Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Paulina Lake Hot Springs

    4.0 (4 reviews)

    Paulina Lake Hot Springs Photos

    More like Paulina Lake Hot Springs

    Recommended Reviews - Paulina Lake Hot Springs

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    The Paulina Plunge

    The Paulina Plunge

    4.3
    (39 reviews)
    7.6 km

    This was an ok trip but I had mixed feelings about it…read more Pros: The guide was nice (we had Lane), which made the ride more enjoyable. He knew all of our names before we even left the parking lot. The trail was in good shape from recent rain so a beginner would have no trouble participating. Cons: The email confirmation and website mentioned the bike shortage and that riders had to be a minimum of 4 ft tall with a 24 inch inseam but didn't really explain how to measure that, etc. Sure, I know what an inseam in pants is, but turns out an inseam measurement for bike riding is different. Would have been nice to know without having to look it up the night before and then worry my kid wouldn't be tall enough. Lots of standing around. We were on the 10-4 tour and though we arrived at 9:45 no one directed us to have our kids take the bike test to see if they could go and nobody got fitted for bikes until everyone in the booking had arrived. Then, the large 10 am group was split into two smaller groups and if you were in the second group, you had to stand around for 20 minutes killing time to give the first group a head start. Why not just stagger the starts and have a 10 am and a 10:30? From a customer perspective this sort of sucked. This was billed as a Mountain bike ride with waterfalls and slides, but it was more like, walking/hiking to see 3 waterfalls and then a very mellow 3 mile single track ride to finish. It would have been nice to sort people by skill or interest (shorter vs longer rides) as we definitely had some gung ho dudes in our group and some newbies like me. Two of the waterfalls (at least) were accessible via McKay campground, which was a little disappointing. I thought we would be off the beaten path, checking out a little known spot, etc. Overall, our young kids, 8 and 10 enjoyed it and had fun. It was their first time mountain biking. I'd rate the ride and scenery 4 stars but the administration and organization only 2 stars (I'm a fan of efficiency and customer service) , hence my 3 star rating.

    Was excited to go. Day of the trip for our group smoke was heavy. Hazardous in fact. His terms and…read moreconditions explain that you must show up no matter what the conditions. From there the group will vote and you must conform to the group decision. We were the only ones who showed up. The owner, Todd, decided after getting various voice messages the day before and the morning of, but he would cancel the event. Great! No pick up the phone and call your customers to make sure they don't waste their time and come all the way out to the top of a mountain only to find your experience was canceled. He claimed to have sent a text in the early morning hours. But I didn't get it until after the fact. Oh well, not great but not terrible. Did waste a lot of our time driving out there on a horrific weather day for smoke. Talked to Todd personally later, and he said "no problem I'll give your money back." Refund it all of it except our deposit, then wouldn't answer the phone or return multiple calls. In my final message I reminded him of his neglect as a business owner and a conscientious honest human. Told him repeatedly he needed to refund my deposit, as there were no terms or discussion of anything other than a full refund. Really annoying to deal with business owners who aren't conscientious. Really detracts from your credibility. So here's the review I promise to leave you if you went another two weeks without returning my calls again. Gave you four chances Todd.

    Photos
    At the third waterfall.  Such a great time
    At the third waterfall. Such a great time
    The Paulina Plunge
    A swallowtail resting beside one of the waterfalls

    See all

    A swallowtail resting beside one of the waterfalls
    Tumalo Falls

    Tumalo Falls

    4.6
    (52 reviews)
    44.0 km

    We were excited to complete the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and visiting Tumalo Falls was our first…read morestop. We visited in late September and the temperature was pretty perfect. Be sure to arrive early to grab a good parking spot. The lot is small and fills up very quickly. Once parked, we walked up to the viewing area and took in these gorgeous falls. They are located within the Deschutes National Forest and the falls head over a cliff face of 97 feet. Tumalo Creek continues down the mountain. We followed the trail up further and discovered more waterfalls which I believe are called Middle Tumalo Falls. I believe we hiked a total of 4 miles and we really enjoyed hanging out here. I love and seek water hikes of all types and this one just kept providing us a good time. It was a great way to start our day and prepared us for a whole day of experiencing the beauty of Central Oregon. Always remember when visiting these natural areas to pack in/pack out and LEAVE NO TRACE.

    Beautiful Falls. We went to Tumalo Falls and Deschutes National Forest with our family (locals) and…read moreloved it. We started our hike at the trailhead just steps from the parking lot. The path is well-maintained and leads directly Tumalo Falls. It is incredible and cascades from a height of 89 feet. So impressive. The sound and power of the Falls is such an outstanding sight. It took us 2 1/2 hours-but it was worth every view. See you next year!

    Photos
    Waterfall
    Waterfall
    Looking over the top all the way down - 97 feet
    Looking over the top all the way down - 97 feet
    Parking lot

    See all

    Parking lot
    Proxy Falls

    Proxy Falls

    4.8
    (9 reviews)
    74.2 km

    It's a hike for those with good footing. Pets, children, and most people can do this hike. It goes…read moreup and down over lava beds in some portions. Probably not so good if it's been raining as there can be slippery parts. The reward is the Upper and Lower (two different paths, not well marked) Proxy Falls, which are breathtakingly beautiful. The Lower Falls has at the bottom, a lot of logs to cross and isn't recommended for some as it's difficult although it arrives at the base of the falls for that must-get photo opp. There are actually better view points before you get to the bottom. The Upper Falls, by contrast, is beautiful and the water frigid, temps chilly even in the middle of summer. Youngsters and oldsters alike can enjoy this hike but it's actually a moderate hike for some; know your limits as you're far away from help if you get stuck. There are a few picnic spots, and many wild huckleberries on the trail. Bring a water bottle if it's hot. Temps vary over 30F on the trail any time of the Spring or Summer. Yes, it's worth it! Note that this leg of road isn't good for long trailers or RVs, there are very sharp switchbacks that make them dangerous or even impossible to navigate the curves. Quite a bit of parking is available. There is a park fee, payable later or the Golden Age Pass makes it free as it's a National Forest resource.

