Hot springs tend to be seen in a caldera.
Why don't you get soaked in the volcanic crater lake?
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Newberry volcano is located on the east side of the major crest of the Cascade Range.
It formed from the subduction of the oceanic Juan de Fuca and Gorda tectonic plates under the continental North American Plate.
The volcanic activities began about 600,000 years ago; and the last eruption was 1,300 years ago.
Tjflex2 - Paulina Peak, Oregon (2011) CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The area is maintained as a national volcanic monument.
One of the largest lave fields made of obsidian in the world is the must-see spot.
There are two volcanic crater lakes inside the caldera; Paulina Lake and East Lake.
Geothermal springs are seen in the both lakes.
This time I explored Lake Paulina, hiking from Little Crater Campground.
The trail stars from the northern edge of the camp site.
Visitors other than camping guests need additional a 0.6-mile, but the trail itself is around a 1.2-mile for one-way.
I observed bunch of obsidians along the trail.
The only problem was the incredible amount of flies.
Let's dig your own pool
Hot springs are located in the northern side of the lake.
Annoying flies were not seen too much on the beach.
Many soaking spots were on the shore.
Most of them were surrounded by woods on three sides.
Not all of them were maintained in the best condition.
Some were completely sunken under the lake.
Don't worry; if you dig the shore by a shovel, you can easily create your own tub.
The bubbling hot water was odorless, 122 degrees F.
Be careful not to boil your hips.
In order to get nice Water temp, you have to carefully mix thermal water with the lake water.
It was unclear to me about the clothing rule, but may be better to have swimsuits as families are playing on boats.
I believe that this place is one of the most scenic hot springs in the U.S.
Summary
Paulina Lake Hot Springs, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon, U.S.
My rating
Type: Undeveloped (fee required)
Rule: Clothing recommended
Chemical use: No
Water temp: Up to 118 degrees F
