12 Natural Springs in Oregon And Where To Find Them

With plenty of natural beauty, Oregon is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing soak in a natural spring. Whether you want to opt for a hot spring that allows you to soak any muscle aches away or a swimming hole made for an invigorating dip, there’s something to be found in the Beaver State. One of the biggest draws about visiting a natural spring in Oregon is that you have so many to choose from. Some are developed and come with all the amenities of a luxury resort just steps away. Others are more rugged, with natural pools nestled amid mountains and valleys off the beaten path.

12 Natural Springs in Oregon & Where to Find Them

#1 Umpqua Hot Springs

Located in Umpqua National Forest, this hot spring is actually three terraced springs that are all available for soaking. They range from 100 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit but do require a short hike to get to them. Make sure to bring anything that you may want or need, including a towel, swimsuit, snacks, and water since there aren’t any amenities nearby.

While the springs are relaxing and tranquil at any time of year, they are particularly wonderful in the winter. The 0.3-mile hike to get to the springs is easy enough to do, even in the snow, and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect pictures and an idyllic setting for relaxing. They also tend to be less crowded than some other options. Because there are three pools, you’re sure to get some privacy for your moment of bliss. In peak times, they can get crowded.

#2 Bagby Hot Springs

These springs are a bit more developed and offer bathing tubs with water piped in from the springs. Now under new ownership, a major renovation promises to bring the hot springs to their full glory. Unfortunately, they remain closed for now as improvements are made but are still on schedule to open back up later in 2023. There will also be campsites and a store to round out the entire experience.

The hot springs are self-serve and accessible via a 1.4-mile trail in the Mt. Hood National Forest. There are three long tubs made of hand-hewn logs and one larger round tub at the lower bathhouse. The upper bathhouse has a round tub on its own deck.

#3 Summer Lake Hot Springs

If you want a more luxurious resort-style experience, check out Summer Lake Hot Springs. This resort offers casitas as well as access to the waters of the natural hot springs on the property. You can opt for one of the twelve casitas, use the RV hookup, or camp onsite in your own tent. In addition to natural hot springs, there is also an indoor pool, hiking trails, and gardens.

The whole vibe at Summer Lake focuses on the healing power of nature. The property covers 145 acres and includes petroglyphs as well as archaeological sites. Expect a rustic stay that brings you back to nature while still maintaining comfort and connection. None of the casitas are air conditioned but they are designed to keep you comfortable even in hot or cold temperatures. Fans and space heaters provide some climate control in extreme weather.

In addition to the hot springs themselves, other natural wonders in the area known as the Oregon Outback are plentiful. You can easily get to nearby Summer Lake or one of the many mountain peaks in the region.

#4 Breitenbush Hot Springs

Located in the Willamette National Forest, the Breitenbush Hot Springs property is perfect for a larger retreat, family gathering, or for people looking for something established and developed that still exudes natural tranquility. The three pools have smooth river rocks that create a comfortable place to soak. Temperatures

Clothing is optional in these pools, so be ready for other bathers who want to soak in their birthday suits. There are plenty of ways to enjoy your time at Breitenbush, whether it’s during a women-only weekend retreat, a yoga workshop, or by disconnecting from the demands of technology. The property does not have wifi or cell service but does offer peace and tranquility that can be hard to find amid the hustle and bustle of regular life.

#5 McCredie Hot Springs

A visit to the Willamette National Forest also offers the chance to stop at the McCredie Hot Springs. This natural spring is a pool situated right in the Salt Creek that runs through the forest. The pools are natural formations that have silt bottoms and rock walls. They are accessible via the McCredie Day Use Site in the forest, which also offers great places to enjoy a picnic.

You will need to pay a small fee per vehicle but parking is close to the springs. Clothing is optional and there aren’t any monitors, so make sure to check local conditions before going. It’s also a good idea to bring a thermometer to monitor the temperature before you jump into one of the pools. Depending on the creek’s conditions and the season, there can be anywhere from two to four pools in this area.

