21 Oregon Hot Springs: Best Natural Pools & Thermal Resorts

Oregon offers a variety of hot springs across scenic landscapes. Popular locations include Lithia Springs Resort, Bagby Hot Springs, and Umpqua Hot Springs. Water temperatures range from 85°F to over 200°F, with pools like Lithia’s private tubs and Umpqua’s cascading pools. 

Visitors rate Oregon hot springs at 3.9/5, appreciating the natural beauty and healing benefits, though some note crowding or inconsistent service. These springs provide a peaceful escape year-round, offering different soaking experiences, from luxurious resorts to rustic, remote sites like Juntura Hot Springs, all with mineral-rich, rejuvenating waters.

As a traveler exploring these thermal wonders for Soak Destinations, I found each spring to hold its own charm — from misty forest pools to riverside retreats where the only sounds are rushing water and birdsong. Oregon hot springs invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature in its purest, most restorative form.

Oregon Hot Springs

Oregon Hot Springs Map

1. Lithia Springs Resort & Wine Garden

  • Location: 2165 W Jackson Rd, Ashland, Oregon (3 miles from downtown Ashland)
  • Cost: Room rates vary by accommodation type; Contact resort for current pricing at (800) 482-7128
  • Water Temperature: Natural mineral water in private soaking tubs; Outdoor saline pool (seasonal)
  • Weather / Best Season: Year-round; Summer for outdoor pool, Fall for wine harvest season
  • Review: 4.6/5 rating – Praised for beautiful gardens and unique wine tasting experience, though some guests note inconsistent service and breakfast quality

Lithia Springs Resort & Wine Garden is a serene retreat nestled in Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley, offering a tranquil escape on four acres of organic gardens. The resort’s curative mineral springs, rich in sulfur, lithium, and soda, provide healing and rejuvenation. 

With 38 unique accommodations, guests enjoy private mineral water soaking tubs, contemporary interiors, and luxury amenities. 

The resort also features a wine tasting room with renowned biodynamic wines from partner wineries, a spa, seasonal saline swimming pool, and fitness cottage. Guests can explore Ashland with complimentary cruiser bikes and unwind by the koi pond or in the cozy tea room.

A four-panel collage showcasing Lithia Springs Resort & Wine Garden, featuring guests by the pool, a vibrant vineyard, an aerial view of the resort, and a bright, inviting bedroom.
A four-panel collage showcasing Lithia Springs Resort & Wine Garden, featuring guests by the pool, a vibrant vineyard, an aerial view of the resort, and a bright, inviting bedroom. (Credits IG: lithia_springs_resort)

2. Snively Hot Springs

  • Location: Owyhee River Canyon, 30 miles southwest of Ontario, Oregon (12 miles below Owyhee Dam)
  • Cost: Free
  • Water Temperature: 90°F to 120°F (varies by pool location; source water 134-150°F)
  • Weather / Best Season: Summer and Fall (late summer to early fall best); Spring runoff can submerge pools
  • Review: 4.2/5 rating – Appreciated for easy access and beautiful desert canyon setting, though often crowded and littered

Snively Hot Springs, located along the Lower Owyhee River, offers natural geothermal pools surrounded by a scenic high desert landscape. The geothermal water, emerging at 190°F, flows into man-made pools tempered with river water, allowing visitors to adjust the temperature by shifting positions. 

The spring spans about 20 feet across and over three feet deep, with smooth river stones providing a comfortable soaking experience. The site operates on a day-use basis, with no overnight camping or fires near the pools. Basic amenities include a pit toilet, picnic table, and parking, with access via paved and gravel roads.

Rocky river landscape with distant hills, featuring Snively Hot Springs by the bank.
Rocky river landscape with distant hills, featuring Snively Hot Springs by the bank. (Credits IG: blmoregonwashington)

3. Bagby Hot Springs

  • Location: Mount Hood National Forest, 40 miles southeast of Estacada, Oregon (1.5-mile hike from trailhead)
  • Cost: $5 per person soaking fee (cash only at trailhead or card at Ripplebrook Store)
  • Water Temperature: 138°F at source; Cooled to comfortable temperatures in tubs (guests control by filling/emptying)
  • Weather / Best Season: Year-round; Weekdays and off-season for fewer crowds; Roads may be impassable in winter
  • Review: 4.3/5 rating – One of Oregon’s most beloved hot springs with rustic hand-hewn tubs, though can be extremely crowded on weekends

Bagby Hot Springs, located in a pristine old-growth forest along the Clackamas River, offers a unique experience with hand-hewn log tubs and cedar plumbing. Discovered in 1880, the springs flow 42 gallons per minute, with the largest spring producing water at 138°F. 

