Bend, OR

Paulina Peak, half an hour South of Bend, named after Chief Paulina in the mid 1850’s houses both East and Paulina Lake. The lakes themselves are spectacular for trophy fishing and do allow motorized boats. The wilderness of Paulina is also a great and vast area for snowmobiliers. Each lake is complete with lodging and a store. Both lakes have ample paved parking, full facilities and is handicap accessible.

Paulina Lake also still accommodates public/commercial hotsprings on its’ North East side. East Lake hotsprings are public, no longer commercial and not well known and is located on the East side of the lake. There are many spots along both lakes where if walking on the water’s edge you can feel the warmth of an unearthed spring. If you happen to have a shovel, you can create your own warm paradise.

Additionally and little known is a 3^rd lake, off of East Lake, which is not seen by standing on the water’s edge or at the 7600 foot peak of Paulina. This little lake is behind East Lake and despite that records state there is no outlet stream or river then I wonder what this maybe described as? A bit of a mystery perhaps? The water from this lake flows underneath the existing lava beds and as of yet no physical connection to East Lake has been discovered. Access to this lake is by boat, directly across the lake to the beach, West of the rock wall. After launching your boat upon the sand take a little hike over the knoll, heading in an Easterly direction and you will find the little hidden jewel. The 3^rd lake is not handicap accessible for those who have extreme physical impairments such as the inability to walk.

Lastly, for those who thrive in playing in the snow, there are two snow parks, each with warming huts and parking lots and hundreds of acres and many several streams and a couple of waterfalls that can be viewed by snowmobile. There are several main trails to Paulina Lake Lodge, nestled against its’ lake where one can find good eats and warm drinks.