40+ hot springs ranging from cedar tubs in old-growth forest to desert pools beneath Steens Mountain. From family-friendly resorts to remote primitive soaks at the edge of the world.
Known Hot Springs
Distinct Landscapes
Portland to Bagby
Alvord Source Temp
Commercial, swimwear, facilities
Public land, clothing-optional, rustic
Forested canyon springs
High desert fault springs
Check conditions before driving
You can soak in hand-hewn cedar tubs surrounded by old-growth Douglas fir in the Mt. Hood National Forest. You can lower yourself into terraced mineral pools perched on a cliff above the North Umpqua River. You can sit in a concrete tank at the edge of the Alvord Desert, watching thunderstorms roll across a dry lakebed while Steens Mountain glows in the last light. Or you can check into a resort with manicured gardens, heated pools, and a lodge room waiting for you at the end of the day.
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Hot springs access, fees, and road conditions change frequently. This guide covers what each spring is like and how to plan your visit, but always verify current access and conditions with the managing agency or property before making the drive. Links to official sources are included throughout.
Commercial operations on private land or managed sites with built infrastructure. They have pools (sometimes chlorinated), changing facilities, restrooms, and often lodging and dining. Swimwear is typically required. Fees range from day-use rates to full resort pricing.
These are the right choice if you want a comfortable, accessible soak without logistical complexity. Families, first-timers, anyone who wants predictability.
On public land (usually National Forest or BLM land) with minimal or no development. Some have volunteer-built rock pools or basic wooden structures. Most have no facilities beyond a vault toilet. Most are clothing-optional. Some require hikes. Some are on rough forest roads that close seasonally.
These springs offer more authentic, immersive experiences, but they require more preparation, self-reliance, and respect for the environment.
Oregon’s Cascades hot springs exist because of volcanic activity heating groundwater that surfaces in forested canyons and along riverbanks. Eastern Oregon’s springs have a different origin — the Basin and Range geology of the high desert is defined by fault lines where tectonic plates have stretched and cracked the earth’s crust, pushing deeply heated groundwater back to the surface across the remote desert landscape from the Alvord Desert to Hart Mountain.
If you want a soak without the logistical uncertainty of primitive springs, Oregon’s commercial hot springs properties offer reliable, accessible experiences with real facilities. These range from rustic retreats to full resort operations.
On the banks of the McKenzie River within the Willamette National Forest, Belknap is Oregon’s most family-friendly hot springs destination. Two concrete swimming pools fed by natural mineral water, surrounded by acres of gardens, trails, and forest. Swimwear is required. The property offers lodge rooms, cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. Day-use visitors can access the pools for an hourly fee.
‘Belknap has been welcoming visitors since the 1860s, making it one of the oldest continuously operating hot springs in the state. The McKenzie River, one of Oregon’s best fly fishing rivers, flows right past the property. The McKenzie River Trail, one of Oregon’s best hiking and mountain biking routes, passes right through.
Breitenbush is something different. Part hot springs, part retreat center, part off-grid community, it sits within a 154-acre wildlife sanctuary in the Willamette National Forest. The facility runs on hydropower and geothermal energy. There’s no cell service, no internet, and no television. That’s by design.
Seven soaking pools span two areas: the Spiral Tubs (concrete tubs behind the lodge with varying temperatures) and the Sacred Meadow Pools (river-rock-lined pools with forest and river views). All pools are clothing-optional. The retreat offers wellness programs, yoga, and meditation alongside the soaking experience. Requires reservations for both day visitors and overnight guests. This is the right choice if you want to genuinely disconnect.
On the Warm Springs Reservation in Central Oregon, Kah-Nee-Ta reopened after years of closure and has become one of the state’s most interesting hot springs destinations. The resort sits in a dramatic high-desert canyon and is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Mineral hot springs feed man-made pools, and the property offers hotel rooms, teepees, and RV sites.
Kah-Nee-Ta carries cultural significance beyond the soaking experience. It’s an opportunity to visit sovereign tribal land and support an Indigenous-owned hospitality operation. The surrounding landscape is stark and beautiful.
