Recreation area

Paulina Peak Observation Site

Deschutes National Forest · Oregon — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

The summit of Paulina Peak with an elevation of 7,984 feet, is the highest point on the Newberry Volcano. This site offers a grand overview of the Newberry Caldera, the south and west flanks of the Newberry Volcano, the Cascades, the Fort Rock Basin, and much of central Oregon. On a clear day, the Cascade Range is visible extending into California (Mt. Shasta) and Washington (Mt. Adams).  Recreation Fee Site: Parking at this site requires a recreation pass. Passes are NOT available at this site, but can be purchased from Forest Service offices or vendors. Please check here for more information about recreation passes and where they can be purchased.

Getting there

From Bend, OR: Travel 23.5 miles south on Highway 97, then 12.9 miles east on County Road 21/Paulina Lake Road, and then 4.1 miles south on Forest Road 2100 500. Vehicles less than 23' in length (passenger cars, pick-ups and vans) can be driven on this steep and dusty road, however, it is quite rough and narrow in some places. This area is often inaccessible and closed due to snow until early July and will close in late October/early November depending on snow conditions.

Activities

  • HIKING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more Oregon camping

Paulina Peak Observation Site doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Oregon campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.