Paulina Lake is located within the caldera of Newberry Volcano, about 25 miles south of Bend, Oregon. The Newberry Caldera encircles the basins of Paulina and East lakes and it is nearly 5 miles (8 km) in diameter. This collapsed caldera is the result of more than 500,000 years of volcanic activity. Neither lake receives water from an inlet stream. Both lakes rely on rain, snowmelt, and hot springs for water. Although these lakes are twins and share much in common, they are not at all identical.
Paulina Lake, the larger twin, is the deepest at 250 feet (76 m). Paulina Creek drains this lake and has chiseled a narrow gorge through the caldera's west wall creating a remarkable twin waterfall. Thermal vents and hot springs along the lake's northeast edge help create a highly productive ecosystem. The lake fed by snowmelt, hot springs, and groundwater flows from East Lake. The outlet stream from the lake is Paulina Creek that flows westward into the Little Deschutes River. The lake covers an area of 1531 acres. The average depth of the lake is 163 feet with a maximum depth of 250 feet.
Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on this body of water.
For boat launch information see Paulina Lake Day Use Area, Little Crater Boating Site and Paulina Lake Resort.
Click here for information on Paulina Hot Springs.