In the high desert outside Burns, Crystal Crane is a rustic gem. The main attraction is a large outdoor mineral pond fed by natural hot springs, open to all guests. Private cedar bathhouses offer individual soaking. The property also has cabins, a ranch house, teepees, and camping. Simple, unpretentious, and genuine.
Crystal Crane makes an excellent stop on an Eastern Oregon road trip, particularly if you’re headed to or from the Alvord Desert, Steens Mountain, or the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The high desert setting — wide-open skies and a quiet that city visitors rarely experience — is completely different from the forested Cascades springs.
Two hours south of Bend in the Great Basin region, Summer Lake Hot Springs offers geothermally heated indoor and outdoor pools on a 125-acre property. The indoor pool house provides year-round soaking regardless of weather. Cabins are heated by the same geothermal water that feeds the pools.
The location is remote and the night sky is extraordinary. Summer Lake sits near one of the largest Dark Sky areas in the country, and soaking under a sky full of stars with zero light pollution is an experience that stays with you. This is a destination for people who want to slow down and be genuinely far away from everything.
Just outside Ashland in Southern Oregon, Jackson Wellsprings offers a community-oriented soaking experience. A large outdoor mineral pool and smaller soaking areas draw both locals and visitors. Day use is available. The atmosphere is casual and inclusive. A convenient stop if you’re already visiting Ashland for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival or exploring the Rogue Valley. See our Southern Oregon guide for the full Ashland experience.
These are Oregon’s wild springs, the ones that require some effort, some planning, and a willingness to embrace rustic conditions. The rewards are worth it. Most are clothing-optional by custom, on public land managed by USFS or BLM, and require a Northwest Forest Pass or day-use fee. Cell service is limited or nonexistent. Always check with the managing agency before making the drive.
The most iconic hot springs in Oregon, and for good reason. Umpqua’s terraced mineral pools sit on a dramatic travertine shelf high above the North Umpqua River, sheltered by old-growth forest. The view from the upper pools, looking down through the trees to the river below, is stunning. Water temperatures in the tiered pools range from very hot at the top to cooler at the lower levels.
Getting there requires a steep half-mile hike from the day-use parking area. The springs are open during daylight hours only. The access road (Forest Road 3401) is rough and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The road is typically gated from November through April, adding a 5-mile round-trip walk during winter months.
The honest part: Umpqua’s popularity has created ongoing challenges. Overcrowding, littering, noise, and behavioral issues have been documented by the Forest Service. New regulations have helped, but the experience can vary significantly depending on when you visit. Early morning weekday visits are dramatically different from weekend afternoons. If you go, go early, go on a weekday if possible, and contribute to the solution by packing out trash, keeping quiet, and treating the space with respect.
Current access and seasonal road closures:Â fs.usda.gov (Umpqua National Forest)
Bagby is unlike any other hot spring in Oregon. Instead of natural pools, you’ll find hand-hewn cedar log tubs and round wooden soaking vessels fed by wooden flumes channeling hot mineral water from the source. The setting is deep in the Mt. Hood National Forest, surrounded by towering old-growth Douglas fir along a tributary of the Clackamas River. The craftsmanship of the tubs, built and maintained by the Friends of Bagby volunteers, gives the place a character that feels timeless.
You control your water temperature by plugging or unplugging the wooden flume and mixing in cold water. The spring source runs at approximately 138 degrees — far too hot for direct soaking. A per-person fee is required in cash at the trailhead. Waits can be long on weekends. Roads are not plowed in winter. No cell service. Car break-ins at the trailhead are a documented problem — don’t leave valuables visible.
A series of rock-walled pools cascade down a forested hillside, each one slightly cooler than the one above it as water flows from the source. The forest canopy overhead filters the light, and the sound of water moving between pools creates an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate. Located in the Willamette National Forest, roughly an hour east of Eugene.
A concessionaire manages the site with a per-person day-use fee, hours limited to daylight, and a maximum 2-hour stay during busy periods. The springs are closed Thursday mornings for cleaning. No pets. Parking fills quickly on summer weekends. Clothing is optional. Road conditions to the site can be complicated — always check current road status with the Willamette National Forest before making the drive.