The bathhouses include a lower bathhouse with three log tubs and a 6-foot round tub, and an upper bathhouse with a round tub on an open deck. Accessed via a 1.5-mile hike through old-growth Douglas firs, the springs offer a peaceful retreat, though cell service is unavailable, and winter access may be difficult.

I have completely explored this incredible spot, and you can read my guide about Bagby Hot Springs here.

Rustic cedar tubs at Bagby Hot Springs nestled in a wooden structure.
Rustic cedar tubs at Bagby Hot Springs nestled in a wooden structure. (Credits IG: blueboxdrifter)

4. Hunter’s Hot Springs

  • Location: 18088 US-395, Lakeview, Oregon (2 miles north of Lakeview near California border)
  • Cost: Day passes available at front desk; Overnight guests receive complimentary pool access
  • Water Temperature: 104-110°F (main pool); Source water emerges at 185-205°F
  • Weather / Best Season: Year-round; Fall offers comfortable temperatures
  • Review: 4.9/5 rating – Famous for Old Perpetual geyser and large mineral pool, praised for clean accommodations and unique geothermal experience

Hunter’s Hot Springs Resort is home to Old Perpetual, Oregon’s only active geyser, which erupts every 90 seconds, sending 200-degree water 50 to 60 feet into the air. Discovered in 1832, the springs became a health resort in 1923, with the original building constructed in 1925 and recently renovated. 

The resort offers a large, geothermally heated mineral pool with alkaline water rich in sulfates and other minerals, drained and refilled nightly for cleanliness. Accommodations range from standard rooms to suites, with on-site amenities including a restaurant, racquetball court, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly options.

Hunter's Hot Springs with steaming pool amidst scenic mountain views.
Hunter’s Hot Springs with steaming pool amidst scenic mountain views. (Credits IG: innjigaan_hotel)

5. Hot Lake Hot Springs

  • Location: 66172 OR-203, La Grande, Oregon (5 miles south of La Grande)
  • Cost: Day-use soaking available (reservations required); Overnight guests receive unlimited access
  • Water Temperature: 186-208°F at source; Pools maintained at comfortable soaking temperatures
  • Weather / Best Season: Year-round; Check road conditions during winter
  • Review: 4.4/5 rating – Historic “Mayo Clinic of the West” with fascinating history and largest hot springs in the Northwest, though restoration is ongoing

Hot Lake Hot Springs, one of the largest in the Northwest, features over 2,000 gallons per minute of 186-degree geothermal water flowing into an 8-acre thermal lake. The historic 1906 Colonial Revival hotel, once the “Mayo Clinic of the West,” is renowned for attracting figures like the Mayo brothers and Wild Bill Hickok. 

The resort offers lakeside soaking pools, private bathhouse tubs, and 100% natural, mineral-rich water with no chemical treatment. Amenities include restored hotel rooms, a movie theater, a pub, a museum, and an adjacent RV resort for camping. The springs’ therapeutic waters have long been cherished for their healing properties.

Hot Lake Hot Springs with a person relaxing in the water.
Hot Lake Hot Springs with a person relaxing in the water. (Credits IG: victoriaann25)

6. Grande Hot Springs RV Resort

  • Location: 8 miles south of La Grande, Oregon (65182 Hot Lake Lane, La Grande, OR 97850)
  • Cost: Day-use access $10 cash for 2-hour soak (April-October); RV sites and lodging available with seasonal soaking pool access
  • Water Temperature: Large pool: 92-96°F | Hot pool: 100-104°F
  • Weather / Best Season: April to October for soaking pools (seasonal); Private yurts available year-round
  • Review: 4.5 stars 

Grande Hot Springs Resort, nestled in the scenic Grande Ronde Valley of northeast Oregon, features thermal springs fed by nearly two million gallons of 186°F geothermal water daily. The resort includes 100 full-hookup RV pull-through sites, tent camping, yurts with private hot springs tubs, and public soaking pools available seasonally from April through October, with hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

The facility maintains resort-style restrooms, and is ranked #1 of 2 specialty lodging options in La Grande on TripAdvisor with highly positive guest reviews. With a rating of 9.1/10 on RV LIFE Campgrounds, 93% of visitors rated the park as “Good” or “Excellent.” This makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking comfortable accommodations with therapeutic soaking nearby.

