Paulina Creek Road to East Lake

Paulina Creek Road drops into the collapsed caldera of Newberry Volcano through some of Oregon’s most challenging volcanic terrain, where jagged lava rock and obsidian fields have torn up tires for decades. The route follows an old logging road turned 4WD track, with the infamous Obsidian Flow crossing requiring careful tire placement over knife-sharp volcanic glass. East Lake emerges at the bottom like a hidden world, surrounded by black lava walls and steaming hot springs.

This difficult trail demands reinforced sidewalls and rock sliders – the volcanic rock shows no mercy to underbody components. Summer is the only viable season as snow blocks access from October through May. No permits required, but fuel up in Bend and carry extra water since the pumice soil doesn’t hold surface water. The reward is access to some of the most unique geology in the Cascades, plus hot springs that’ll soak away the day’s beating. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the national monument.