The most easily accessible natural hot spring in the Cascades. McCredie sits right alongside Salt Creek just off Highway 58 between Eugene and Bend. No real hike — just a short walk from a roadside pullout. Volunteers have built rock walls to contain naturally heated water in pools at the creek’s edge, where you can mix hot spring water with cold creek water to adjust temperature.
The accessibility is both the appeal and the drawback. McCredie gets heavy use, and the informal nature of the site means maintenance is entirely user-dependent. Conditions vary. The setting along the creek is pleasant. Clothing is optional and nudity is common.
Inside Newberry Volcanic Monument south of Bend, hot water seeps up through volcanic sand along the shore of Paulina Lake. You essentially dig into the warm sand at the water’s edge and let the mix of hot spring water and lake water create your own soaking spot. The setting inside the volcanic caldera, with Paulina Peak and the obsidian flow nearby, adds geological interest.
Getting there requires a hike — the shorter Hot Spur Spring Trail is roughly 1.2 miles; the longer option loops around the lake at 7.5 miles. There’s a fee for entering Newberry Volcanic Monument ($10/vehicle). Clothing norms are informal and clothing-optional in practice. Pairs well with the Paulina Falls stop nearby.
A small, quiet spring in the Willamette National Forest reached by a short 0.3-mile trail through old-growth forest. Wall Creek is exactly what its nickname suggests: a contemplative place. The pool is small, accommodating a few people at most, with water temperatures around 90 to 100 degrees.
It’s less dramatic than Terwilliger or Umpqua but more peaceful, and you’re far more likely to have it to yourself. A good choice for visitors who value solitude over spectacle.
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Eastern Oregon’s hot springs offer open sky instead of forest canopy, desert silence instead of rushing rivers, and multi-hour journeys through some of the most sparsely populated landscape in the lower 48. The remoteness is the point. Come prepared with food, extra water, extra fuel, a full spare tire, and the understanding that you are genuinely far from help if something goes wrong. There is no cell service at any of these springs.
If you visit one hot spring in Eastern Oregon, make it this one. Alvord Hot Springs sits at the eastern base of Steens Mountain, at the edge of the Alvord Desert, a 12-mile-long dry lakebed that feels more like Nevada or Utah than Oregon. Two concrete pools, dating back to the 1940s and modernized over the years, are fed by springs that emerge from the ground at approximately 170 degrees.
The setting is the experience. To the west, Steens Mountain rises nearly 10,000 feet. To the east, the Alvord Desert stretches flat and white to the horizon. At night, the absence of light pollution makes this one of the best stargazing locations in the state. The Milky Way is visible in a way that most people have never seen.
Alvord Hot Springs is privately owned by the Davis family and has on-site caretakers, a small store, restrooms, bunkhouses, and camping. The property is roughly 4 hours from Bend by car, with the last stretch on gravel roads.
Planning essentials: Day-use visitors should call ahead for availability. No cell service. Come prepared with food, water, and fuel. The nearest hospital is multiple hours away. The drive is worth every mile — but plan it properly.
Contact:Â alvordhotsprings.com or call the property for current fees, availability, and road conditions.
Deep within the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge in southeastern Oregon, this spring sits at the base of a dramatic fault scarp. A developed stone-enclosed pool accommodates several soakers, with a smaller, warmer, undeveloped pool nearby. The setting is remote high desert surrounded by one of Oregon’s most important wildlife refuges, home to pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and sage grouse.
The drive to Hart Mountain is long from anywhere — Lakeview is the nearest town, roughly two hours away. The refuge’s campground near the springs is basic (no water, no fees). Roads within the refuge are unpaved and can be impassable when wet. This is a destination for people who are comfortable with true remoteness and want to combine soaking with wildlife viewing and high-desert exploration.
In the far southeastern corner of the state, Willow Creek is about as remote as it gets. A small, undeveloped spring in open desert country with views stretching for miles. You’re almost guaranteed to have it entirely to yourself. The road in is dirt and can be treacherous after rain — don’t attempt it in a low-clearance vehicle or in wet conditions.