Grande Hot Springs RV Resort featuring two relaxing hot spring pools and lounge chairs.
Grande Hot Springs RV Resort featuring two relaxing hot spring pools and lounge chairs. (Credits FB: Grande Hot Springs Resort)

7. Hart Mountain Hot Springs

  • Location: Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, Plush (approximately 67 miles northeast of Lakeview in southeastern Oregon)
  • Cost: Free (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service land)
  • Water Temperature: 100°F to 104°F
  • Weather/Best Season: Spring and Fall (milder temperatures and fewer crowds)
  • Review: 4.7/5 – Remote high desert springs with spectacular wildlife viewing

Hart Mountain Hot Springs, located at 5,980 feet in the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, offers two distinct soaking experiences amidst stunning high desert scenery. The main pool, measuring 9 by 12 feet, maintains a soothing temperature of 100-104°F. 

A short walk away, a second undeveloped spring provides shallow edges and panoramic views of Warner Peak. The area is rich in wildlife, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. 

The Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground, with 25 first-come, first-served campsites, is nearby. Visitors should be prepared for remote conditions with no cell service and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Hart Mountain Hot Springs with a person relaxing in the tranquil outdoor hot spring
Hart Mountain Hot Springs with a person relaxing in the tranquil outdoor hot spring. (Credits IG: traveloregon)

8. Umpqua Hot Springs

  • Location: Umpqua National Forest, near Toketee Lake (approximately 60 miles from Roseburg, 75 miles from Crater Lake National Park)
  • Cost: $5 day-use fee (Northwest Forest Pass accepted)
  • Water Temperature: 105°F to 115°F
  • Weather/Best Season: Spring, Summer, and Early Fall (May-September)
  • Review: 4.3/5 – Multiple cascading pools with stunning river views

Umpqua Hot Springs, located 150 feet above the North Umpqua River, is one of Oregon’s most stunning natural hot springs. The terraces feature multiple cascading pools, ranging in temperature from 110°F to 115°F at the top, cooling down as they cascade down the hillside. 

The pools offer varying temperatures for a personalized soaking experience while surrounded by breathtaking views of the forest and river canyon. Accessible via a steep 0.4-mile hike, this clothing-optional site has no formal amenities except for the natural pools and a wooden shelter. The nearby Toketee Lake Campground offers basic camping, and visitors should arrive early to avoid crowds.

Umpqua Hot Springs with a person relaxing in the steamy, natural outdoor hot spring.
Umpqua Hot Springs with a person relaxing in the steamy, natural outdoor hot spring. (Credits IG: traveloregon)

9. Juntura Hot Springs

  • Location: Juntura, Malheur County (on an island in the Malheur River, approximately 3 miles northeast of Juntura off Highway 20)
  • Cost: Free (BLM public land)
  • Water Temperature: 105°F to 115°F
  • Weather/Best Season: Fall and Winter
  • Review: 4.7/5 – Remote high desert oasis with large soaking pools

Juntura Hot Springs, also known as Horseshoe Bend Hot Springs, is a secluded treasure in Oregon’s high desert, offering a unique soaking experience on a small island in the Malheur River. 

The site features two pools: a large main pool for 15-20 people and a smaller riverside pool with adjustable temperatures. The water, emerging at 115°F, creates a natural spa experience with its sulfur scent and bubbling sandy bottom.

Access requires a 0.5-mile hike or a 4WD vehicle, with careful consideration needed for river crossing conditions. Dispersed camping is available nearby, but there are no facilities, so visitors must pack out all trash. This clothing-optional spot is remote, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.

