Discover the best hot springs in Oregon!
Oregon is a beautiful west coast state known for its stunning forests and mountainous landscapes, but what about its natural hot springs?
The highest concentration of US hot springs is found along the west coast, and Oregon is no exception. If you want a moody atmosphere surrounded by natural beauty when you soak, Oregon’s hot springs must be at the top of your travel list!
These hot springs can be found all over the state, especially along the Cascade Mountains. Whether you want to soak in a primitive hot spring after a hike, indulge in a luxury resort, or warm up after a ski in the mountains, Oregon has the perfect hot spring for you.
In this guide, we are going to look at our top five Oregon hot springs and give you a complete list of all the excellent hot springs in the state.
5 Best Hot Springs in Oregon
This state has a host of primitive and developed hot springs, so whatever experience you are looking for, you can probably find them in Oregon.
We have chosen a variety of hot springs that provide unique experiences, so you get a good idea of what Oregon has to offer.
Here are our top five Oregon hot springs:
Cougar Hot Springs
Known as one of the most popular geothermal hot springs in Oregon, Cougar Hot Springs is a primitive hot spring that is a must-see.
Formerly known as Terwilliger Hot Springs, the stunning spot features six-tiered soaking pools that run pleasingly down the hill. The pools are rock-lined, and the lower pools are accessed via a set of stone steps. Temperatures range between 85 F and 112 F, with the hottest water in the top pool and cooling as you go lower.
The hot springs are enveloped by the dense forest of the Willamette National Forest, not far from Rider Creek and its lagoon and waterfall. All of these factors combine to create a stunning, calming spot to lean back and soak in the healing mineral waters.
Unlike many primitive hot springs, there is a toilet block available nearby for visitors. This is very handy, especially when the hot springs get very busy.
Cougar Hot Springs can be reached by a ¼ mile hike through the forest and is open all year round. However, occasionally the road may not be accessible due to snowy conditions.
If you wish to stay the night, no camping is allowed next to the hot springs, but the Cougar Crossing Campground is nearby in the Cougar Recreation Area.
Visiting will cost you $10 for a day pass.
Umpqua Hot Springs
Another stellar example of the incredible primitive Oregon hot springs is the Umpqua Hot Springs.
Nestled in the Umpqua National Forest, the hot springs can be found by taking a short 0.3-mile hike through Idleyld Park. At the end of your short trek, you will find two natural stone pools hewn out of solid travertine rock. The natural hot mineral water that fills these pools maintains a toasty 108 F.
One of these pools is covered in a wooden structure, but the other one is left open to the air. Their location provides you with a beautiful view of Surprise Falls, which you can enjoy while you soak.
Since they are nearby the Toketee Falls, they are occasionally called the Toketee Hot Springs, which can be confusing.
If you wish to stay overnight, campsites are available in the nearby Toketee Lake Campground.
To access the hot springs, you will need to pay a small fee at the trailhead. It is also worth noting that the area is clothing optional.
Summer Lake Hot Springs
While Summer Lake Hot Springs is not a fully developed resort, it provides a rustic and beautiful way to experience the natural hot springs in nature, but with all the necessary amenities.
Situated in the heart of the Oregon Outback, 2 hours southwest of Bend, is the healing retreat that was built around a natural hot mineral spring. This is an ancient spot steeped in history as these hot springs have been used for hundreds of years by the Native American people who called it Medicine Springs.
The bathhouse was originally built in 1929 and has since become a rustic little getaway for those who want to soak in the healing mineral water in the peace of the Oregon countryside.
There are two types of pools. The first is a large indoor pool in a simply built wooden structure. This pool’s temperature ranges between 98 F and 103 F. However, if you want to take advantage of the 360-degree view while you soak, there are three outdoor rock pools with temperatures between 104-118 F.
The pools are open 24 hours for guests staying on the property, and they are clothing optional after 9 pm.
Apart from soaking in the hot springs, Summer Lake also offers a wildlife pond, nature trails, yoga, meditation, and stargazing.
If you wish to stay on-site, there are many options. RV hookups and campsites are available, as well as a selection of rustic wooden cabins to rent.
Paulina Hot Springs
Hidden in the Deschutes National Forest, Paulina Hot Springs is in a stunning location and are well worth the hike it takes to get to them.
The area features two lakes, Paulina Lake and East Lake, which were both formed by a volcanic collapse beneath the earth. This area is called the Newberry Caldera, and it is the reason for the area’s geothermal activity. In fact, it is the most active geothermal area in the United States.
The thermal vents and hot springs are located along the northeast edge of Paulina Lake, where some man-made pools have been dug to catch the natural spring water. They are very simple, shallow indents lined by rocks and logs.
The source of the hot spring is a scorching 176 F, but the pools themselves generally sit around 90-115 F. The temperature varies depending on the weather and water level, so we advise that you feel the water before jumping in.
You can access the hot spring from the Paulina Lake Hot Spring Trail or the Hot Spur Spring Trail, which are located 25 miles south of Bend.
There is no camping allowed next to the hot springs, but there are campsites available at the nearby Paulina Lake Campgrounds or Little Crater Campgrounds between May and October.
