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Hike to Paulina Lake Hot Springs

La Pine, Oregon

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

2.4 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

Paulina Hot Springs are man-made hot springs located along the lakeside of Paulina Lake in central Oregon.

Starting at Little Crater Campground, head north toward the hot springs (43.730, -121.247). If you're really looking to stretch your legs, you can extend the out-and-back hike to a full loop around the lake just shy of 8 miles. The water in the springs is around 95 degrees, and doesn't smell of sulfur. You can even dig your own spring on the North Beach.

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Features

Chillin
Swimming
Hiking
Hot Springs
Lake
Romantic
Scenic

Hike to Paulina Lake Hot Springs Reviews

This is a pretty easy hike. Parking is little tricky, but we were able to park in the campground but not sure you would be able to do that when it was busy. The hike takes you along the shore of the lake. It's well signed and easy enough to find. We had a rainy day and passed fellow soakers are our way in and out. Once you arrive you'll find some pools hand dug in the lava rock shore of the lake. I'd suggest bringing a pool scoop to clear the pools out of debris and pollen. And I small shovel to make a little more room in the pools as the lava rock collapses in often. You could also use your hands or feet to make some more room. These pools are relatively shallow and if you dig them too deep, you'll probably have a really cold soak. But this hike, the views, the soak, are well worth it. Definitely a place to visit again if ever in the Bend area.

We have been to a lot of hot springs and this one is unique. Not only is there a lot more space for people compared to most hot springs, it is possible to get your own pool here. Like most springs, nudity exists but you are more spaced from others here. It is hard to beat the view when sitting in the hot and looking out over a large quiet lake with amazing surroundings. getting too hot and dipping in the lake is a favorite of our sons. The pools range in temp so you can find a perfect one, or adjust them with lake water or damming the front from mixing. depth usually is pretty minimal but you can sometimes dig if you bring something to dig with. the hike is very nice along the lake but at about 30 minutes in be looking for a somewhat easy to miss wooden sign pointing lakeward to the springs. go early or late for sunrise and sunset and miss most visitors and get the best view. bring a headlamp in case you will hike in dark and bugspray(there are mosquitos at some times of the year.)

Amazing. About 4-5 little hot spring pools that are right on the lake's shore facing mount Paulina. It is kind of difficult to find unfortunately but totally worth it. Only recommendation is to bring shoes that you don't mind getting wet and have good coverage. Sadly there were cigarette butts and glass in and around the pools. I went off the trails to find the hot springs at one point and I almost stepped on a used needle and syringe. So don't take your shoes off until you scope everything out and don't go off unless you have too. Directions: Drive to the very end of camp ground and park at the trail head. Follow the trail that hugs the lake for about 30 minutes. Then look for a "Trail" sign to your left that is leaning against a tree. It's on a pretty decent hill and you can't see the lake from that path but it's pretty noticeable trail/well walked on trail (I think there is also a big downed tree laying horizontal on the path too). But just follow that pathway down right to the hot springs. It's about a quarter to 1/3 of the way around the lake. There are multiple pools that are squared off by old trees/logs. They are tiny rocks/pebbles that allow you to easily dig deeper if it's shallow. If it's too hot, just let some lake water in.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

MTB the Crater Rim Trail

Hike up Paulina Peak

Paulina Falls Hike to Paulina Lake

Camp and Fish on East Lake

Explore Arnold Ice Caves

Explore the Lava River Cave