Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in the US. Set in the Pacific Northwest, the landscape is full of diversity. From mountain ranges to vast valleys and desert plateau, it’s an outdoor haven.
Hot springs are found dotted throughout these beautiful regions. Rich with minerals, the heated groundwater allows visitors to enjoy an incredible soak in nature. They come in many different shapes and sizes and are either free to use or accessible for a very small fee.
If you’re looking for the best soaking spots in the state, here are the top 13 hot springs in Oregon that will take your breath away.
13 Beautiful Hot Springs Oregon Style
1. Umpqua Hot Spring
Umpqua Hot Springs is a popular soaking spot located in the beautiful Umpqua National Forest. They’re open year-round and feature three main cascading pools set above the North Umpqua River.
One of the springs is partially enclosed by a primitive wooden structure that protects you from the elements. They decrease in temperature the closer you get to the river. Clothing is optional, so expect to see some naked visitors at this soak site.
There is a small fee to access the pools which can be paid at the trailhead. The walk to the springs from the parking area is steep, but it’s less than 1 km long. However, if you visit during winter, the main road down is closed and you’ll need to take the alternate 3.2 km snow hike to reach the pools.
⇒ Read more reviews on TripAdvisor
2. Crystal Crane Hot Springs
Crystal Crane Hot Springs is located in the heart of Harney County. It features seven private hot spring tubs as well as a giant outdoor natural hot spring lagoon. Clothing is required in the large outdoor lagoon but is optional if you rent a private tub.
The property offers overnight accommodation in many different forms, like camping, cabins, bunkhouses, suites, and more. If you’re planning a hot springs vacation, this is your place.
If you stay overnight, you’ll have free use of the springs. Or, you can simply purchase a day pass to access the warm pools. It’s $10 for four hours or $15 for a private tub.
⇒ Read more reviews on TripAdvisor
3. Hart Mountain Hot Springs
These natural hot springs are located in the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. This rugged area in southern Oregon is full of cliffs, canyons, grasslands, and wildlife. There are two hot springs for visitors to enjoy.
One of them is considered more developed due to the fact that a stone wall and a concrete deck with two benches enclose it. There’s also a small ladder for accessing the warm water. The floor is a bit uneven. In some areas, you’ll be able to stand, and in some areas, you’ll have to tread water or float.
The other hot spring is more primitive. It sits naturally in the landscape, without a wall or concrete deck surrounding it. It’s usually warmer than the developed hot spring. It’s also more shallow, so you’ll be able to sit around the edges and enjoy a nice soak surrounded by unobscured views of the expansive landscape.
Both of the springs are small in size, with each comfortably fitting a group of about four to six people. Due to the remote location, they usually aren’t very busy, so you probably won’t have to worry about sharing.
4. Terwilliger Hot Springs
Terwilliger Hot Springs is located in the Willamette National Forest. They’re also referred to as Cougar Hot Springs since the water drains into Rider Creek, which in turn drains into Cougar Reservoir.
These geothermal pools are located about a 0.5 km walk from Forest Service Road 19, which is also called Aufderheide Memorial Drive.
There are four pools that have been built out of river stones. They range in size from about 1 to 3.6 metres across. They’re pretty shallow and only reach a depth of about 1 metre.
The source of the water comes from a spring flow that fills the topmost pool and then cascades down to fill the remaining pools. The water starts off at about 44 °C (111 °F), but by the time it reaches the bottom pool it has cooled down to about 29 °C (84 °F).
As you can imagine, the sight of cascading hot springs is quite spectacular. The beautiful forest setting makes it all the more magical. They keep pretty busy due to their scenic allure.
It costs $6 per person to access the springs and clothing is optional. One thing to note if you plan on visiting, the pools are closed every Thursday morning for a weekly cleaning.
⇒ Read more reviews on TripAdvisor
You might enjoy reading my articles on the best hotels in Eugene Oregon and McMinnville Wineries.
