East Lake Paulina Cauldera near Bend Oregon

Trip Overview

Launched at the boat ramp in Cinderhill campground where we spent a couple of nights. The campsites are very large, situated in a forested area along East Lake, and not crowded together. Typical forest service campground with no hookups, but water is available and a few bathrooms with flush toilets. We paddled along the north shore where there are a lot of interesting volcanic rock formations. A lot of fishermen were out on the lake in boats. There are reportedly some trophy German Brown Trout in this lake. Rode our bikes down the road to the resort and had a great breakfast at the café. Very nice folks. They have kayak rentals as well as fishing boats and a few rustic cabins. There is also an RV park with hookups across the road from the resort, but basically a big parking lot. Cinderhill campground is more inviting, if you like dry camping. There are several trails to hike in the area: We hiked one around the shore of Paulina Lake and one in the Big Obsidian Flow. Both are highly recommended, if you have the time. Little Crater Campground, on Paulina Lake, is another nice campground, though more crowded than Cinderhill.