An awe-inspiring drive to Paulina Peak in Oregon
Usa, north-america
6.27 km
2,434 m
hard
Year-round
Wanna experience one of Oregon's highest roads? Head to Paulina Peak in Deschutes County, nestled within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
The road, NF-500 (Paulina Peak Road), kicks off from Forest Service Road 21 and stretches for about 3.9 miles to the top. It's unpaved, so expect a bit of a bumpy ride, but most cars can make it. Just be aware that it can get pretty narrow and rough in spots. Shorter vehicles (under 23 feet) are recommended. Don't forget your recreation pass for parking!
Get ready for a climb! You'll gain about 1,578 feet in elevation, with some sections hitting a 9% grade. The road is typically open from early July to late October/early November, depending on the snow.
Trust me, the views are worth it. This spot offers incredible panoramic views of the Newberry Caldera, the volcano's flanks, the Cascades, and beyond. On a clear day, you can even spot Mt. Shasta in California and Mt. Adams in Washington. Oh, and keep an eye out for bears – they're known to hang around the campsites in the crater! Allocate at least 25 minutes for the drive, but you'll want to budget extra time for photos and exploring.
Where is it?
An awe-inspiring drive to Paulina Peak in Oregon is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.4047, -98.5079
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6.27 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,434 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.4047, -98.5079
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