From Bend, go south on highway 97 to signs for Pauline Lakes at around 24 miles. Follow road 21 east 13 miles to FR 2100 where you turn right for Pauline Peak. This final road is mostly gravel but all cars can easily make it up. There is a small fee to park in the recreation area.
Newberry Crater National Volcanic Monument
Looking down at the obsidian lava flow
Newberry Craters National Volcanic Monument
Paulina Peak is the highest point of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. This ancient shield volcano is geologic playground, one I had been reading about since I was a little kid. At the base of the peak is a massive lava flow full of obsidian (used for ages in making arrowheads and weapons). Nice interpretive trails take you into the flows. For the summit, a popular tourist road goes all the way to the summit although a 3 mile trail does exist. From the top, close views are of the Pauline Lakes and the Big Obsidian lava flow and the entire Newberry caldera area. Distant views are of the Cascades from Adams to Shasta as well as the Oregon desert region.
Paulina Peak
Distance: Drive-up
Summit Elevation: 7,984 feet
Access rating: Paved
Access:
WillhiteWeb.com: Oregon Hiking & Climbing
Parking lot on top of Paulina Peak
Views from Paulina Peak
Views from Paulina Peak
Paulina Lake from the summit
