8 Best Oregon Hot Springs You Must Visit Once In Life

Some of the most incredible places you can soak and relax are Oregon Hot Springs.
Oregon’s wild, mountainous terrain is one of its most notable characteristics. These peaks, which were formed mostly by volcanic eruptions ,have contributed to the formation of one of the most fascinating and mysterious attractions in the West: Oregon hot springs. Whether naturally formed or piped into elegant private bathtubs, those steamed pools provide both tourists and Oregonians with an opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate in some of the best thermal waters in the entire country.

Many Native Americans who have lived in the area since the beginning of time speak to the healing qualities of these waters for sore bodies, joints, and minds.
So throughout my experience traveling and visiting these places, I’ve decided to make a list of the best Oregon Hot Springs you have to see at least once in your lifetime.

8. Breitenbush Hot Springs

The adventure of visiting Breitenbush Hot Springs is far more remote than that of other off the grid resorts on this list. This is a very popular hot spring and sauna, so you won’t have it all to yourself, but you can only enter the exclusive, clothes-optional spa with reservations made in advance. The small area is intended for retreating and unwinding, it has no WiFi or phone service, only serves organic, vegetarian food, and is prohibitive to pets, alcohol, and recreational substances . However, you’ll gain genuine isolation from the outside world in exchange for the convenience you’ll give up.

Fee: Day rates range from $22 to $38; overnight accommodations, which include three organic vegetarian meals and wellness programmes, range from $72 to $169 per person/night.

Season: All year long, but make sure the roads are safe to travel to and from the hot springs.

7. Cougar Hot Springs

This lush lagoon in the Willamette National Forest, also known as Terwillinger Hot Springs, has six soaking pools that can be reached after half a mile walk from the trailhead. The dense forest that surrounds the springs allows light to filter through the treetops and spread into the pools, which have various temperatures (the lower pool is 85 degrees, while the upper pool is 112 degrees).

Route 126 (the McKenzie River Scenic Byway) leads to the hot springs approximately 90 minutes east of Eugene. From there, drive south on Forest Service Road 19, also known as the Aufderheide Scenic Byway.
Note that parts of this route may not be passable in the winter months due to lack of maintenance. Please contact 541-822-3381 for details.
If you want to read our Full Guide on Cougar Hot Springs check out our article.

Fee: $7 / person per day

Season: All year round, but in the winter, make sure the road is passable by checking the driving conditions.

6. Summer Lake Hot Springs

The secluded Summer Lake Hot Springs resort makes a great destination for eco-conscious soakers looking to disconnect. The 145-acre resort features outdoor as well as indoor stone pools with water that is between 106 and 118 degrees Fahrenheit and is silky and silica-rich. While overnight visitors can take advantage of the extra luxury of geothermally heated floors in many of the cabins, day visitors can spend most of the day relaxing in the pools.

An additional benefit for visitors staying overnight is that Summer Lake is 50 miles away from the closest light pollution, meaning stargazers can enjoy perfectly dark skies for their stargazing.

Fee: $10 daily. Rooms and cabins start at $100 for overnight stays; RV and tent camping also available.

Season: All year long, but make sure the roads are safe to travel to and from the hot springs.

5. Umpqua Hot Springs

These hot springs, which are made of three terraced, murky, pools carved out of a travertine cliff face with views of the roaring North Umpqua River, are probably already familiar to you. You’ll have to put in more effort to reach the three pools, but the water that seeps from an active fault keeps them all regularly warm, making this hot spring ideal for chilly days.

The entrance on the road that leads to the trailhead is usually closed in the winter. Although there is still parking at the gate, the 0.3 mile walk in is now 1.5 miles longer. Remember that there is a lot of traffic at these hot springs, so try to visit during the week and be prepared for nudity.

Fee: $5 or a Northwest Forest Pass
Season: All year round, but in the winter months, be prepared for a longer walk due to unplowed roads; check driving conditions to and from the hot springs.

4. McCredie Hot Springs

Found in Central Oregon, between Eugene and Bend, in the Willamette National Forest, McCredie Ho Springs is even farther south than Breitenbush. These springs, which are next to Salt Creek, are open all year round and are preserved in their original condition except for the constructed stone walls that keep the naturally heated water contained in the ponds.

Your GPS will direct you to the McCredie Day Use Site, but it will take you to a small pool and pit toilet instead of the hot springs. You must locate Shady Gap Road, which leads to a tiny bridge that extends on the river’s south side and is located 0.5 miles past the parking lot. The trail is a simple 0.3-mile stroll that takes you straight to the springs after you park!

Fee: Free

3. Bigelow Hot Springs (Deer Creek Hot Springs)

For someone who loves the outdoors seeking a more authentic hot springs experience, Bigelow Hot Springs is the ideal location. The spring is a tiny, gravel pool that can accommodate two to four people and gets as hot as 104°F in the summer. This small spring is found in the Willamette National Forest on the northern bank of the McKenzie River. An ideal option if you prefer seclusion and no people. You are free to choose whether or not to wear clothing here as it is optional. Bigelow Hot Springs is also known by many as Deer Creek Hot Springs.

Bigelow Hot Springs, which is only 60 miles from Eugene, is an ideal place to stop and relax while touring the National Forest. And finding it isn’t too tough either!
Cross the river on the NF-2654 bridge from the McKenzie Hwy, then park in the lot. It will only be a short hike to spring.

Fee: Free

2. Paulina Lake Hot Springs

Paulina Lake Hot Springs is ideal for those who want a more rustic lodging option. These circular dugout springs, wrapped by rocks and wood, are situated on the Paulina Lake Beach shore. Each pool is typically only big enough to accommodate one person, making them ideal for lone travellers.

These five pools, which are in the Deschutes National Forest and are only 45 minutes from Bend, and have temperatures that vary from 90 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the season. They receive very few visitors due to their small size and beachfront location, making them ideal for that much-needed getaway from the grind.

The Paulina Lake Hot Springs Trail and the Hot Spur Spring Trail are the two hiking paths that lead to the beach. For those seeking a more challenging experience, the 7.5-mile Paulina Lake Hot Springs Trail is an ideal option. At just 1.2 miles and extremely low elevation, the Hot Spur Spring Trail is considerably simpler.

Fee: Free, but there is a fee for the nearby camping facilities.

1. Hart Mountain Hot Springs

Hart Mountain Hot Springs in the Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge is the last, but most definitely not the least, Oregon Hot Spring on our picks of the best 8. It is also known as the Antelope Mountain Hot Spring. Here are two types of soaking pools: an entirely natural pool with an amazing view of the surrounding mountains, and a pool with a stone enclosure that can hold up to six people. Calm water in the main pool ranges from 100° to 104° F. To ensure everybody can enjoy the main pool, a handicap rail is included!

The closest town is Lakeview, which is still two hours away and 4 hours outside of Bend. This secluded site, located in an extremely remote area of Oregon’s desert terrain, is ideal for the adventurer who wants to get away from it all.
There is a dirt road that leads to these hot springs, so getting there doesn’t require hiking. Camping areas are also close by too.