Posts with tag 'Places to See in Central Oregon'
Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
14
Hiking to Collier Glacier from Lava Camp: A Journey Across Oregon's Volcanic Landscape
Hiking to Collier Glacier from Lava Camp: A Journey Across Oregon's Volcanic Landscape
Distance: 14.63 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 2,236 feet
Trailhead: Lava Camp Lake Trailhead – McKenzie Pass Scenic Highway (Hwy 242)
Difficulty: Difficult
Best Time: July through early October (depending on snow)
Most hikes have one destination. This hike has about six. Beginning at Lava Camp on the historic McKenzie Pass Scenic Highway, the trail to Collier Glacier feels less like one continuous hike and more like walking through the geological story of Central Oregon. Nearly every couple of miles the landscape changes completely—from dense forests to lava flows, peaceful alpine lakes, colorful wildflower meadows, volcanic cinder cones, and finally the stark alpine world beneath the glaciers of North Sister. By the time we returned to the trailhead, our GPS showed 14.63 miles with 2,236 feet of elevation gain, but the distance hardly tells the story.
Through an Ancient Forest
The hike begins beneath towering mountain hemlock and fir trees after about a mile of hiking through burnt forest. Unlike many Cascade hikes that immediately begin climbing, this trail eases hikers into the wilderness. Soft forest paths wind through lava rock that has slowly disappeared beneath centuries of moss and soil. Soon enough, glimpses of volcanic peaks begin appearing between the trees, hinting at what lies ahead.
The first Matthieu Lake is one of the hidden gems along the hike.
Arriving at the Matthieu Lakes
One of the first major landmarks is the Matthieu Lakes area, a popular backpacking destination within the Three Sisters Wilderness. The first lake appears almost unexpectedly through the trees. Calm water reflects North Sister while surrounding evergreens frame one of the prettiest alpine scenes along the trail. Camping is carefully managed here to protect this fragile environment.
The Matthieu Lakes are designated camping areas to help preserve this heavily visited wilderness.
The Forest Suddenly Ends
Leaving the lakes behind, the scenery begins changing dramatically. The trail climbs onto broad volcanic slopes where lava rock replaces forest floor. Ancient lava flows and black volcanic soils remind hikers that these mountains are still geologically young. Bright clusters of paintbrush provide a striking contrast against the dark volcanic landscape.
Brilliant paintbrush adds vivid color to the volcanic terrain.
A Detour to Yapoah Crater
One of the unexpected highlights of this hike is passing Yapoah Crater, a broad volcanic crater tucked into the rugged landscape between the Matthieu Lakes and Collier Glacier.Unlike the snow-covered peaks surrounding it, Yapoah Crater is a study in raw volcanic geology. Its steep walls of reddish cinders, dark lava rock, and loose volcanic ash reveal the forces that shaped this entire region thousands of years ago. Standing along its rim, it's easy to imagine the volcanic activity that once transformed these slopes. While many hikers focus on reaching Collier Glacier, Yapoah Crater is a reminder that this trail isn't simply about glaciers—it's about experiencing nearly every chapter of Central Oregon's volcanic history in a single day.
Yapoah Crater showcases the volcanic forces that built the Three Sisters region long before glaciers carved today's landscape.
One of the Best Viewpoints in Central Oregon
As the trail gains elevation, the forest falls away. Suddenly the Cascade skyline opens. From one overlook you can see:
- Belknap Crater
- Mount Washington
- Three Fingered Jack
- Mount Jefferson
- Mount Hood
Stretching across the horizon is nearly the entire spine of Oregon's Central Cascade Range. It is one of those viewpoints where everyone stops—not because the trail requires it, but because the scenery demands it.
A remarkable panorama stretches from Belknap Crater to Mount Hood.
Walking Into Another World
Leaving Yapoah Crater behind, the trail crosses an expansive volcanic plateau where trees gradually disappear and loose cinders replace forest soil. The landscape becomes increasingly stark, shaped by lava flows, pumice, and glacial erosion. Every step feels like walking across the flanks of an active volcano, with North Sister growing larger as Collier Glacier finally comes into view.
