Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Deschutes National Forest

Points of Interest

Paulina and East Lakes

Paulina Lake and East Lake occupy portions of the caldera at the summit of Newberry Volcano. Newberry Crater (Caldera) encircles the basins of Paulina and East Lakes and is nearly 5 miles (8 km) in diameter. This caldera is the result of more than 500,000 years of volcanic activity. Neither lake receives water from an inlet stream. Both lakes rely on rain, snow melt, and hot springs for water. Although these lakes are twins and share much in common, they are not at all identical.

Paulina Lake, the larger twin, is the deepest at 250 feet (76 m). The lake is one of many features named for the Snake Indian chief Paulina.  The lake is fed by snow melt, hot springs, and groundwater flow from East Lake. The outlet stream from the lake is Paulina Creek which flows westward into the Little Deschutes River. The creek has chiseled a narrow gorge through the caldera's west wall creating a remarkable twin waterfall. Thermal vents and hot springs along the lake's northeast edge help create a highly productive ecosystem. The lake covers an area of 1531 acres. The average depth of the lake is 163 feet with a maximum depth of 250 feet. 

East Lake lies to the east of Paulina Lake, and is called East Lake on that account. East Lake, one-third smaller than its twin, is elevated about 50 feet (15 m) above Paulina Lake. Since this lake has no surface outlet, it acts like a giant rain gauge with a changing surface elevation of up to 16 feet (4.9 m). Although not as biologically productive, East Lake offers a diverse ecosystem with more individual species. The lake covers an area of 1044 acres. The average depth of the lake is 67 feet with a maximum depth of 180 feet.