Paulina Falls Hike to Paulina Lake

First take the short 1/4 mile hike down to the lower lookout. Get there early to beat the crowd and get unobstructed views. The Paulina Falls is an 80 ft. twin waterfall. It's gorgeous. After you see the falls from the lower lookout, you can walk back up to the upper lookout for a different view.

Continue along the trail beyond the upper falls lookout, which will take you along the Paulina Creek and over a small bridge to Paulina Lake. Here you can enjoy the lake views or check out the Paulina Lake Lodge.

The Paulina Lake Lodge is a rustic lodge built in 1929 with 13 cabins, a restaurant serving all-you-can eat spaghetti, ribs, homemade cobbler and more. They also have boat rentals, as well as SUP, kayak, and canoe rentals. The lodge sits right next to the lake and it’s a fisherman’s dream. In the winter months, the lodge is open for snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.

If you'd like to take your adventure further, you can hike the 7.5 mile Paulina Lakeshore Loop trail.

Getting there: The Paulina Falls are about a 45 minute drive South of Bend, Oregon. It is a part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, further South from the Lava Lands area. When you turn off Highway 97 onto Paulina Lake Road, you will drive for about 12 miles before you see a sign for Paulina Falls. There is plenty of parking at the falls trailhead.