The landscape becomes increasingly volcanic at Collier Cone approaching Collier Glacier.
Finally...Collier Glacier
After miles of changing scenery, North Sister finally dominates the horizon.Below its steep volcanic cliffs sits Collier Glacier, once the largest glacier in Oregon. Although the glacier has retreated dramatically over the last century, viewing the glacial lake is still an unforgettable experience. Snowfields cling to surrounding ridges while freshly melted glacial water fills the basin below and the sound of the running water is unmistakable.
It feels wild. Remote. Almost untouched. Few day hikes in Oregon place you this close to active glaciers without requiring technical climbing.
After more than seven miles, Collier Glacier rewards hikers with one of the most dramatic alpine landscapes in Oregon.
The Return Hike
Unlike many hikes where the return feels repetitive, this trail offers an entirely different experience heading back. Afternoon light changes the colors of the volcanic slopes. The Cascade peaks appear from new angles. The forests seem even greener after spending hours above timberline. Every section reveals details that were easy to overlook while hiking toward the glacier.
The return hike offers changing light and fresh perspectives of North Sister.
Why This Hike Stands Apart
Central Oregon offers no shortage of spectacular trails. But few combine so many distinct landscapes into a single day. In one hike you'll experience:
- Ancient forests
- Alpine lakes
- Wildflower meadows
- Massive lava flows
- A towering cinder cone
- Expansive Cascade viewpoints
- Glacial terrain
- North Sister up close
Rather than feeling like one destination, this trail unfolds as a series of unforgettable chapters—each one completely different from the last. For hikers looking for one of the most diverse adventures in the Central Cascades, the journey from Lava Camp to Collier Glacier is difficult to beat.
Hiking Stats
| Trail | Lava Camp to Collier Glacier |
| Location | McKenzie Pass Scenic Highway (OR Hwy 242) |
| Distance | 14.63 miles round trip |
| Elevation Gain | 2,236 feet |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Season | Mid-July through early October |
| Permits | Central Cascades Wilderness Permit required during quota season |
8
Bend Premier Real Estate | July 2026 Newsletter
What's in the July 2026 Bend Premier Newsletter?
- Inventory Tightens as Buyers Continue To Drive the Market
- Cedar Plank Salmon With Lemon Herb Butter
- Small Changes That Make a Room Feel Brighter and More Spacious
- Hike to Grizzly Peak From Pamelia Lake
- Down Payments Are the Lowest They Have Been Since 2021
8
Bend Premier Real Estate | June 2026 Newsletter
What's in The June 2026 Bend Premier Newsletter?
- Buyer Activity Surges as Bend Prices continue Modest Growth
- Grills Peach and Burrata Salad
- How to Maintain Decks and patios for Long-Term Use
- Take the Paula Lake Loop for Volcanoes and Hot Springs
- Surprising Gape Between Seller Expectations and Reality
3
Hiking the Paulina Lake Loop: Hot Springs, Volcanic Views, and One of Central Oregon's Best Lake Trails
Hiking the Paulina Lake Loop: Hot Springs, Volcanic Views, and One of Central Oregon's Best Lake Trails
There are some hikes in Central Oregon that leave a lasting impression, and the loop around Paulina Lake is one of them.
Yesterday, we completed the 7-mile hike around Paulina Lake within the spectacular Newberry National Volcanic Monument. With only 207 feet of elevation gain, the trail is relatively easy by Central Oregon standards, but what it lacks in climbing it more than makes up for in scenery, geology, and unique features that simply don't exist anywhere else in the region.
 |
 |
A Lake Inside a Volcano
Paulina Lake sits within the massive caldera of Newberry Volcano, one of the largest volcanoes in the Cascade Range. The caldera itself is nearly five miles across and contains both Paulina Lake and nearby East Lake. The volcanic landscape surrounding the lake is the result of thousands of years of eruptions, lava flows, obsidian deposits, and geothermal activity that continues today. As we started the hike, the towering cliffs of Paulina Peak and the rugged volcanic ridges dominating the skyline immediately drew our attention. Even on a sunny summer day, patches of snow remained tucked into the steep gullies above the lake. One of the most impressive aspects of this trail is that the scenery changes constantly. The route moves through lodgepole pine forests, open shorelines, marshy wetlands, lava formations, and quiet coves with crystal-clear water.
