Paulina Creek Falls
Oregon • 80 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Paulina Creek Falls
Paulina Creek Falls is a striking cascade-and-plunge waterfall on a stream draining from Paulina Lake, tucked inside the Newberry National Volcanic Monument south of Bend, Oregon. The falls are notable for their side-by-side 80‑foot (24 m) drops that flow around a small island at the lip of a basalt cliff, creating dramatic photo opportunities and a thunderous canyon below. The site sits on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Deschutes National Forest and is a favorite stop for hikers, photographers, and anyone exploring the volcanic landscapes of central Oregon. Access to the falls is commonly made via the USFS PAULINA LAKESHORE LOOP (Trail #3955). Camping is close by—the Newberry Group Camp Site is only about 2.16 km away—making this a pleasant half‑day or overnight outing for visitors who want to explore the lakeshore and nearby trails. The setting is both accessible and wild-feeling, offering a rewarding short trek with big scenery.
The Setting
Paulina Creek Falls sits at 6,266 feet within Deschutes National Forest, in the high mountains of Oregon. The falls drop 80 feet.
Height: 80 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Paulina Lakeshore Loop (#3955), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
PAULINA LAKESHORE LOOP #3955
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
2.82 miTrail Description
USFS PAULINA LAKESHORE LOOP (Trail #3955) is recorded in Forest Service GIS as about 2.82 miles of trail and is listed as Trail Class 3 with a native-material surface. Expect an unpaved, natural-surface trail with some uneven footing—suitable for hikers comfortable on native-material tread and short, moderate climbs.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 80 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Paulina Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Paulina Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the trail is clear of snow and the falls are flowing strongly. Winter visits are possible but may require additional preparation.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Deschutes National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 41°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms, as the rocks near the falls can be slippery and dangerous. Be cautious of changing weather conditions, especially in winter.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Bridge Creek, 26.2 miles away, not on Paulina Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
20 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 9 years of record
0.28 ft
Water depth at gauge
41°F
WarmVery comfortable
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 41 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BRIDGE CREEK BELOW INTAKE, NEAR BEND, OR (42 km away).
Today
Strong
20 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
20 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
19 cfs
10/10Fri
Roaring
21 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
22 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
22 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
21 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to mid June, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near La Pine hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Paulina Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Paulina Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°F to 34°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 25 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Oregon.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 156 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 80 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 6,269 feet.
The ground changes about 54 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 100 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 6,269 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 156 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Paulina Creek Falls is located within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, approximately 25 miles south of Bend, Oregon. From Bend, take Highway 97 south to Paulina Lake Road (Forest Road 21) and follow the signs to the falls. The falls are accessible via a short walk from the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the falls, which is typically sufficient for visitors. However, it may fill up during peak summer weekends.
Elevation
6,266 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.712314° N, -121.282345° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during summer weekends to secure parking. Bring sturdy shoes, as the area around the falls can be rocky. If visiting in winter, check road conditions and consider bringing snowshoes or traction devices.
This trail sits at 6,266 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 25% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
Where to Stay
Loft home with private hot tub deck grill fireplace & 10 SHARC passes
Cabin with Private Hot Tub Near the Deschutes River - Free SHARC access
Paper Birch - Unit 10
2 Tennis Village..
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
NEWBERRY GROUP CAMP SITE
1.3 miles away · 3 sites
Overview Boasting some of central Oregon's most spectacular scenery, Newberry Group Campground is the only exclusive group site area within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.Located along the south shore of Paulina Lake in Deschutes National Forest, this site offers a unique geological glimpse into the area's one-of-a-kind landscape and volcanic activity. For more information about the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?reci
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Paulina Lake, East Lake, the Big Obsidian Flow, and the Newberry Caldera.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot fish in the creek.
Cities near Paulina Creek Falls
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