11 Top-Rated Hot Springs in Oregon

Written by Brad Lane
Updated Aug 1, 2023

A variety of hot springs are scattered throughout the beautiful surroundings of Oregon, waiting to be enjoyed. From popular hot spots such as Umpqua Hot Springs to the more remote soaking pools found at Ritter, Oregon hot springs provide interested explorers with plenty of places to visit.

The best soaking spot depends on the type of hot springs experience desired. Hot springs like the ones found at Hart Mountain National Elk Refuge provide more isolated settings and vibrant night skies, while popular options such as Bagby Hot Springs entertain larger crowds on the weekends.

Privately owned hot springs add other amenities to the mix. Places like Belknap or Breitenbush offer places to stay and scheduled events, encouraging multi-day visits. Primitive hot springs like Bigelow Hot Springs, on the other hand, require no reservations (or clothing).

Hot springs across the country are delicate landscapes. It's imperative when visiting to stay on designated trails, minimize the impact on the soaking areas, and pack out all trash. While hot springing in Oregon is a family-friendly experience, expect to make open-minded friends when visiting popular hot springs throughout summer and weekends.

Note that wildfires and other weather events affect hot springs across Oregon. Check the official websites for the latest conditions.

Find the top spots to soak your cares away with our list of the best hot springs in Oregon.

1. Umpqua Hot Spring, Umpqua National Forest

Umpqua is a popular set of hot springs in Umpqua National Forest, providing a picturesque soak throughout the year. It features three cascading soaking pools, each increasing in temperature as you ascend from the river. The hot springs area also features a tub covered by a primitive wooden structure.

Clothing is optional at this day-use area, and a Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent hangtag is required to park at the trailhead. It's a short but steep quarter-mile trail from the parking area to the springs. A vault toilet is available at the trailhead, and all users need to pack out any trash they may accumulate.

Expect other visitors at the hot springs, particularly on the weekends. For those looking to spend a few days, the closest place to pitch a tent is the Toketee Campground, less than four miles away. There's a strict no-camping policy at the hot springs.

The hot spring is near Crater Lake National Park and is accessible with limited driving on gravel roads. The gravel roads don't require a high-clearance vehicle to make it to the trailhead throughout summer, though all vehicles will want to take the gravel slowly, especially in winter conditions. The springs may be inaccessible to anything but four-wheel drive vehicles in the winter.

2. Babgy Hot Springs, Mt. Hood National Forest

Cedar tub in private soaking stall | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane

Bagby provides developed hot springs within a primitive setting. This popular spot to soak offers three distinct bathhouses featuring various soaking options, much in thanks to volunteer efforts and coordination with the U.S. Forest Service. Perhaps the most coveted are five private stalls at Bagby, including hand-carved cedar log tubs with hot water piped directly from the source.

Other soaking spots at Bagby include six-foot-round community tubs under hand-built awnings. This is a very popular place in the evenings and weekends, and patrons are encouraged to ration their soaking time when other people are waiting for the tubs.

It's a drive on gravel and forest roads to visit Bagby, and detailed directions and a map are a good idea. The 1.5-mile trail to reach the hot springs follows the banks of the scenic Collawash River. The hike is easily graded and a pleasant trek through a thriving forest.

The Bagby Hot Springs Campground is adjacent to the trailhead and offers options to spend the night, as camping is prohibited at the hot springs. A $5 fee for hot spring use is collected at the trailhead by an attendant or deposited into a fee box.

The 2021 Bull Complex fire jeopardized the forest service roads leading to Bagby Hot Springs, and as of spring 2023, the facilities are closed to the public. However, the Forest Service remains optimistic about a 2023 opening. Check the official Mt. Hood National Forest website for opening status.

3. Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs, Willamette National Forest

Terwilliger Hot Springs is one of the most popular soaking spots in the Willamette National Forest. It's near Bigelow and Belknap Hot Springs and is commonly referred to as Cougar Hot Springs. A small cave at Terwilliger releases hot water towards the McKenzie River below, filling five natural basins along the way.

It's a quarter-mile trail to reach the pools, where you can often expect to find other people enjoying the water. Clothing is optional at this national forest hot spot, and a day-use fee is collected at the trailhead. Crowds tend to gather throughout the summer, particularly on the weekends. There is a 50-person limit for enjoying the springs, which commonly caps throughout the summer. Soakers are asked to limit their soaking to two hours when the pools are at capacity.

The 2018 Terwilliger Fire closed these hot springs down for several years. The Forest Service has recently reopened the hot springs to the public, which have proven to be as popular as ever. Visitors will notice residual damage from the fire and are encouraged to stick to the trail to avoid any unsettled debris. To see current conditions, check out the official U.S. Forest Service webpage.

4. Paulina Hot Springs, Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Paulina Hot Springs is a gorgeous lakeside soaking spot within Deschutes National Forest and Newberry National Volcanic Monument – one of the top attractions near Bend.

This unique hot spring is accessible with a two-mile hike on the shoreline of Paulina Lake, beginning at Little Crater Campground, one of the best campgrounds in Oregon. Part of the route navigates rocky outcroppings, providing great landscape views along the way. Alternatively, visitors can paddle across the water in a canoe or kayak. There's no dock at the hot springs for larger vessels to come ashore.

