Newberry Caldera (Paulina Lake & Big Obsidian Flow)
Newberry Caldera
Two high mountain lakes inside a huge collapsed volcano, plus one of the youngest large obsidian lava flows in the United States. You can also drive up to Paulina Peak.
Newberry Volcano is the largest volcano in Oregon. Its summit caldera measures about 7 by 5 km and contains two high mountain lakes, Paulina Lake and East Lake, with hot springs, cabin resorts, and fishing piers along their shores. The Big Obsidian Flow, formed by an eruption about 1,300 years ago, has a loop trail of about 1.6 km, and the hillsides are covered with glossy black volcanic glass. In summer, you can drive a gravel road to the top of Paulina Peak at about 2,434 meters. On clear days, you can see several Cascade snow peaks from the summit. Near the entrance is Paulina Falls, which drops about 24 meters. The site is about 60 km from Bend, and a National Forest parking permit is required.
Opening hours
About June–Oct, daytime
Nearby sights
- Lava River Cave
- Lava Lands Visitor Center & Lava Butte
- High Desert Museum
- Benham Falls
- Old Mill District
- Bend Ale Trail
- Pilot Butte
- Drake Park & Mirror Pond