to bring

Bring a towel, a swimsuit, sandals, and a trash bag. A small thermos of something warm helps on cool days, and a headlamp is useful if your hike out runs late.

Who it’s best for

This is best for hikers who like a side quest and do not need predictable soaking. If you enjoy tinkering with a shoreline pool and you are fine with whatever temperature you get, it can be a memorable stop. If you want a guaranteed hot soak, skip it and choose a developed spring.

Families

Families with older kids who can hike and follow directions can manage the trip, but this is not a plug-and-play family spring. The shoreline can be slippery, temperatures can vary, and supervision matters. Very young kids and anyone who struggles with uneven terrain will likely have a better day at a commercial pool.

Mobility realities

The approach involves a hike and a rough shoreline. There is no verified accessible route, and the soaking area itself is unstructured. If you need stable footing, rails, or step-free entry, plan elsewhere.

Expectations vs. reality

Expect a natural scene with improvisation. You might find a great pocket of warm water, or you might find shallow, lukewarm pools and a windy lake. Going in with flexible expectations is the whole trick here.

Hot water caution

Because these pools are improvised and fed by vents near the lake edge, temperatures can vary dramatically over small distances. Test water carefully before you sit down, and keep breaks short if you are warming up fast. Avoid soaking if you feel faint or overheated, and do not drink the spring water.

Lake and weather risk

Paulina Lake is a high-elevation lake, conditions can swing quickly. Wind can create chop and make the shoreline colder than expected. If you arrive by boat or paddleboard, take cold-water safety seriously and have a conservative turnaround plan.

Do not “improve” the spring

Digging, moving logs, or building new berms may be tempting, but it damages the shoreline and creates management problems. Stick to existing depressions and avoid moving large material. If the pools are not good, accept it and move on.

Courtesy on a shared shoreline

Keep voices down and gear compact, and do not block the trail. Wear sandals to avoid cuts on sharp wood or hidden debris. Pack out all trash, including tiny items like hair ties and bottle caps.

Clean body, clean water

Do not use soap, shampoo, or any “biodegradable” cleanser in the pools or the lake edge. Rinse away from the waterline if you need to, and keep sunscreen and lotions reasonable so they do not end up in the soak water.

How long is the hike?

From the Little Crater Campground area, it is typically just over a mile one way to the hot springs zone, depending on the exact route you take along the lakeshore.

Is it accessible year-round?

No. Road access into the caldera is seasonal, and lake level can leave pools submerged or less workable outside the prime window.

Are there facilities at the hot springs?

No facilities are verified at the soak area itself. Plan to be self-sufficient and use developed sites elsewhere in the monument for services.

What should I wear?

Bring a swimsuit. This is a public area with mixed visitors, and having a suit makes the day simpler regardless of what others do.