5. Bigelow Hot Springs
Bigelow Hot Springs, also referred to as Deer Creek Hot Springs, is in the Willamette National Forest of western Oregon. They’re a roadside soaking destination found along the McKenzie River. The spot features one hot pool that’s located just a short walk from the parking area. Given how accessible it is, it stays pretty popular.
The thermal pool is contained within a primitive, man-made rock circle that can fit about four to six people at one time. Summer and fall are the best times to visit the spring, as winter temperatures cause the pool to cool down too much for comfort.
After you’ve warmed up with a nice dip, enjoy a refreshing swim in the McKenzie River. Clothing is optional and the hot spring is free to use.
⇒ Read more reviews on TripAdvisor
6. Summer Lake Hot Springs
Summer Lake Hot Springs is found on the edge of the Fremont National Forest. It’s located on 145 acres of secluded desert land along Highway 31. The property it’s on also offers simple accommodation in the form of cabins, guest houses, a campground, and RV hookups.
Most of the units are fairly modern, but one cabin dates back to the 1920s. The property also boasts a 1920s bathhouse with an indoor soaking pool. Outdoors, there are three rock-walled soaking tubs. The mineral water is not treated and comes out of the ground between 41 – 45 °C (106 – 113 °F), but it cools slightly by the time it reaches the soaking facilities.
During the day, clothing is required, but at night it’s optional. The springs are open 365 days a year, 24-hours a day. If you book into the accommodation, you’ll enjoy free use of the geothermal tubs during your stay. Non-guests can book a day pass to enjoy the soaking amenities.
⇒ Read more reviews on TripAdvisor
7. Paulina Lake Hot Springs
Paulina Lake Hot Springs are found in the Deschutes National Forest in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. They’re a unique lakeside soaking spot where you can relax and admire eye-level views of the raw topography, including the magnificent Paulina Peak in the distance.
The hot springs are simple, primitive holes that have been dug into the side of the lake and enclosed by driftwood. As cold water from Paulina Lake laps into the hot springs it cools it down to a hot, but comfortable temperature. If you want to cool it down more, you can also adjust the temperature by letting in more cold water from the lake.
Then when you’re nice and warm, hop in the lake for a few laps to bring your temperature back down.
To reach the springs, you first need to hike for about 2 km. Park your car at the Little Crater Campground near the trailhead. There is a marked path that will guide you along the shore from the campground to the hot springs. The trek is very scenic and mostly flat, so it’s suitable for all skill levels.
⇒ Read more reviews on TripAdvisor
8. Ritter Hot Springs
The rustic Ritter Hot Springs are found in Grant County. They have a history that dates back to the 19th century when the area’s natural mineral water was discovered by settlers.
Today, the hot springs consist of a large outdoor hot springs swimming pool as well as four cement tubs and an old fashioned shower. The soaking experience is catered towards families, so bathing suits are required.
The property also offers no-frills accommodation in the form of eight hotel rooms, cabins and tent camping. The fees are very reasonable and are accepted in the form of honour system payment, although online bookings are recommended for the weekends.
If you stay the night you’ll enjoy free use of the hot springs. Alternatively, you can book a day pass for a small fee. Ritter Hot Springs are open seasonally from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend (May to September).
⇒ Read more reviews on TripAdvisor
9. Juntura Hot Springs
Juntura Hot Springs, also known as Horseshoe Bend Hot Springs, enjoys a unique location in the Malheur River on a gravel bar island. It offers scenic views of the stream as well as the far off rolling red hills.
It consists of just one pool that’s relatively large. It’s about 4.5 metres by 9 metres and is less than 1 metre deep. In winter, the temperature stays around 43 °C (109 °F). However, in summer, it can get to around 46 °C (115 °F). If you’re planning to visit, you can always bring along a bucket to pour in cold water from the river.
The hot spring is easy to reach. It’s just over 1 km walk from the old bridge that you can park your car next to. It’s accessible year-round and free to use.