    Looove this trail! It's a short loop that takes you by 2 gorgeous waterfalls. The setting is…read morediverse and fun, starting off winding through a lava rock field and leading into the beautiful forest, off-shooting to both Lower and Upper Proxy Falls. If you read the info at the trailhead you'll see that the loop is meant to be a one way trek, however it seems that most missed that part as we encountered plenty of hikers coming at us. Not a biggie, as except for the lava section the trail is decently wide. You'll get a great view of Lower just past the directional sign, but I highly recommend if you're able to continue on down and right up the base of the falls. It's a bit steep heading down, and you've got to shimmy over and squeeze under a few downed trees, as well as using a massive downed tree-bridge to get across to the base. It's a bit of work, and probably not ok for everyone but definitely worth it. Lower Proxy is simply stunning and jaw dropping from right at the base. Upper is just a quick trip from the main trail, clearly marked by signage as well. While not quite the spectacle of Lower, it's definitely pretty and easily accessed. There are some picnic tables and a decent amount of shoulder parking at the head. The 1 1/2 mile trail is so much fun...it's like an adult playground...climbing around the rocks and trees, good times. From the gorgeous and varied scenery you encounter along the route to the stunning falls, Proxy Falls Trail is a don't miss.

    Photos
    Upper Proxy Falls
    Upper Proxy Falls
    Upper proxy falls
    Upper proxy falls
    Upper proxy falls

    See all

    Upper proxy falls
    Koosah Falls

    Koosah Falls

    4.7
    (11 reviews)
    92.9 km

    I recommend parking at the Koosah Falls parking lot- there is ample parking available there…read more Parking at Sahalie Falls is overcrowded and some folks had to park across the highway. There is a dig out restroom available in the parking lot. The trails are very well maintained and the overlooks offer excellent views of the falls. The path between the falls offers views of the BLUE McKenzie River. Across the river you will see the McKenzie River Trail with runners and hikers. There are several unmaintained paths going from the trail to the river- wander down at your own risk! Definitely a low effort high reward hike! Do not miss this one!

    Koosah Falls sits right along Waterfalls Trail beside the McKenzie River. It's not difficult to…read morereach and there are a bunch of overlook viewpoints with benches offering different perspectives. The first few lookouts are partially obstructed by trees and branches, but eventually as you keep walking, you're afforded undisturbed panoramas which are special, imo. And before walking over to this Koosah Falls (since it's barely strenuous, I wouldn't even consider it hiking), you'll immediately confront another terrific looking waterfall, and that's Sahalie Falls. You get two scenic waterfalls by simply stopping here for an hour or so. That's pretty efficient in my opinion, lol. I showed up in late July around 3:30pm and although the small parking lot was mainly full, I was still able to nab a spot. It's free to visit at your own accord. This Highway 126 situated next to the McKenzie River is the epitome of exploring around nature and is "one of Oregon's most famous recreation areas". Just 3.5 miles up the road from here at Koosah and Sahalie Falls is the iconic Tamolitch Falls - Blue Pool. That should not be missed as well. Including hiking to the colorful Blue Pool, it takes about half the day to visit. Back to this Koosah Falls...while walking along Waterfalls Trail, you'll have opportunities to relax at any point and soak up the McKenzie River forest surroundings. It's a pleasant setting. Extra notes... - Koosah Falls is 64 feet tall but appears more grand in real time. Sahalie Falls is about the same length. - Although you can't reach down to the base of Koosah Falls, Sahalie Falls is accessible and I suggest climbing over the railing for closeup views. It's not hard to do. Last thing I can say, I discovered Koosah and Sahalie Falls through TikTok mentions. TikTok is a great source of information for adventurers looking to find hidden gems among the great outdoors. Thank you to TikTok.

    Photos
    Taking a moment to appreciate the Koosah Falls views.
    Taking a moment to appreciate the Koosah Falls views.
    Koosah Falls
    Koosah Falls
    Koosah Falls

    See all

    Tamolitch Blue Pools

    Tamolitch Blue Pools

    4.7
    (13 reviews)
    87.1 km

    This is my second time completing this trail. It is very popular so make sure to get here early if…read moreyou don't want to park far from the trailhead. There are dig out restrooms available at the trailhead as well as a trash bin. The trail is easy though there are some boulders you need to scramble over in the lava fields. You will walk along a beautiful river and cross a couple foot bridges and streams along the way. Once at the blue pool you will truly see that the photos you've seen online are not edited! The water is unbelievable. You can walk down to the water but it is not recommended to jump in unless you are experienced. The water is 30 degrees year around and several injuries have occurred here- so be wise and have fun.

    It rained the whole drive over it seemed! But the trees kept the hike dry. Free parking and porta…read morepotties at the front entrance. The trail is a fairly easy one but you have to watch where you step. The first .75 miles was quite flat but the next .75 miles was fairly rocky. My husband and I both rolled our ankles at different points. Once you get to the actual spot to see the blue pools, there is one sign that says no biking. At that point, veer off towards the water area to see the pool! We missed it and were in the zone of walking and we ended up going too far! Don't go to the bridge that only has one side to hold on to. That means you've gone too far

    Photos
    Tamolitch Blue Pools
    Standing at a ledge overlooking the Blue Pool.
    Standing at a ledge overlooking the Blue Pool.
    Mossy rocks

    See all

    Mossy rocks

    Paulina Lake Hot Springs - hiking - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...