Hike up Paulina Peak

Distance: 6 miles, out-and-back (Can also be done as a 12 mile loop via Crater Rim Trail). 

Starting at Paulina Lake, just past the Visitor Center lies a marked trailhead for Paulina Peak. The trail starts close to the road and winds through the forest around the back of some lake maintenance facilities for the first 0.25 miles. After 1 mile you will come to the junction of Paulina Peak Road and the trail- continue across it to the Crater Rim Trail indicating 2 more miles to the top of the peak. 

From there the trail gets steeper and more narrow as you ascend up the rim but views of the peak pinnacles begin to come into view- making for a breathtaking hike up. Lots of places to stop on the way up to picnic and take in the view. Once on the ridge you can see Paulina Lake, Bend, and the Cascades all the way to Mount Jefferson. 

Perfect for an easy-intermediate day hike or a sunrise-summit bid!