Newberry recreation areas opening early

With continued warm weather, early snowmelt, and the opening of the Paulina Lake Road Friday, recreational activities within the Newberry Crater Monument are opening to the public earlier than normal, officials said.

Paulina Visitor Center will open on Saturday and will be open weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Paulina Falls and the Big Obsidian Flow are open, but have patches of snow. Recreation fees are required at some sites.

Trails also are open within Newberry Crater; however, snow and ice are still on the trails and people should be prepared for those hazards.

Paulina Lake, Little Crater, East Lake, and Cinder Hill campgrounds were opening Friday and potable water is available at Paulina Lake and Little Crater campgrounds.

Although the campgrounds are opening, patchy snow still exists in some areas. All boat docks have been installed in the lakes.

Hoodoo, in partnership with the Deschutes National Forest, manages the campgrounds for the Deschutes National Forest. Additional campground information and updated opening dates can be found at www.hoodoo.com. Reservations can be made for some sites at www.recreation.gov.

Paulina Lake Lodge also opened Friday and East Lake Resort will open on Friday, May 24th. Please contact the resorts directly for more information.