Paulina Peak Observation Site — Attraction in Sunriver

If you're in Central Oregon I'd definitely suggest getting as high as you can. And I don't mean on the devils lettuce! I mean if you have the time, you NEED to visit the summit of Paulina. At just a few feet shy of 8000', the parking lot nearly immediately lends way to quesy, uneasy feelings of fear that the Cascadia subduction zone won't rupture, unleashing a million years of geological force and bring down the entire Paulina peak. Seriously, keep your kids away from the edge. The almost dizzying vertigo you get from the sheer scale of the cliffs that surround this tiny little parking lot lend way to, hands down, the BEST car accessible view in all of Central Oregon, possibly even the whole state (I've not yet been to the steens though so don't quote me on that). With nearly 4000' of rock between you and the valley floor, you'll see ALL of Central Oregon like never before. From huge, sparkly obsidian flows to towering mountains across the valley, to the two huge lakes nestled in the Newberry crater. You can see Mt Adam's in Washington on an ESPECIALLY clear day and and all the way down to Mt Bailey by crater lake. If you're in Central Oregon and you've got the time, it would be a big shame to miss...

A full view of the caldera and all the eye candies therein. Best view is at the end of a short unmarked trail where one have unobstructed view of the lakes and big obsidian flow, all at the same time.

Road to the peak is unpaved and has a lot of washboard sections. Regular passenger cars can make it to the top. Driving around 25 to 30mph would make the ride a lot smoother. Just watch out for those turns and oncoming traffic. A car wash is definitely needed afterwards.

Surprisingly, I got cell signal on the peak and had...

This site's elevation is almost 8,000 feet. It is a remnant of the Newberry volcano's caldera. You reach this area by driving up the Paulina Peak Road off of the Paulina Lake Rd. a short distance past the Visitor Center. The road is narrow, gravel and runs about 4 miles to the parking area. There is a restroom there. There is a three-state view from the top possibly seeing Mt. Adams in Washington and Mt. Shasta in...