Paulina Peak Observation Site

Facility · Oregon ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Deschutes National Forest (NF) · Open Access

7,949 ft
Elevation

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.

43.68889, -121.25472 · 43°41'20.0"N 121°15'17.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 84°F in Jul, down to 38°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F404350576572848376624638
Low °F202124253337414034282419
Precip in2.91.91.51.21.71.10.50.60.81.42.43.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 16.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Paulina Peak Observation Site

Can you reserve a site at Paulina Peak Observation Site?
No. Paulina Peak Observation Site is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Paulina Peak Observation Site

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.