Paulina Peak Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Paulina Peak
Find the trailhead to the right of the visitor center. Once you start hiking you will enter a stunning forest, where the path will continue without gaining a significant amount of elevation for the first mile or so. The real climbing begins after you cross over the road, which goes to the summit.
The trail will get steeper and there are switchbacks. After more climbing you will reach the first outlook of the hike where there are fantastic views of the craggy side of the summit.
As you continue climbing, the number of switchbacks will increase. You will enter a sparsely forested section reminiscent of the high alpine glades of Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Finally, you will crest a ridge and enter the subalpine bowl that surrounds the summit.
When we completed the hike in late June after a large snowfall we encountered snow here, so be warned. Our group ended up bushwhacking the last mile or so up to the summit, visible across the bowl. Hence the map’s track may be slightly off.
Summiting Paulina Peak is slightly anticlimactic since you can drive up during the summer. However, the emotional reward of knowing that you earned the summit is good enough for most people! From the top you will be able to see Broken Top and the Three Sisters, as well as Jefferson Peak and Mt. Hood in the far distance.
Return the way you came.
Would you like to try an easier hike around Bend? Check out the Tumalo Falls.
Insider Hints for Paulina Peak
- If you complete this hike early in the season the road will be closed, which means a longer hike, but you will have the summit all to yourself.
- When the road is open you can skip the first mile of the hike by driving to its intersection with the hiking trail.
- If you want to drive to the top, the road to the top starts past the visitor center. You have to pay to enter the National Monument unless you have an annual park pass.
Getting to the Paulina Peak Trailhead
Head south from Bend along US-97 for 37 km. Turn left onto Paulina-East Road. Follow this road almost until it ends and enters the national monument through the gate. Turn left into the parking lot for boaters at Paulina Lake Campground, opposite the highway from the visitor center.Route Information for Paulina Peak
When to do:
Late June through October
Backcountry Campsites:
None
Toilets:
At parking lot
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Paulina Peak Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Paulina Peak
Great place to enjoy hiking and sire seeing. This is a must see!
- Trip Length
- 02:45
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
We had such a great time hiking through the forest and past amazing scenery of mountain ranges, obsidian flow, and lakes.
- Trip Length
- 03:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
A trail I'll definitely recommend because there are so many beautiful views. Not crowded and well marked trail
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Exceptional views! Beautiful around every bend.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The trail is icy, and that makes it difficult to hike. The view at the top is marvelous. It was challenging, without a doubt, but worth it!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
What a compelling hike! It's just beautiful!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The views from the top were stunning, completely worth the grind. Lots of snow on the majority of the trail up to the top above the trailhead. Love this hike.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Some parts of the trail were very icy and steep. Lots of amazing views. Definitely recommended.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Amazing views of the rocky mountain. Good hike overall.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Paulina Peak Hike was beautiful and really steep to get to. The ascent had really taken its toll on my legs.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
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