Juntura Hot Springs with natural stone pool surrounded by scenic hills and tranquil waters.
Juntura Hot Springs with natural stone pool surrounded by scenic hills and tranquil waters. (Credits IG: hotspringhiker)

10. Bigelow Hot Springs (Deer Creek Hot Springs)

  • Location: Blue River, Willamette National Forest, approximately 60 miles east of Eugene on Highway 126
  • Cost: Free (no entrance fee)
  • Water Temperature: 85°F to 104°F (varies by season and river levels)
  • Weather/Best Season: Summer and Fall
  • Review: 4.0/5 – A small, intimate riverside hot spring with scenic forest views

Bigelow Hot Springs, also known as Deer Creek Hot Springs, is a serene natural pool along the McKenzie River in the Willamette National Forest. This intimate, rock-lined pool, partially inside a fern-draped cave, offers a unique soaking experience surrounded by lush vegetation and the sounds of the river. 

The spring’s water temperature ranges from 95°F to 104°F during summer and fall but can become too cold in winter and spring due to high river levels. Accessible via a short 200-yard walk from a parking lot, it is a clothing-optional site with no formal amenities, so visitors must pack out all trash and check river conditions before visiting.

Bigelow Hot Springs with a person relaxing in the natural hot spring by the river.
Bigelow Hot Springs with a person relaxing in the natural hot spring by the river. (Credits IG: traxplorio)

11. Breitenbush Hot Springs

  • Location: Detroit, Willamette National Forest (approximately 10 miles northeast of Detroit on Breitenbush Road)
  • Cost: Day-use: Adults $35, Youth (5-12) $20, Children (0-4) Free; Overnight stays include meals and 24-hour pool access
  • Water Temperature: Varies by pool (multiple pools with different temperatures ranging from warm to very hot)
  • Weather/Best Season: Year-round (open daily, 9am-6pm for day use)
  • Review: 4.6/5 – Full-service retreat center with multiple pools, yoga, massage, and vegetarian meals

Breitenbush Hot Springs, located in the Willamette National Forest along the Breitenbush River, offers a unique sanctuary for healing and rejuvenation. Unlike primitive hot springs, it features multiple geothermal pools, a traditional sauna, yoga and meditation programs, and a vegetarian buffet. 

The springs emerge from over thirty sources, with temperatures reaching up to 180°F, creating a variety of soaking pools to suit different preferences. This clothing-optional retreat is a digital detox destination, with no cell service and an emphasis on sustainability and healing. 

Guests can enjoy accommodations ranging from rustic cabins to tent camping, with day-use passes and overnight packages available. Special events, including women-only weekends and workshops, are offered throughout the year.

Breitenbush Hot Springs with a person relaxing in the outdoor hot spring surrounded by snow.
Breitenbush Hot Springs with a person relaxing in the outdoor hot spring surrounded by snow. (Credits IG: breitenbush_hot_springs)

12. Willow Creek Hot Springs (Whitehorse Ranch)

  • Location: Southeast Oregon high desert, 35 miles south of Fields, Oregon via Whitehorse Ranch Lane (approximately 26 miles west of Highway 95)
  • Cost: Free
  • Water Temperature: 102°F (near-perfect consistency year-round)
  • Weather / Best Season: March to October (dirt roads impassable during rain and wet weather)
  • Review: 4.2 stars 

Willow Creek Hot Springs, also known as Whitehorse Ranch Hot Springs, features a single deep pool in the middle of southeast Oregon’s high desert region. The soaking pool maintains a near-perfect 102 degrees temperature and is unimproved except for a hot/cold water mortar dam. 

Located on isolated eastern Oregon terrain 35 miles from the small town of Fields, the springs offer two adjoining pools with crystal-clear blue waters. Free camping is permitted on public BLM land on a first-come, first-served basis, though prohibited within 100 feet of the hot springs, with a 5-mile hiking trail available for wildlife viewing. 

Originally known as Whitehorse Ranch Hot Springs, the location sits on a historic cattle ranch founded in 1869 that continues operation today, spanning 63,222 acres of deeded property and 287,205 acres of public range land. This remote gem offers an authentic high desert soaking experience perfect for adventurous travelers.

Willow Creek Hot Springs with a natural stone pool surrounded by serene, open landscape.
Willow Creek Hot Springs with a natural stone pool surrounded by serene, open landscape. (Credits IG: brush)

13. Borax Lake Hot Springs

  • Location: Alvord Desert, southeastern Oregon near Fields (7 miles north of Fields on BLM and Nature Conservancy managed land)
  • Cost: Free
  • Water Temperature: Lake surface: 61-100°F | Geothermal springs: 104-196°F (⚠️ WARNING: Extremely hot and arsenic-contaminated; soaking and swimming prohibited)
  • Weather / Best Season: March to October (high-clearance vehicle recommended; muddy roads impassable in wet weather)
  • Review: 3.6 stars

Borax Lake Hot Springs, located in southeastern Oregon’s Alvord Basin, spans 10 acres and is fed by powerful geothermal springs. The water temperatures range from 104°F to 196°F, while the lake’s surface varies from 61°F to 100°F. 

