Summary
These Oregon hot springs are as wild as they are beautiful.
Anywhere where hot water bubbles up from the ground is a special place. So, it’s understandable that people want to capitalize on it, building cush resorts around the hallowed waters for people to stay and soak in the luxury.
“Oregon’s rugged, mountainous landscape was forged in large part due to volcanic activity and converging fault lines, and that helped form one of the West’s most alluring — and elusive — attractions: hot springs,” Allie Gardner, the industry communications manager at Travel Oregon, told GoTravelDaily. “Those steaming pools, whether naturally formed or piped into luxurious private tubs, offer visitors and Oregonians alike a chance to relax and recharge in some of the state’s finest mineral-enriched water. Many as far back as the earliest Native populations in the region tout these waters’ healing properties for achy joints, bodies, and minds.”
Part of what makes the hot springs in Oregon stand out is the fact that several are completely undeveloped. Primitive pools set deep in the woods and only accessible by foot are just as common as developed hot spring resorts outfitted with geothermally heated cabins and accommodations featuring private soaking tubs. “Hot springs are the ultimate nature retreat,” said Gardner. “Some are more off the beaten path than others, as they have all risen in popularity in recent years with social media.”
Gardner said it’s vital to follow safety rules and etiquette tips before visiting. This includes bringing a paper map or a downloaded GPS if you’re going to a remote spot; taking your trash with you; and making sure you don’t take glass, alcohol, shampoos, and soaps to the springs.
No matter your soaking style, we’ve got you covered with a list of Oregon’s best hot springs. In addition to a handful of built-out spots that welcome overnight guests, we’ve included a few rustic options that require a little extra effort to reach. Either way, you’ll be relaxing in geothermal waters heated by the Earth’s crust — how cool is that?
Umpqua Hot Springs
It doesn’t get more relaxing than a visit to Umpqua Hot Springs, set along the North Umpqua River in Umpqua National Forest. The three terraced pools are tucked in a travertine cliff face over a spring that fluctuates between 100 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. In exchange for letting you soak in nature (sans swimsuit, if you wish), you’ll have to make the 0.3-mile hike to the springs. “Umpqua Hot Springs can be hiked to through the snow during the winter,” said Gardner. “These hot springs are extremely Instagrammable.”
Summer Lake Hot Springs
Two hours southeast of Bend lies this secluded, rustic resort that is perched on a geothermal water source. Summer Lake Hot Springs has a large indoor pool set inside a 1920 bathhouse, but the real draw is the outdoor rock pools, which provide 360-degree views. Day use of the springs is not allowed, so you’ll want to cozy up in one of their geothermally heated cabins, the three-bedroom cottage, or nab one of their RV and tent sites. Either way, make sure to look up once the sun sets — the stargazing is otherworldly.
Terwilliger Hot Springs
Terwilliger Hot Springs, also known as Cougar Hot Springs, is a series of four clothing-optional pools set deep in the Oregon woods. In order to reach the pools, which are also fed by a waterfall, you’ll have to tackle the half-mile trail from the parking lot. The hike is well worth the effort, though, especially if you happen to nab a spot in the upper pool, which is a balmy 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Gardner noted that it’s one of the most crowded hot springs and also one of Oregon’s most picture-worthy as well.
Breitenbush Hot Springs
The setting at Breitenbush Hot Springs is so magical, it’s become a well-recognized retreat that provides respite from everyday life. There is day-use access to the springs, but you won’t want to miss a night in the property’s standout lodging, which includes yurts, glamping tents, and the hobbit-style Forest Shelter — the latter made of wood and stone and nestled along the river. The hot springs themselves are otherworldly — the rock-lined Meadow Pools have mountain views and the smaller Spiral Tubs feature a neighboring cold plunge.
Paulina Lake Hot Springs
One of Oregon’s most unique hot springs is the series of primitive pools set along Paulina Lake in the Deschutes National Forest. The springs, which include five geothermal pools situated on the lake’s sandy banks, tend to fluctuate between 90 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the season. To reach the springs, you’ll need to walk the 1.2-mile trail along the shores of Paulina Lake. Keep in mind the area often closes in the winter. That said, Gardner noted that the hot spring is “primitive and undeveloped” and is “less crowded because it’s more difficult to access.”
Crystal Crane Hot Springs
Unlike many of the other destinations on this list, Crystal Crane Hot Springs in Burns, Oregon, has an expansive outdoor pond that can accommodate multiple groups at once. If a small, private pool is more your speed, visit the private bathhouses or book an overnight stay in one of the many accommodations, from an adult-only suite with a private back patio for soaking to a tent featuring a two-person soaking tub.
“Visitors from all over the world come to find serenity in the restorative hot springs, which are just steps from the cabins, teepee, RV park, and on-site campground,” said Gardner. “Year-round, the family-friendly public pond (clothing required) hovers at a comfortable 101 degrees, perfect for floating or wading in the morning, at noon, or under the stars. Sunrise or sunset soaks are unrivaled.”
Alvord Hot Springs
Alvord Hot Springs in southeastern Oregon consists of two concrete pools that are fed by hot water bubbling out of the ground at a whopping 170 degrees. (Don’t worry, the water cools off by the time it reaches your pool.) Day visitors are welcome, but overnight guests get the added perk of pool access at any hour.
“Managed by a private caretaker, overnight guest reservations for the pools are highly recommended as day use can be limited. They’re enclosed in rustic huts that offer some privacy for couples or small groups, with an ideal year-round water temperature of between 100 and 110 degrees,” said Gardner. “Visitors need to book an overnight at the campground to access the hot springs. It has become so popular that it’s not open for day use only.”