The Trail Around the Lake
The Paulina Lakeshore Trail follows the shoreline for nearly the entire route, offering continuous views across the deep blue water. Paulina Lake itself covers more than 1,500 acres and reaches depths of approximately 250 feet. It is fed primarily by snowmelt, groundwater seepage, and geothermal springs. Because the trail stays close to the water, the elevation gain remains modest. The path gently rolls through the forest, occasionally climbing above the shoreline before descending back toward the lake.
Along the way we encountered:
- Expansive views of Paulina Peak
- Volcanic cliffs and lava formations
- Clear, shallow coves with turquoise water
- Wetland areas filled with birdlife
- Numerous fishing boats taking advantage of the lake's renowned trout fishery
- Quiet forest sections where the sounds of the water replaced everything else
The diversity packed into seven miles is remarkable.
The Famous Hot Springs
For many visitors, the highlight of the hike is reaching the hot springs located along the north shore of the lake. Unlike developed hot springs with constructed pools, the Paulina Lake Hot Springs remain largely natural. Hot geothermal water bubbles up beneath the shoreline and mixes with the cool lake water. Visitors often dig shallow pits in the sand to create their own temporary soaking pools. By adjusting the depth and location, people can customize the water temperature to their liking. Watching steam rise from the shoreline while standing beside a cold mountain lake is a reminder that the volcanic forces that created Newberry are still very much present beneath the surface. The hot springs can be reached via a short hike from Little Crater Campground, but hiking the entire lake loop provides a much richer experience and allows visitors to see far more of the caldera.
 |
 |
More Than Just a Hike
One of the things that makes Paulina Lake special is how many different recreational opportunities exist in one location.
Visitors can:
- Hike the lakeshore trail
- Fish for trophy trout and kokanee salmon
- Kayak or paddleboard
- Boat on the lake
- Soak in natural hot springs
- Explore the nearby Big Obsidian Flow
- Visit Paulina Falls
- Drive to Paulina Peak for panoramic views of Central Oregon
All of these activities exist within the same volcanic caldera.
A Photographer's Dream
The conditions yesterday were nearly perfect. The deep blue water reflected the clear Central Oregon sky, while the volcanic ridges provided dramatic contrast against the surrounding forests. The shoreline wetlands added another layer of visual interest, especially where the clear spring-fed water met the lake. Several of the best views came from elevated sections of trail overlooking the lake, where the turquoise water and dark volcanic slopes created scenes that looked more like the Canadian Rockies than Central Oregon.
Final Thoughts
For hikers looking for an approachable day hike with exceptional scenery, the Paulina Lake Loop deserves a place near the top of the list. At 7 miles with minimal elevation gain, it is accessible to most hikers. Yet the experience feels much larger than the mileage suggests. Between the volcanic history, pristine lake views, geothermal hot springs, abundant wildlife, and ever-changing landscapes, there is rarely a dull moment on the trail.
Central Oregon is known for its mountains, rivers, and high desert terrain, but Paulina Lake offers something different—a chance to walk the shoreline of a volcano while soaking in views that remind you just how unique this region truly is.
Trail Stats
- Distance: Approximately 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 207 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Location: Paulina Lake, Newberry National Volcanic Monument
- Best Season: Late spring through fall
- Highlights: Hot springs, volcanic scenery, lake views, fishing, wildlife, and geothermal features
For anyone who has not yet explored Paulina Lake, it is one of the most rewarding and unique hikes within an hour of Bend.
10
Bend Premier Real Estate April 2026 Newsletter
What is in the April 2026 Bend Premier Newsletter?
- Bend Home Pricing Softens While Buyer Activity Accelerates
- Lemon Cream pine
- Spring Decor Updates to Brighten Your Home
- Hike the Burma Ridge, Summit Trail, Misery Ridge Loop
- How Much You Save When Mortgage Rates Drop.
Privacy Policy / DMCA Notice / ADA Accessibility
