Hiking Newberry Caldera 3 days early June

Like last year’s attempt at backpacking Newberry Caldera (National Volcanic Monument), weather and especially snow were key factors – but, what should one expect hiking and camping BEFORE officially open? Most campgrounds were closed, no facilities to speak of, and snow showed up at 7,300′ elevation on both sides of caldera. Unlike last year, backpacking was not planned – all day hikes. For being in Central OR, it rained every one of the 3 days, and temperatures mostly in 70s during day and in 50s at night (except the last night in lower 40s).

The Routes

Day 1 started at the closed visitor center, attempting to go up Paulina Peak and continue on to Crater Rim trail all the way around. Snow! At 7,300 ft ~5′ of snow covered the trails in rolling hills and drifts. Walking on / over the snow was not the issue – there were no tree blazes, so GPS was required to find the trail. Who wants to walk in / on snow with nose in phone?

So, rather than attempt the snow, I went back down the trail to the Paulina Peak road – which was closed of course – and hiked to the top … then back down and over to the other side of the lake to climb North Paulina Peak (same result – snow). I returned to car and drove down the hill to campground at McKay Crossing. 1 hiker met on trail, 1 other hiker met in trailhead.

Day 2 started from McKay Crossing and I went up the hill on Peter Ogden trail and then completely around Paulina Lake counter-clock wise. 2 hikers met around the lake. I took the Little Crater trail and the viewpoint rather than walking along the lake on road. Back to McKay for a snack and rest, and then down further along the creek and back up hill for dinner. At one place along the lake, snow remained.

Day 3 started at Big Obsidian trailhead first taking the Lost Lake trail, but that 7,300ft snow mark held and pushed me back down lower. I then headed over to East Lake, but a police, ambulance event turned me the other direction so it was back up Little Crater trail to the overlook and then down to the lake and back to car along the lake. Only other hikers were at the Big Obsidian trailhead.

Recorded tracks: Day 1 – Paulina Pk and Rim; Day 2 – Ogden and Paulina Lakeshore; and Day 3 – Little Crater / Big Obsidian

Trail conditions: other than the snow, and the occasional blowdowns, the trails were in good condition. Peter Ogden trail gets non-foot traffic so it has it’s wounds.

From above the lake

From around the lake

Peter Ogden trail waterfalls

Walking the 6 miles between the caldera rim and McKay Crossing campground is not as long as it seems if one take the time to appreciate the waterfalls on this creek. Sadly, the water flowing out of the Paulina Lake (Paulina Creek) is highly polluted from the fishing boats and people – avoid drinking it is my call. Look at the foam/pollen doughnut floating in the large photo.

Bonus points for finding the duck.

Summary: Hiking Newberry Monument is much better than trying to backpack it. However, the trails (other than the Rim trail) are short and long hikes require putting together different hikes. Going pre-season, before opening, is key to avoid noise, people, boats, etc … A hiker needs to reflect on the age of the ecosystem within Newberry … it’s ancient and a keen observer will enjoy it for no other reason.

I was able to reach the highest point