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Chief Paulina Horse Camp

La Pine, Oregon · USDA Forest Service

Lake/water
Chief Paulina Horse Camp — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

Chief Paulina Horse Camp is the only horse campground located in Newberry National Volcanic Monument in Deschutes National Forest. A favorite for horse enthusiasts, the campground provides visitors with access to lakes, lava flows and spectacular geologic features. For more information about the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=66159 Visitors can catch a glimpse of the area's unique geological features by exploring nearby Paulina Lake, located within the collapsed caldera of Newberry Volcano. The lake covers a surface area of 1,531 acres and reaches depths of up to 250 ft., but neither Paulina Lake or its twin, East Lake, receives water from an inlet stream. Instead, each lake relies on relies on rain, snowmelt and hot springs for water. Paulina Creek drains the lake and 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. Wetlands, diverse forests, and rocky slopes near the campground provide a necessary habitat for shorebirds, racoons, deer, bats, and the occasional black bear. In September, the outlet of Paulina Lake may be choked with Kokanee salmon moving to spawn in Paulina Creek.Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors can explore the Lava River Cave, also located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet (1,588 m) in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon. Visitors on horseback can explore the area on a variety of trails, with several trailheads located at the campground. Lakes, lava flows and forested areas provide a beautiful scenic backdrop for a variety of rides. The Crater Rim Trail, considered one of the premiere high country trails in the area, boasts vast stretches of forest, desert and mountain views, with many access points and connector trails for convenient and customized rides. For visitors who enjoy hiking, the Peter Skene Ogden National Scenic Trail parallels Paulina Creek as it ascends 8.5 miles to the spectacular Paulina Lake. Lost Lake Trail traverses drier landscapes and heads up from the lakes into a more arid part of the Newberry Caldera. This trail affords some excellent views of The

Directions

From Bend go south 23.5 miles on Hwy 97, then 13.9 miles east on County Rd 21(Paulina Lake Road) From La Pine go north 5 miles on Hwy 97, then 13.9 miles east on County Rd. 21 (Paulina Lake Road)

Location

Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.

Details

State
Oregon
City / area
La Pine
Agency
USDA Forest Service
Parent area
Deschutes National Forest
Campsites
14
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$26–$30 / night
Rating
3.82 / 5 (55 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
Horse

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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