In 1993, The Nature Conservancy acquired the land to protect the endangered Borax Lake chub and preserve the fragile ecosystem. Due to high levels of sodium borate, arsenic, and lead, swimming and soaking are prohibited. The area is a biological preserve, open only to foot traffic beyond the second gate. Visitors can explore the geothermal features and historical ruins but must avoid the water.

Borax Lake Hot Springs with clear, tranquil water surrounded by grass and scenic mountains.
Borax Lake Hot Springs with clear, tranquil water surrounded by grass and scenic mountains. (Credits IG: the.egresis)

14. Terwilliger Hot Springs (Cougar Hot Springs)

  • Location: Willamette National Forest, 53 miles east of Eugene, Oregon on Aufderheide Drive (Forest Road 19); approximately 1 hour from Eugene, 2 hours from Bend
  • Cost: $7 per person (10 years and older) for day-use pass; $60 for annual pass
  • Water Temperature: Upper pool: 101-112°F | Lower pools: 85°F (gradually cooling as water flows down)
  • Weather / Best Season: Late Spring through Early Fall (road may close in winter due to snow and ice; closed Thursdays 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. for maintenance)
  • Review: 4.3 stars 

Terwilliger Hot Springs, also known as Cougar Hot Springs, is a beautiful natural mineral spring in the Cascade Mountain Range, featuring six soaking pools set in a ravine. The temperatures range from 85°F in the lower pool to 112°F in the upper pool, with pools averaging 2-3 feet deep and having bedrock floors. 

Accessible via a 0.4-mile hike through a lush forest, the site is popular for day trips. Important restrictions include no alcohol, day-use only, a 50-person maximum, a 2-hour soak limit, and a weekly cleaning closure on Thursday mornings. This clothing-optional site fosters a relaxed, predominantly nude soaking culture.

Terwilliger Hot Springs with a person relaxing in the natural stone pool surrounded by forest.
Terwilliger Hot Springs with a person relaxing in the natural stone pool surrounded by forest. (Credits IG: greenbookglobal)

15. Juntura Hot Springs (Horseshoe Bend)

  • Location: 3 miles northeast of Juntura, Oregon on an island in the Malheur River (Malheur County); accessible via Highway 20
  • Cost: Free
  • Water Temperature: Upper pool: 105-115°F | Lower river pool: 105°F and cooler (can be adjusted with cold river water)
  • Weather / Best Season: Summer and Fall (river crossing dangerous during spring runoff and high water; winter offers cooler air temperatures)
  • Review: 4.0 stars

Juntura Hot Springs, also known as Horseshoe Bend Hot Springs, is a secluded oasis located on a small island within a dramatic river bend. The main pool, measuring 15 by 30 feet, can accommodate 15-20 people and has a concrete slab from earlier development. 

The geothermal water emerges at 115°F, making the main pool too hot for summer soaking but perfect for cooler months. A secondary riverside pool offers adjustable temperatures, with cold river water added for comfort. Access requires a 0.5-mile hike or a high-clearance vehicle, and the site is clothing-optional and undeveloped, offering a true wilderness soaking experience.

Juntura Hot Springs with two people relaxing in the serene natural hot spring by hills.
Juntura Hot Springs with two people relaxing in the serene natural hot spring by hills. (Credits IG: livemadhappy)

16. Alvord Hot Springs

  • Location: Harney County, southeastern Oregon on the western edge of the Alvord Desert, 87 miles southeast of Burns via Fields-Denio Road (East Steens Road)
  • Cost: $5-$15 per day (day-use pass); Overnight camping: $50/night; Bunkhouses: $100+/night
  • Water Temperature: Source: 170-184°F | Pools: 100-110°F (temperature regulated through engineering)
  • Weather / Best Season: July-November (best for Alvord Playa camping; winter and spring roads impassable when muddy)
  • Review: 4.5 stars

Alvord Hot Springs, privately owned by the Alvord Ranch since the 1940s, offers a remote thermal escape between the Alvord Desert and Steens Mountain at 4,078 feet elevation. The two concrete soaking pools, cooled from naturally scalding 170°F geothermal water, maintain temperatures of 100-110°F. 

