Trail | Length (one way) (miles) |
Elevation Change (feet) |
Trail Description |
Crater Rim | 21 (loop) | 1,300 | This long loop trail circles all of the caldera rim; from the west entrance road it follows close to the shoreline of Paulina Lake, climbs towards North Paulina Peak then stays fairly level for many miles, all around East lake, across Hwy 21 and past the south edge of the Big Obsidian Flow. The last section ascends gradually, most of the way to the summit of Paulina Peak, before a steep descent back towards the visitor center. Three link paths allow for individual segments to be hiked as part of shorter loops. |
Little Crater | 1.5 (loop) | 500 | The Little Crater Trail circles the rim of a tree-covered crater near Paulina Lake. En route are several volcanic outcroppings, and (in a few places) good views in all directions. |
Lost Lake | 4 | 350 | Lost Lake is a long, thin pond at the base of the Big Obsidian Flow. A path heads south past one end of the lake, then climbs steadily, staying close to the edge of the lava and some adjacent pumice flats, then on to an intersection with the Crater Rim Trail. |
Newberry Crater | 9 | 1,000 | Starting in the west at the visitor center near Paulina Creek, this trail parallels the road, staying on the south side and connecting various campgrounds and trailheads. After passing the most distant campground (Cinder Hill), the path climbs the hills above East Lake to a junction with the Crater Rim Trail. |
Obsidian Flow | 0.5 | 500 | The most popular trail in the national monument penetrates a short distance into the jagged pumice and lava of the Big Obsidian Flow, accompanied by interpretive notices describing the geology and local wildlife. The trailhead is along the road 2 miles east of the visitor center. |
Parallel | 2 | 550 | The Parallel Trail runs alongside the unpaved portion of Hwy 21, providing an alternative to the road for hiking between East Lake and the Crater Rim Trail. It is mostly used by horses. |
Paulina Falls | 0.25 | 150 | The shortest trail in the national monument descends a wooded hillside to a viewing area near the base of an 80 foot waterfall along Paulina Creek. |
Paulina Lakeshore | 7.5 | 250 | This loop path circles all around Paulina Lake, staying close to the water the whole way. It can be joined at either the Paulina Lake, Newberry Group or Little Crater campgrounds. |
Paulina Peak | 0.25 | 200 | The short spur trail to 7,984 foot Paulina Peak branches off the Crater Rim Trail a little way below the summit. This location is more easily reached by the gravel Paulina Peak Road. |
Peter Skene Ogden | 8.6 | 2,000 | Used mostly by cycles (uphill only) and horses, the Peter Skene Ogden Trail parallels the north side of Paulina Creek, from Paulina Lake Lodge to a lower trailhead outside the national monument, along Hwy 21 2.8 miles from US 97. |
Silica | 0.5 | level | The Silica Trail connects Little Crater Campground with the trailhead near Big Obsidian Flow, crossing a flat, wooded area. |