This isn’t a destination for casual visitors. It’s for people who love the idea of soaking in a hot spring in complete solitude at the edge of the world. If that sounds appealing, the effort to get there is part of the experience.
These two geothermal areas in the Alvord Desert region are fascinating to visit but absolutely cannot be used for soaking. Mickey Hot Springs has boiling water, scalding mud pots, and fragile ground that can collapse. Temperatures exceed 200 degrees in places. Borax Lake is similarly dangerous, with extremely hot water and delicate mineral formations. People have been seriously injured at geothermal sites like these.
Visit from a safe distance, stay on established paths, and enjoy the otherworldly landscape. These sites offer a window into the volcanic forces that create all of Oregon’s hot springs — just in a much more raw and dangerous form.
Oregon’s natural hot springs are fragile places. Several have faced temporary closures in recent years due to overcrowding, trash, vandalism, and behavioral problems. Every time you visit and leave it cleaner than you found it, you’re making a case for keeping it open.
Pack out everything you bring in, including food wrappers, bottles, and personal items. If you see trash left by others, pack that out too. Never bring glass to a hot spring — broken glass in and around pools is a persistent problem and a common cause of injury.
Never use soap, shampoo, or any cleaning product in or near a hot spring — including biodegradable and “natural” products. Hot springs are not plumbing systems. Anything you put in the water stays in the ecosystem, contaminating the spring and the waterways it feeds. This is also illegal in most wilderness areas.
Don’t move rocks, build new dams, or modify existing structures. The pools at many springs were carefully constructed by volunteers or naturally formed over decades. Changing them affects water flow, temperature, and the experience for everyone who comes after you.
People visit hot springs to relax. The natural quiet of a forest or desert setting is part of the experience. Don’t bring portable speakers. Keep voices down. Be aware of posted capacity limits and time restrictions. Don’t monopolize a pool for hours when others are waiting.
Most natural and primitive Oregon hot springs are clothing-optional by longstanding custom — you’ll encounter people soaking nude. Clothing-optional means exactly that: optional. You’re welcome to wear a swimsuit, and nobody should pressure you either way. Never photograph people without their explicit permission.
Umpqua, Terwilliger, and Bagby have all faced closures, increased regulation, and management changes driven by visitor behavior. Every time you visit and leave it cleaner than you found it, you’re making a case for keeping it open. Every time someone leaves trash or behaves badly, the argument for restricting access gets stronger.
Easy to underestimate because the setting feels so peaceful. A few things to take seriously before your first soak.
The source water at many Oregon springs is dangerously hot. Terwilliger’s source exceeds 116°F. Alvord’s source is approximately 170°F. Bagby’s springs flow at 138°F. These temperatures will scald you instantly. Always test the water before getting in. At tiered springs, upper pools closest to the source are the hottest. If a pool feels too hot, get out.
Soaking in hot water dehydrates you faster than most people realize. Bring more water than you think you need and drink before, during, and after soaking. Alcohol and hot springs are a poor combination — alcohol accelerates dehydration and impairs your judgment about how long you’ve been in the water.
Many of Oregon’s best springs are in areas with no cell service, no nearby towns, and no emergency services within quick reach. Alvord is 4+ hours from the nearest hospital. Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. Carry a paper map. Don’t rely on GPS or cell coverage. Bring a basic first aid kit and emergency supplies.
Forest roads to many springs are unpaved, unplowed, and unmaintained in winter. Landslides, fallen trees, potholes, and ice are all common hazards. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for several popular springs. Check road conditions with USFS or BLM before driving, especially November through May.
Don’t drink hot springs water — mineral content including arsenic and other naturally occurring elements can exceed safe levels for consumption. Don’t submerge open wounds, as bacteria can be present in geothermal water. Rinse off after soaking if you have sensitive skin.
Most visits are uneventful and enjoyable. That said, car break-ins at trailhead parking areas are a documented problem at several popular springs, particularly Bagby. Don’t leave valuables visible in your car. Ideally, leave valuables at home. Visiting with at least one companion is recommended, especially at remote or isolated springs.
