Hot Springs Oregon: 16 Dreamy Hot Springs You Must Visit

There are seemingly endless natural hot springs in Oregon. No matter where you are in the state, you can almost always find multiple Oregon hot springs to shake off the day’s stress.

From springs on the banks of the McKenzie River to the high desert in southern Oregon, hot springs in Oregon seem to be everywhere. You can enjoy formal, luxury resorts or a hot spring so primitive it is only recognized by the Forest Service.

Additionally, hot springs have played a vital role in Oregon’s culture and history. Many native tribes came to these waters for healing, as did pioneers and cowboys. Today, bathing in hot springs is a part of Oregon life.

Looking for amazing hot springs? Oregon has them. Here are 16 hot springs Oregon offers that you’re going to want to visit.

HART MOUNTAIN HOT SPRINGS

Surround yourself with epic views of cliffs, wildlife, and canyons in southern Oregon’s high desert. The Hart Mountain Hot Springs are within the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge.

A stone sanctuary surrounds the hot springs itself. However, the water itself is very natural. You will even see the water bubble up from the floor!

Because you’re not meant to sit in the pool — you’re supposed to float! — you won’t find ledges around the inside of the pool. Enjoy a relaxing float, and let your worries wash away. You’re guaranteed magnificent views and a rejuvenating soak in this pool. 

UMPQUA HOT SPRINGS

The Umpqua Hot Springs are some of the most popular hot springs in all of Oregon. “Umpqua” is the local tribe’s word for “dancing water.”

A few of the pools here sit beneath a lush forest canopy, but a few spectacular others are cliffside, forming a terrace over a roaring river.

The hot springs are very remote, 75 miles northwest of Crater Lake National Park. Visiting between April and October promises you breathtaking views of daily blooming flowers, but the springs are accessible all year. 

Read More: 16 FUN THINGS TO DO IN CRATER LAKE

ALVORD HOT SPRINGS

Until 2019, the Alvord Hot Springs were free and open to the public. Today, the owners have developed the hot springs to be a bit more formal.

The new structure includes a shower space, restrooms, a parking area, paid camping, and a small general store. Despite the changes, the two large pools have retained their beauty.

For $5, one can gain 24-hour access to these delightful springs overlooking the beautiful country landscape. 

BELKNAP HOT SPRINGS

Central Oregon is home to a private hot springs resort that is part of an unincorporated community.

The Belknap Hot Springs were first discovered and developed in 1869 along the McKenzie River. A post office was constructed on the location of the hot springs, and they both quickly became referred to as “Salt Springs” in 1874. By 1875, the community changed the name to “Belknap Springs,” which it retains today.

The resort itself has changed ownership a handful of times since its conception, but today features a lodge and cabins. Guests staying in a lodge or cabin can access the mineral springs from 9:00 AM-9:00 PM. If you are only visiting the springs for the day, your soaking time is capped at one hour. 

COUGAR HOT SPRINGS

Cougar Hot Springs, also known as Terwilliger Hot Springs, are geothermal springs within Willamette National Forest.

To access the four soaking pools, visitors will make a brief hike down a quarter-mile trail. The temperatures of the four pools range from 85°F to 112°F. The bottom of these pools is mostly bedrock, but you’ll find some light gravel and sand.

The pools are only open during the daylight, and camping is only allowed at the developed campgrounds in the Cougar Recreational Area. 

PAULINA LAKE HOT SPRINGS

Those looking to get away from the crowds will love the primitive experience at Paulina Hot Springs. These hot springs are not marked, but are near the Volcanic Monument in the Deschutes National Forest.

Paulin Lake Hot Springs are simply circular dugouts on the lake. You may see some stones outlining the pools, but it is not guaranteed. There are five geothermal pools in this remote area, with temperatures ranging from 90°F to 115°F.

The best time to visit these springs is between May and July. The springs will likely be submerged under Paulina Lake if you visit in other months. 

MCCREDIE HOT SPRINGS

Another primitive and remote hot springs area is the McCredie Hot Springs. This area used to be part of a historic resort, but is now underdeveloped.

The hot springs share a border with the chilly and swift-moving Salt Creek. However, these springs generally reach temperatures up to 114°F, but have been recorded as high as 134°F.

There are multiple pools in this area. The most significant spans 35-feet across, and the smallest one is just 3-feet across. However, the number of pools varies based on the time of year. At any given time, one can expect between 2-4 pools.

It should be noted that Google Maps is known to give visitors inconsistent directions. It is best to find the pools with their official coordinates: 43.7040120, -122.2872629. 

BIGELOW HOT SPRINGS

An excellent place for an intimate date, the 2-4 person pool of Bigelow Hot Springs is a highly private natural spa. The sand and gravel pool is on the north end of the McKenzie River, about 60 miles from Eugene, OR. Bigelow Hot Springs is also known as Deer Creek Hot Springs.

This hot spring is perfect for those looking to take advantage of a “clothing optional” swim. 

