Visiting Wind River Hotsprings | Full Guide & Information

The Wind River HotSprings are a group of natural hot springs next to the Wind River, located outside of Carson, just north of the Oregon-Washington border. Getting to the springs can be challenging because the river is only low enough to cross in the late summer, but the geothermally heated mineral water is absolutely worth the effort.

Reaching the Wind River HotSprings virtually guarantees a private Washingtonian oasis for those who make it there. Generally speaking, the hotsprings are not crowded because of the difficult access to it. Residents use the ponds on weekends as well as during fishing trips, but otherwise the springs are usually empty.

Mineral Pools of Wind River Hotsprings

There are two naturally present bedrock pools that create the hot springs. They can each hold four or five people and are both fairly big. One pool is kept at approximately 105°F, while the other is kept at a somewhat lower 102°F. This contrast offers the possibility of soothing hot/cold therapy when combined with the freshwater of the nearby Wind River.

The water pumped into the historic Carson Hot Springs Resort is supported by the springs, which are a part of a geological hotsprings structure. I have a suspicion that there was once more hot water available for the hot springs beside the river. There is evidence of human interfering at the springs.

Camping at Wind River Hotsprings

Although there isn’t any free public campsites close by, there is a tiny campsite on the neighbouring private land. Wind Wood Rivers is a campsite with five sites, two of which are big enough to fit RVs.

The campgrounds are basic and lack hookups. The campgrounds are all private, set in lovely forests near the Wind River, with the exception of a few basic port-a-potties.

How To Get To Wind River Hotsprings

Since the springs are located below the Wind River’s high water mark, anyone can legally access them. Nevertheless, it is challenging to get to the springs without trespassing because private property borders the high water line.

The lovely springs can be reached in three different ways, each of which may have disadvantages:

It’s only a short walk to the river from the closest Carson Hot Springs Resort parking lot, which is accessible for a small fee. This option could be risky for inexperienced swimmers because it requires crossing the rapidly flowing Wind River to get to the hotsprings.
It is possible to access the river from Indian Cabin Road, and if the water level is low enough to avoid crossing the Wind River’s high water line, it is quite easy to get to the hotsprings. Parking is available on the roadside for free.
Park at no cost on a few of Carson’s neighbourhood roads. From there, hikers can reach and cross the river. There’s a small footbridge on public property, but using it is forbidden, and some visitors have complained about receiving tickets after going over the bridge.

Should You Visit Wind River Hotsprings

Of course. The Wind River Hotsprings are really stunning and the woods in the area were very inviting also. Even though it’s a challenge to get there, if you find yourself in the area, make sure to try these thermal waters.
Although most people are unaware of these springs, locals and hot spring enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest are well aware of them. Because of this, you typically have the place to yourself on weekdays, and the people that are there are usually friendly ones. Fishing season is the most crowded period of year, and you can usually spot a fisherman or two in the stream.

This region is undergoing changes and could be included in the National Scenic Area of the Columbia Gorge. This could provide additional restrictions while also protecting the springs from businesses. All we can do is wait and see what becomes of this truly unique place.
And if for any reason you need them, these are the coordinates on the GPS: 45.736871,-121804191 .