Natural springs on National Forest land typically require a Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or ~$30/year) or a per-person day-use fee. The America the Beautiful pass covers most USFS day-use sites. Springs managed by concessionaires (Terwilliger, Bagby) have their own fee structures. Carry cash — many sites don’t accept cards.
Commercial resorts set their own pricing. Day-use soaking typically runs $10–$20 per person. Check individual resort websites for current pricing. Eastern Oregon springs on BLM land are generally free, though Alvord (privately owned) charges day-use and camping fees.
Towel (most springs don’t provide them). Water and snacks. Sturdy footwear for slippery surfaces. A swimsuit, even for clothing-optional springs. A change of dry clothes. A trash bag for packing out your waste and any litter you find. A headlamp if there’s any chance you’ll be hiking out in fading light. Cash for fees. Sunscreen.
For Eastern Oregon springs specifically:Â extra water, extra fuel, a full spare tire, and the assumption that you’re on your own if something goes wrong. These are not locations where roadside assistance is a realistic option.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Fewer crowds at popular springs, pleasant temperatures, most roads still accessible. Winter (Dec–Feb): The most dramatic time to soak — steam rising into cold air, potential snow. But access is limited at many springs due to road closures. If you make it, the experience of soaking while snow falls around you is unforgettable. Summer (Jun–Aug): Best access, biggest crowds. Popular springs can be packed on weekends. Go early, go on weekdays. Weekday mornings are your best bet at any time of year.
Camping directly at hot springs is prohibited at most natural spring sites. However, nearby campgrounds exist for many popular springs: Cougar Crossing is near Terwilliger; Boulder Flat is near Umpqua; the Bagby Campground is adjacent to the Bagby trailhead. Crystal Crane, Summer Lake, and Alvord all offer on-site camping as part of their commercial operations.
Dispersed camping on National Forest and BLM land is generally allowed where not posted otherwise — camp at least 200 feet from any water source, including hot springs. See our Oregon camping guide for campground options statewide, including sites near hot springs.
Most natural and primitive springs are clothing-optional by custom. Nudity is common and expected at Terwilliger, Umpqua, McCredie, and many others. Commercial resorts generally require swimwear (Belknap, Kah-Nee-Ta, Summer Lake). Breitenbush is clothing-optional. Always check the policy before you go, and be prepared for nudity at any undeveloped spring.
Yes, with preparation and awareness. The main risks are scalding water (always test before entering), dehydration (bring and drink water), remote locations (tell someone your plans), and road conditions (check before driving). Read the full safety section above before your first visit. Most visits are uneventful and enjoyable when you’re properly prepared.
Belknap Hot Springs Resort is the easiest and most accessible option: developed, family-friendly, swimwear required, no logistics to worry about. For a first experience at a natural spring, Terwilliger offers a short, easy hike to beautiful pools with managed facilities and a relatively controlled environment. Crystal Crane in Eastern Oregon offers a comfortable introduction to high-desert soaking with real amenities.
Belknap is the clear choice — developed pools, gardens, lodge rooms, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Kah-Nee-Ta is another good option. Most primitive springs are better suited to adults due to hot water temperatures, lack of facilities, and clothing-optional norms. See our Oregon with Kids guide for more family activity recommendations.
Some require hikes: Bagby is 1.4 miles, Umpqua is 0.5 miles, Terwilliger is 0.25 miles. Others are drive-up or very short walks: McCredie, Alvord, Crystal Crane, and all commercial resorts. The guide specifies access for each spring above.
Bagby is the closest major spring to Portland, roughly 90 minutes southeast. Breitenbush is about 2.5 hours. Terwilliger and Umpqua are 3 to 4 hours south. Eastern Oregon springs (Alvord, Hart Mountain) are 4+ hours from Portland. See our Eastern Oregon guide for road trip planning for the high desert and our Best Time to Visit Oregon guide for seasonal planning across all regions.
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Itineraries, lodging, drive times, and everything else before you go.