#6 Terwilliger Hot Springs

Want something a bit more secluded to bathe au natural? Then Terwilliger Hot Springs is the spot for you. Clothing is optional at these four pools in the rugged Oregon wilderness. The springs are fed by a waterfall and around 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Some are as cool as 90 degrees and the hottest pools get up to 112 degrees. If you like options, this is a good spot to visit. You’ll need to hike to them from the parking lot, which is around a half mile away. The hike is a bit rough but still doable for even novice hikers with a sturdy pair of shoes. Expect some crowds, especially on nice days, and don’t be too shocked to get a good view of your new friends bathing in the buff.

You may also see this spot listed as Cougar Hot Springs in some guides and on some maps. It is the same spot. It is in the Willamette National Forest, near Blue River, Oregon. You’ll need to pay a small fee at the trailhead and pack out anything that you carry in.

#7 Belknap Hot Springs

Another must-visit spot in the Willamette National Forest is Belknap Hot Springs. There are two private hot springs as well as a lodge, gardens, and campgrounds. You have to stay at the property to have access to all of the hot springs but you won’t regret booking a stay here to really take advantage of the relaxing atmosphere. For day-use or hourly passes, you can access the lower pool only. Either way, this is a great place to enjoy some relaxation amid carefully tended surroundings of natural beauty.

#8 Alvord Hot Springs

There are two pools fed by the hot springs at this primitive but comfortable lodging site. They are privately owned and reservations are required, whether you are coming as an overnight guest or getting a day pass. There are bunks, campsites, restrooms, a small store, and, of course, the pools themselves. One of the biggest perks of staying overnight is the unlimited use of the pools. There’s nothing quite like bathing in a naturally fed hot spring under the vast open starry sky at night. The nearby Steens Mountains and the Alvord Desert provide a picturesque natural backdrop to the entire experience.

#9 Bigelow Hot Springs

This quaint little spot is charming and small, which means it’s often less crowded than some of the more well-known springs in the area. It only fits a maximum of four people and two tends to be more comfortable. The bottom is sand and silt, so consider wearing water shoes to make the step into the pool a bit more comfortable. The spring is located in the Mackenzie River and is known for being a good spot to try some clothing-optional soaking without a crowd.

The Bigelow Hot Springs is seasonal, with the peak seasons being summer and fall. Temperatures range from 102 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for soaking. In the winter and spring, it’s generally too cold to be comfortable.

#10 Paulina Lake Hot Springs

Feel like kayaking to a hot springs? Then Paulina Lake Hot Springs is the perfect place to do it. It is bounded by logs on each side, which create a tranquil place to soak right on the bank of Paulina Lake. There is also a grassy meadow on the other side, perfect for picnicking or enjoying other aspects of nature. There is also a hiking trail that goes right next to the hot springs.

These springs are only open in the late spring to early summer, so make sure to get over there if you want to visit. They aren’t typically very crowded so you likely won’t need to wade through crowds to get your time to soak. But the window when the park is open is very small due to the seasons. The hot springs are located within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

#11 Hart Mountain Hot Springs

The hot springs are located within the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, making them one of the most rugged options on our list. There isn’t much in the way of amenities, although the landscaped rocks do offer comfortable seats while you’re sitting and soaking. Don’t expect to be pampered or catered to by a nearby resort staff, since the only lodging available is camping in the refuge.

But come nightfall, you’ll be treated to some spectacular stargazing. This is also a good area to view wildlife during the day. Overall, it’s a unique way to enjoy hot springs in Oregon while also taking in the majesty of nature here on Earth and in the cosmos.

#12 Crystal Crane Hot Springs

You can opt to soak in the larger pool, complete with a pool deck and picnic tables, or choose a more private soaking tub. You can even soak on the back porch of your cabin under the stars at night. Themed cabins offer a great place to rest in between soaking, hiking, or exploring the area. You can also choose from one of their RV sites or campsites. Glamping sites, complete with in-suite soaking basins, offer a one-of-a-kind luxury camping experience.

Summary of 12 Natural Springs in Oregon

The photo featured at the top of this post is © arboursabroad.com/Shutterstock.com