⇒ Read more reviews on TripAdvisor
10. Bagby Hot Springs
Bagby Hot Springs are found in the Mount Hood National Forest within the Cascade Mountains. They were named after prospector and hunter Bob Bagby, who discovered the site in 1880. Previously they had been used by Native Americans for centuries.
The water from Bagby Hot Springs is rich in minerals. The site is made up of three major springs and several additional minor outlets.
There are three bathhouses for guests to enjoy. The main one contains five cedar log tubs which are each housed in private rooms. The lower bathhouse has three small pine soaking tubs as well as one large round tub on an open deck. The upper bathhouse also features one large communal tub on an exposed deck.
You can access the hot springs via a 2.4 km trail. It starts at the Forest Service parking area. The hike is mostly flat so it’s suitable for most fitness levels. Once you arrive at the springs, you’ll be treated to a peaceful soak in the middle of the forest.
There is a small soaking fee required to use the springs. You can purchase your Badby wristband on-site at the Ripplebrook Guard Station.
⇒ Read more reviews on TripAdvisor
11. McCredie Hot Springs
McCredie Hot Springs is located in the Willamette National Forest. Pools sit on either side of the beautiful Salt Creek. The largest one is about 9 metres across and the smallest is slightly less than 1 metre across. However, the size can change slightly with the season. All of the springs are pretty shallow, and only reach a depth of 0.6 metres at most.
⇒ If you’re enjoying this article you’ll love my articles on 15 North America Landmarks, the 10 Most Famous Landmarks in the US, 7 Most Beautiful Bridges American Bridges, 60 Most Famous Landmarks in the World, 9 Gorgeous Lakes Canada has on offer, 23 Must See Landmarks in Mexico, 15 Most Beautiful States in the US, 31 California Landmarks, 16 Most Beautiful Cities in Canada, 17 Washington DC Landmarks Not to Miss, 29 Arizona Landmarks, 11 Beautiful Canada Landmarks and the 20 Most Beautiful Cities in the United States.
The water temperature is known to fluctuate and can be extremely hot at times. It usually stays between 36 – 46 °C (97 – 115 °F) but can get up to 52 °C (126 °F). Just make sure you test it before jumping in.
Clothing is optional at this hot spring, so you may or may not see other naked visitors. There is a small parking lot nearby with an on-site restroom. The cost is $5 per vehicle. Because this hot spring sits near a highway, it tends to get a lot of foot traffic.
12. Barnes Warm Springs
At the base of the Steens Mountains rests Barnes Warm Springs, also known as Frenchglen Warm Springs. This small spring measures two metres in diameter and is about 50 cm deep. It doesn’t heat up as much as your typical hot spring (hence its name). It usually keeps to a comfortable 32 °C (90 °F).
To access the springs, you’ll need to hike for just over 1 km. The path is flat and should only take you about twenty minutes. It’s near the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, so you may encounter wildlife during your visit, like deer, antelope, and birds.
13. Willow Creek Hot Springs
Willow Creek Hot Springs is set in the high desert of Southeast Oregon. It enjoys a very secluded location which keeps it a hidden gem.
You’ll have to drive down a gravel road to get there, with the last few kilometres being soft dirt. Make sure you keep an eye on the weather before your visit, as rain can cause the road to be impassable.
It consists of one large spring split into two sections by a man-made rock wall. One side is warmer than the other, but both provide a comfortable soak in nature.
The pool is waist-deep with large rocks submerged in the water for seating. They can get a bit slippery from the algae, so make sure to take caution when using them.
Hot Springs Oregon | Final Thoughts
As you can tell from this list, Oregon offers some amazing soaking destinations. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spring surrounded by nature, or a soaking spot with accommodation facilities, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
If you’re looking for even more thermal pools in the US, check out these incredible hot springs in Northern California. Or Washington State hot springs or Hot Springs in Nevada or Hot Springs in New Mexico?
I covered all of the costs associated with writing this article. However, this hot springs Oregon post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.