Paulina Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paulina Mountains |
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 Location in Oregon
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,429 m (7,969 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| District | Deschutes County |
| Range coordinates | 43°41′21.438″N 121°15′17.076″W / 43.68928833°N 121.25474333°W |
| Topo map | USGS Paulina Peak |
The Paulina Mountains are a group of mountains in Deschutes County, Oregon. They are home to 97 named mountains. The tallest and most famous is Paulina Peak. It stands tall at 7,969 feet (2,429 meters). Paulina Peak is the highest point of the Newberry Volcano. This large, active volcano is about 35 miles east of the Cascade Range. The mountain tops you see are actually what's left of an old crater called the Newberry Crater.
The Newberry Volcano is huge, covering an area as big as the state of Rhode Island! It has erupted many times over the last 400,000 years. Even though it hasn't erupted recently, it could have very powerful eruptions. This is because of its special makeup and many volcanic vents.
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Exploring the Paulina Mountains
The Paulina Mountains offer over 50,000 acres to explore. You can find beautiful lakes, interesting lava flows, and unique cinder cones. It's a great place for outdoor adventures.
Hiking and Views from Paulina Peak
Paulina Peak gives you amazing views of the Newberry Caldera. You can also see the sides of the Newberry Volcano and the nearby Cascade Mountains. The Fort Rock Basin is also visible from here. You can reach Paulina Peak by driving on a scenic road. There is also a 6.1-mile trail that goes up and back.
Fun at Newberry Caldera
The Newberry Caldera is a popular spot for visitors. It's the biggest developed area in the national monument. Paulina Lake and East Lake are perfect for boating, kayaking, or fishing. There are also twelve different trails to hike. These trails range from very short (0.25 miles) to long (21 miles). Some trails have signs that teach you about the area. You can also find picnic spots and even hot springs to relax in. In winter, this area is great for snow activities. People enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing here.
Crater Rim Trail Adventure
The Crater Rim Trail goes all the way around the Newberry Volcano Rim. Hikers can walk along the rim and then go down to the lake. There are also trails that connect the Crater Rim Trail to Paulina Peak and North Paulina Peak.
Discovering Lava River Cave
For a different kind of adventure, visit the Lava River Cave. This is a mile-long lava tube you can explore. The trip takes about 1.5 hours. You'll walk on flat boardwalks and stairways through the cool features of the tube.
Places to Stay and Visit
East Lake Resort: A Unique Experience
East Lake Resort is known as the "Unique Oregon Experience." It's a full-service resort located 45 miles southeast of Bend. It sits right on the beautiful shores of East Lake. East Lake is at 6,400 feet high and is famous for its great fishing. You can rent fishing boats and pontoons at the resort. The resort is in a quiet, remote spot, right in the heart of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. You can rent classic cabins, tent sites, or RV sites. There's also a pub-style grill and a general store on site.
Sunriver Resort: Fun in the Foothills
Sunriver Resort is located at the base of the Cascade Mountains. It's only a few minutes from the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The resort offers many vacation rentals. Sunriver gets over 300 days of sunshine each year! This means endless outdoor fun. You'll find many hiking trails nearby and a modern observatory. You can also go rafting on the Deschutes River. In winter, there are lots of snow activities at nearby Mount Bachelor.
Bend: The Outdoor City
Bend is the largest city close to the Paulina Mountains. It's on the eastern edge of the Cascade Range, along the Deschutes River. Bend is a popular place for people who love outdoor sports. You can go hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, rock climbing, paragliding, and white-water rafting. This charming town also has many places to stay and all the services you might need.