BREITENBUSH HOT SPRINGS

Breitenbush Hot Springs is a unique resort that offers visitors a complete digital detox. There is no WiFi or cell phone service on the property.

The resort sits on 154-acres of beautiful Oregon forestry, and offers the most significant thermal spring area in the Oregon Cascades. Visitors can visit for a day or book a stay in the historic 1920s lodge.

There are three different soaking experiences: meadow pool, spiral tubs, or individual tubs. The meadow pools are three natural hot springs. There is one pool that is always designated as a “silent pool” to promote contemplative soaking.

The spiral tubs are four pools, each with a different temperature. You soak in each tub and conclude by bathing in a cold-water tub. This is considered a sacred water medicine practice meant to awaken your senses.

Lastly, the 10-foot claw individual tub experiences are perfect for couples or singles desiring private meditation. The entire complex is truly an area that promotes an experience of zen, meditation, and self-reflection

BAGBY HOT SPRINGS

Bagby Hot Springs is Oregon’s more frequented geothermal spa. Enjoy a stunning 1.5-mile hike through Mount Hood National Forest to reach three organized soaking areas.

The first is the Private Deck, which includes hollowed-out logs in a private room. The room is only partially covered so that you can enjoy Oregon sky views, while keeping your belongings dry in the event of rain.

The second option is the Public Deck, where you can soak in one of three logs salvaged from a 1979 forest fire or a whiskey barrel tub.

Lastly, the Upper Deck offers an 8-person whiskey barrel tub soak. If you want to soak privately, be sure to stay on the private deck. The others are a communal experience. 

RITTER HOT SPRINGS

Note: Ritter Hot Springs is currently closed for renovations.

After falling through ice on a frozen river, William Neal McDuffee only survived being frozen to death when he stumbled upon the hot water from what he named, “McDuffee Hot Springs.” After that experience, he claimed the land and set up a hot springs resort.

Ritter Hot Springs was eventually renamed to honor a local hero named Joseph Ritter, and the first structure was set up on the property in 1886. A General Store from 1894 remains intact on the property, and reminds visitors of the early days of settlers and cowboys in Oregon’s early history.

Today, visitors can use the pools and tubs for day use or stay overnight as lodge guests. The main pool maintains a temperature in the mid-80s°F, while the soaking tubs offer a delightful 109°F soak.

Additionally, the resort promotes a wild edible mushroom collection, and offers guidance for guests interested in trying their hand at harvesting. 

CRYSTAL CRANE HOT SPRINGS

Crystal Crane Hot Springs is a family-owned and operated resort. They cater to everyone – families and couples alike. The property offers private bathhouses as well as shared hot spring pools.

The main soaking pond spans 9,728 square feet and holds 323,143 gallons. Numerous accommodation options include cabins, teepees, suites, or camping and RV parking spaces.

The resort is ideally located for day excursions, like horseback riding, guided bird watching, desert and crater tours, and plenty of hiking. 

SUMMER LAKE HOT SPRINGS

Summer Lake Hot Springs was first organized as a bathhouse in 1929. The bathhouse began as a modest wooden structure that now boasts full facilities that include showers and restrooms. The outdoor mineral pool’s heat sits at a comfortable 104°F and is a lovely place to enjoy the skylight views of Oregon’s starry nights.

Guests can also book modest accommodations in cabins on site. While no air conditioning is available, the cabins are outfitted with electric fans and portable heaters in the winter. Although, all cabins reap the benefits of their location – geothermal floors! 

LITHIA SPRINGS RESORT

Luxury is synonymous with Lithia Springs Resort. Almost every room on-site includes access to a bathtub with mineral water piped in. Even the showers use this glorious water!

Additionally, guests have access to a heated saline pool (seasonal) and jacuzzi (year-round). The luxury does not end with the bathing. All guests are provided complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea time, a fitness cottage, parking, and WiFi.

If you want to spice up your day, you can spend an afternoon in the Waterstone Spa or try local wine from the Wine Garden tasting room. This is an excellent spot for honeymooners or anyone looking to take the edge off of life for a while. 

EAST LAKE HOT SPRINGS

East Lake Hot Springs is one of many geothermal areas that were created within Paulina and East Lakes from a volcanic eruption. Like Paulina Hot Springs, it is best to visit the East Lakes Hot Springs between May and July. Outside of that timeframe, the springs will likely submerge under the lake.

The largest spring in the area is accessible via a 15-minute hike from the main boating dock, or a brief boat ride downstream. You will find boulders surrounding this bubbling pool. There are a few smaller pools along the way as well.

Tip: If you encounter one with a strong odor of sulfur, these pools are generally inadvisable to soak in. 

BARNES WARM SPRINGS

Just under a mile down a gravel road is Barnes Warm Springs. It is an intimate area hidden in grass and boulders surrounding an abandoned homestead. It is a lovely spot for relaxing on a summer day, fly-fishing, or simply watching wildlife.

It is very accessible compared to many other warm waters, but the temperature is not nearly as heated as the above hot springs. 

HOT SPRINGS OREGON FAQ

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