Crystal Crane Hot Springs
Crystal Crane Hot Springs is a rustic hot spring resort in the heart of Harney County that hot spring lovers should not skip.
The resort has sat in the countryside with stunning hill views for 90 years. It may not have all the modern bells and whistles of other more luxury hot spring resorts, but what it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in experience.
There are two options for soaking at Crystal Crane that both maintain 101 F temperatures. The first is the public outdoor pool that lets you take advantage of the beautiful countryside. This pool is 9728ft across and only 7’’ deep, so it can fit many people with plenty of space to move around while you relax in the warm waters.
However, if you want a more private soak, you can book a spot in the cedar bathhouse. This soaking tub can fit one or more and gives you a more secluded place to chill out in the warm water. These pools are clothing optional if you want to really go all natural.
If you wish to stay on-site, there are RV hookups and campsites, as well as a selection of comfortable rooms to choose from.
Guests at Crystal Crane have 24-hour access to the hot spring, while other visitors will need to buy a day pass.
Full List of Oregon Hot Springs
The west coast of the US is a hotbed for hot springs, and Oregon is no exception. They are spread throughout the state, so no matter what city you are visiting, you should be able to find a hot spring nearby to see.
Here is a list of all the Oregon hot springs:
| Hot Spring | Location in Oregon | Developed or Primitive |
| Alvord Hot Springs | Princeton | Primitive |
| Austin Hot Springs | Mt. Hood NF | Primitive |
| Bagby Hot Springs | Mt. Hood NF | Developed |
| Belknap Hot Springs | McKenzie Bridge | Developed |
| Bingham Springs (Bar M Ranch) | Adams | Developed |
| Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat | Detroit | Developed |
| Ritter Hot Springs | Long Creek | Developed (temporarily closed) |
| Cougar Hot Springs (Terwilliger) | Willamette NF | Primitive |
| Cove Warm Springs Pool | Northeast Oregon | Developed |
| Crystal Crane Hot Springs | Burn | Developed |
| Deer Creek Hot Springs (Bigelow) | Blue River | Developed |
| Grande Hot Springs RV Resort | La Grande | Developed |
| Hart Mountain Hot Springs (Antelope) Campground | Plush | Primitive |
| Hunters Hot Springs Hotel | Lakeview | Developed |
| Jackson WellSprings | Ashland | Developed |
| Juntura Hot Springs (Horseshoe Bend) | Eastern Oregon | Primitive |
| Lithia Springs Resort and Wine Garden | Ashland | Developed |
| Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs | Detroit | Primitive |
| McCredie Hot Springs | Oakridge | Primitive |
| Paulina Lake Hot Springs | Deschutes NF | Primitive |
| Snively Hot Springs | Nyssa | Primitive |
| Summer Lake Hot Springs | Paisley | Developed |
| The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs | La Grande | Developed |
| Three Forks Warm Springs | Jordan Valley | Primitive |
| Umpqua Hot Springs | Idleyld | Primitive |
| Willow Creek Hot Springs | Fields | Primitive |
Types of Hot Springs in Oregon
Most states with hot spring activities can classify their experiences into two categories: primitive or developed. But what is the difference, and what can you expect from them? Let’s take a look:
Primitive
Primitive hot springs are naturally occurring hot spring pools that have formed in nature. Their location means that you can have a relaxing soak in the natural hot mineral water surrounded by all the varied landscapes that the Beaver state has to offer.
These hot springs are ideal for explorers who want a no-frills natural experience that is less busy than a hot spring resort.
Most primitive hot springs involve a hike to get to, so you need to go prepared. We suggest wearing appropriate clothing for the weather with good shoes that will make the hike that little bit easier. Some hot springs may even require four-wheel drive to access, so it’s important to check before you set out.
It’s crucial to bring enough water with you, not only for the hike but for after your soak. Spending time in a hot spring can cause overheating and dehydration, so you need to have enough water to sufficiently hydrate for the trip back.
The beauty of primitive hot springs is they are usually completely free to use. This makes these hot springs a great activity that lets you see the beauty of the state on a budget. However, some of these primitive springs may have a small fee to access the national park or trailhead, but these fees are much less than your average hot spring resort.
It is rare that these hot springs will have amenities, but occasionally they will have an outhouse and a campground nearby for overnight visitors.
Developed Hot Spring Resorts
Developed hot springs are those that have harnessed the natural hot springs and redirected them into hot tubs or pools for guests to use in a comfortable environment.
Developed hot springs vary in how developed they are and what amenities are available. Some may just have a place to pay, change rooms, and some manmade hot spring pools. These may have simple accommodations available others, however, will form part of a full resort.
All developed hot springs require you to pay to use them. Most will offer unlimited use to those staying on the property while day visitors need to purchase a day pass.
Hot spring resorts, along with the basic amenities mentioned above, may also offer a restaurant, a variety of hot spring options, and spa facilities where you can get a host of different treatments. Often these resorts offer a variety of accommodations, including hotel rooms and suites, so you can indulge in the full luxury experience.
Oregon is a stunning state that has so many attractions to tempt you to visit, and Oregon hot springs are one of our favorites! There is so much choice; you could visit over and over without trying the same hot spring twice.