One pool is sheltered beneath rustic structures, while the other is open to the desert sky. The facility includes a gift shop, restroom, and changing room with an on-site caretaker. Overnight stays are available in simple bunkhouses or RV campsites, both requiring reservations. 

The location, within a Dark Sky Sanctuary, offers excellent stargazing opportunities, and the spring’s sulfur-scented, mineral-rich water adds to the unique desert experience. You can read my full guide about Alvord Hot Springs.

Alvord Hot Springs with serene water reflecting the sky and scenic landscape in the background.
Alvord Hot Springs with serene water reflecting the sky and scenic landscape in the background. (Credits IG: itsgiasjourneys)

17. McCredie Hot Springs

  • Location: Willamette National Forest, 50 miles southeast of Eugene on Oregon Route 58 near Oakridge, adjacent to Salt Creek (Lane County)
  • Cost: $5 per vehicle (day-use pass); or Interagency Senior/Access/Military Pass accepted
  • Water Temperature: Source: 160-163°F | Pools: 98-115°F (varies by proximity to source and season)
  • Weather / Best Season: Spring through Fall (summer best for comfortable soaking; avoid spring runoff when crossing Salt Creek becomes hazardous)
  • Review: 4.2 stars

McCredie Hot Springs, a historic site discovered by trapper Frank Warner in 1878, features multiple shallow rock-walled pools along Salt Creek. The north bank pools, just yards from the parking area, are fed by 160°F geothermal water that cools in volunteer-maintained rock pools. 

The south bank offers more secluded pools, accessed by a bridge and short trail, with temperatures ranging from 100-125°F. Originally developed into a resort in 1911 and expanded by William McCredie, the site now remains natural, with volunteer-maintained pools. 

Amenities include a small parking lot, pit toilets, picnic tables, and nearby Blue Pool Campground with 24 tent-only sites. The springs have a minimal sulfur odor compared to other Oregon hot springs. I’ve personally explored this incredible spot, and you can read my full guide about the McCredie Hot Springs here.

McCredie Hot Springs with natural stone pools along a creek surrounded by lush green trees.
McCredie Hot Springs with natural stone pools along a creek surrounded by lush green trees. (Credits IG: babesrideout)

18. Paulina Lake Hot Springs

  • Location: Newberry National Volcanic Monument (Deschutes National Forest), 39 miles southeast of Bend on Paulina East Lake Road, on the shores of Paulina Lake within Newberry Caldera
  • Cost: $5 day-use pass per vehicle (or $30 annual Northwest Forest Pass); Free for overnight guests; Camping: $18/night at Little Crater or Paulina Lake Campgrounds
  • Water Temperature: Pools: 90-115°F (seasonally variable) | Source vents: up to 176°F
  • Weather / Best Season: Late May through July (optimal for exposed pools; August-September works but pools become shallower as water levels drop; October access weather-dependent)
  • Review: 4.7 stars 

Paulina Lake Hot Springs, nestled within the volcanic Newberry Caldera, offers a unique geothermal experience on the shores of a 1,531-acre alpine lake. The primitive soaking pools, carved into the sandy lakeshore, vary in size and temperature depending on the season and proximity to geothermal vents. 

Spring runoff may submerge the pools, but from May to July, they are accessible for soaking. The mineral-rich water lacks a sulfur odor and emerges from volcanic gravel. Access requires a 1.2-mile hike or a 7.5-mile scenic loop around the lake. The pools are day-use only, with no overnight camping allowed, and winter closures occur due to snow.

Paulina Lake Hot Springs with clear water and scenic landscape featuring rocks and trees.
Paulina Lake Hot Springs with clear water and scenic landscape featuring rocks and trees. (Credits IG: joyloveyoga)

19. Antelope Hot Springs (Hart Mountain Hot Springs)

  • Location: Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, 67 miles northeast of Lakeview, 12 miles northeast of Plush (Harney County); at 5,980 feet elevation on the eastern base of Warner Peak
  • Cost: Free
  • Water Temperature: Main pool: 100-104°F | Undeveloped pool: 98-104°F
  • Weather / Best Season: Spring and Fall (winter roads often impassable; summer brings mosquitoes and crowds during hunting season)
  • Review: 3.0 stars

Antelope Hot Springs, also known as Hart Mountain Hot Springs, is located within the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, established in 1936 to protect endangered pronghorn antelope. The main pool, surrounded by rock and concrete, accommodates up to six bathers with geothermal water flowing at 100-104°F. 

