Winter

After 500,000 years of violent eruptions of ash and pumice, ending with the Big Obsidian Flow 1,300 years ago, Newberry Crater was born. When it was all said and done, a backcountry delight of approximately four miles in diameter and roughly 17 total square miles was left standing. Dimples in the landscape filled with water and became Paulina Lake and East Lake.

In 1929, Paulina Lake Lodge was built with surrounding cabins eventually popping up along the rocky shoreline, only 27 miles southeast of Sunriver. The under-an-hour drive makes for a convenient local’s getaway as well as a tourist’s destination.

Avid snowmobilers Todd and Karen Brown bought Paulina Lake Lodge in 2000 and, with the help of a handful of employees, have offered up the slice of paradise year round since then. While fishing and hiking dominate the resort in the summer, locals and out-of-towners alike flock to the snowbound resort each winter to revel in the winter wonderland.

“We try and provide a family friendly atmosphere,” explained Karen. “We have many return(ing) guests.”

During the winter season, which begins Dec. 26 and runs through mid-March, the resort is accessed from Ten Mile Sno-Park, off County Road 21, 39 miles south of Bend. A 3-mile ski, snowshoe or snowmobile ride finishes the route to the lodge. For those in need of a lift, the resort’s Sno-cat, or tracked vehicle, can escort you from your car to the cabin.

“My wife and I love the skiing out of (the) cabin,” said Washington visitor Adam Gobrecht. “It’s so peaceful and beautiful. In just a few minutes you can be out in the middle of the wilderness.”

Situated around the lake to the north of the lodge are 14 rustic cabins awaiting guests looking to get away. The cabins sleep between two and 10 people and cost between $95 and $252 per night. The smallest cabin, The Dove, is an intimate A-frame loft with a double and a twin bed. Meanwhile, The Reeds Cabin has a master bedroom with a queen-sized bed, two separate lofts with a king bed and a double bed, and two living areas with futons. They come equipped with full kitchens and baths, and firewood for the wood stoves.

But visitors shouldn’t spend too much time looking for the television or telephone, as none of the cabins have them. Furthermore, while your furry friends are welcome, there is a pet deposit.

“It’s very beautiful here,” said Karen. “You can ride or ski out of your cabin. We have tried to maintain the original atmosphere and feel of the resort even with the renovations to our cabins.”

There are roughly equal number of skiers and snowmobilers who visit the lodge each winter.

Snowmobile riders enjoy the 150 miles of groomed trails located within 330,000 acres of a lodge-designated “snowmobile playground.”

Skiers enjoy countless miles of ungroomed trails and backcountry routes. As always, extreme caution should be taken when enjoying the winter backcountry as avalanches are prone to occur along the Central Oregon landscape.

The 85-year-old lodge is set up for guest mingling and home-style cooking. Hot chocolate, homemade soup or chili await visitors after a long day spent in the snow or simply by the fire. For those adult revelers, a full cocktail bar is stocked with many alcoholic pleasures, as well as a coffee barista. The restaurant has varied hours, so check the website for more details.

As a testament to Paulina Lake Lodge’s atmosphere, 80 percent of their visitors return for another stay. While they don’t do events, the lodge is available for company parties with advance notice.

While the disclaimer reads, “We cannot control nor take responsibility for any acts of nature,” I’d argue that it’s those acts, in the form of weather and animals, that bring visitors to the Paulina Lake Lodge.