A second, undeveloped pool nearby offers warmer water and panoramic views of the high desert landscape. The refuge spans 422 square miles, home to over 340 wildlife species, including California bighorn sheep and mule deer. 

The nearby Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground offers 25 primitive campsites, and the site is a clothing-optional, remote wilderness destination with no amenities beyond the main pool’s stone enclosure.

Antelope Hot Springs under the starry night sky with a scenic view of the Milky Way.
Antelope Hot Springs under the starry night sky with a scenic view of the Milky Way. (Credits IG: joeyhamiltonphotography)

20. Crystal Crane Hot Springs

  • Location: 25 miles southeast of Burns, off Highway 78 (59315 Highway 78, Burns, OR 97720) in Harney County at the edge of the Alvord Desert
  • Cost: Day-use soaking in the pond: $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 5-12), free for children under 5; Private soaking tubs: $15 per person for a 1-hour session; Bathhouses: $20 per hour for private use
  • Water Temperature: Outdoor hot springs pond: 101°F to 102°F; Private soaking tubs: adjustable 80-140°F depending on user preference
  • Weather / Best Season: Late Fall and early Winter offer the most ideal balance—not too cold, but the slight chill makes the hot springs especially welcoming; Year-round access
  • Review: 4.7 stars 

Crystal Crane Hot Springs, in operation since 1920, is a tranquil oasis in southeastern Oregon’s high desert. The expansive 323,143-gallon pond, measuring 9,728 square feet, has an average temperature of 101°F and offers a relaxing soaking experience. 

In addition to the pond, the facility features six private cedar-enclosed soaking tubs with adjustable temperatures and personal changing areas. The geothermal water, sourced from five wells, is mixed to provide ideal soaking temperatures. 

Guests enjoy 24-hour pond access, Wi-Fi, a camp kitchen, and accommodations ranging from tent camping to luxurious teepees and cabins. The mineral-rich water and underwater lights create a romantic nighttime atmosphere. I’ve fully experienced the Crystal Crane Hot Springs, and you can read my detailed guide here.

Crystal Crane Hot Springs with clear water in the pool, surrounded by scenic landscape views.
Crystal Crane Hot Springs with clear water in the pool, surrounded by scenic landscape views. (Credits IG: cranehotsprings)

21. Wall Creek Hot Springs (Meditation Pool)

  • Location: Willamette National Forest near Oakridge, Oregon; access via Forest Road 19 (Aufderheide Scenic Drive), approximately 25 miles from Highway 58 east of Oakridge
  • Cost: Free day-use access
  • Water Temperature: Geothermal source: 104°F-106°F; Pool average: 90°F-98°F (varies with season, wind, and air temperature)
  • Weather / Best Season: Early to late Fall offers ideal conditions—scenic fall colors, no snow, and fewer crowds; best visited during weekdays to avoid weekend congestion; Year-round access sunrise to sunset
  • Review: 2.7 stars

Wall Creek Hot Springs, also known as the “Meditation Pool,” is a serene, naturally-formed soaking pool in the Willamette National Forest. The oval-shaped pool, approximately 10 by 12 feet, has a soft dirt and silt bottom, with geothermal water bubbling up at 104-106°F but cooling to a comfortable 90-98°F depending on the season. 

A smaller secondary pool nearby offers a cooler 95°F-100°F soaking experience, perfect for intimate, peaceful relaxation. The setting, surrounded by towering trees, lush vegetation, and the soothing sounds of Wall Creek, creates an ideal environment for meditation and solitude. The site is accessible via a short 0.3-mile trail and remains undeveloped with no amenities or overnight camping allowed.

I’ve explored the Wall Creek Hot Springs, and you can read my complete guide here.

Wall Creek Hot Springs surrounded by lush forest, rocks, and autumn leaves in a tranquil setting.
Wall Creek Hot Springs surrounded by lush forest, rocks, and autumn leaves in a tranquil setting. (Credits IG: michaelmatti)

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