Visitors find small soaking spots dug out of the rocky shoreline after the scenic trek. Small waves from Paulina Lake cool off the hot water that seeps in from deep underground. Lying down in any of the hand-dug-soaking spots on the shore, with a ground-level view of the prominent Paulina Peak on the horizon, adds to the relaxing nature.

The hot springs remain moderately busy throughout the summer, but it's possible to get a solo soak on weekdays and early mornings. The surrounding Newberry Volcanic Monument has several other thermal attractions to explore, including a Lava River Cave and Big Obsidian Flow. Head to the Paulina Visitor Center for the most insight into the area.

5. Belknap Hot Springs, Willamette National Forest

Lower pool at Belknap Hot Springs | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane

On the banks of the McKenzie River, an hour east of Eugene, Belknap embodies a complete hot springs vacation. This commercial facility features a lodge, campground, and an impressive collection of gardens. Belknap also has two private hot spring mineral pools with decks and lounge chairs.

Overnight guests at Belknap have access to the upper and lower pools, and day-use visitors can utilize the lower pool with an hourly or all-day pass. Surrounding the pools, the McKenzie River Valley's natural beauty and the Belknap's well-kept gardens combine for a scenic spot to soak. This area is primed for all types of day adventures between soaks. The nearby 26-mile McKenzie River National Recreation Trail connects several fantastic natural attractions.

Tent spaces, RV hookups, and cabins are all available for advance reservations. Belknap is open every day of the year. Icy conditions can make the drive challenging during winter. Be sure to check local conditions before making the drive.

Address: 59296 North Belknap Springs Road, McKenzie Bridge, Oregon

Official site: http://www.belknaphotsprings.com

6. Breitenbush Hot Springs, Willamette National Forest

Soaking tub at Breitenbush Hot Springs | Wonderlane / photo modified

Breitenbush is a full-service retreat and conference center 70 miles east of Salem. The stunning hot springs at the resort are just part of the appeal of this remote wilderness sanctuary.

Three tubs at Breitenbush range from warm to hot and are furnished with smooth river rocks, providing great views of the surrounding forest meadows. One of the three tubs is reserved explicitly for quiet soaking.

Breitenbush is open for day visits, overnight stays, and multi-day retreats. Other relaxing and refreshing services include wellness programs, hiking trails, massage therapy, and fresh organic meals.

The devasting 2020 fires in Oregon severely impacted the facility. Nearly half of the structures at this iconic Oregon hot spring were destroyed. Quickly, community support spurred rebuilding efforts.

7. Alvord Hot Springs

Alvord Hot Springs is a privately owned soaking destination in southeast Oregon. Two concrete pools hold the natural hot water at this family-owned operation, surrounded by stunning views of the Steens Mountains and Alvord desert.

Day-use and overnight passes are available at Alvord Hot Springs. Various overnight accommodations include campgrounds and heated cabins. On some busy weekends, the pools are only available for overnight visitors. The hot springs are also home to weekend events, including live music performances. Visitors interested in a day-use pass are encouraged to call ahead before making the trek.

Alvord Hot Springs is in a relatively remote area of Oregon, although the Fields-Denio Road to access the springs is paved the entire way. Visitors from the north will want to fill up on gas in Burns. The springs have a few necessities for sale, including snacks and drinks.

Official site: https://alvordhotsprings.com/

8. Crane Hot Springs

Crane Hot Springs, also known as Crystal Crane Hot Springs, is a casual hot spring resort in Southeast Oregon, approximately 25 miles east of Burns. The site features an expansive hot springs pond, which reaches over six feet at its center, and private soaking tubs.

Day passes are available at Crystal Crane, but the best experience comes from spending the night. The facility has several accommodations available, including unique teepee and cabin arrangements. The overnight facilities at Crane Hot Springs include private patios with barbecues and private soaking tubs.

Official site: https://www.cranehotsprings.com/

9. Bigelow Hot Springs, Willamette National Forest

This roadside soaking destination is about sixty miles east of Eugene along the McKenzie River. It's also known as Deer Creek Hot Springs and comprises a human-made rock circle along the banks, capturing underground hot water before it completely mixes into the icy-cold McKenzie River. Capacity at Bigelow is approximately three to four people.

The summer is a great time to visit, and though it's not one of the most popular hot springs in the immediate area, expect to share the pool with some other interested visitors. The hot springs are nearly visible from the forest service access road, and the hike to the warm water is manageable for most ability levels. Ensure all four tires are on the road when finding a parking space.

10. McCredie Hot Springs, Willamette National Forest

Large soaking pool at McCredie Hot Springs | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane

McCredie Hot Springs was once the site of an early 20th-century resort and is now a primitive roadside hot spring within Willamette National Forest. The springs span both sides of Salt Creek, providing a variety of soaking spots to enjoy. McCredie is an hour's drive from Eugene and 12 miles from one of the largest and best waterfalls in Oregon, Salt Creek Falls.

These clothing-optional and day-use hot springs feature water temperatures as high as 130 degrees near the source (use caution when dipping in toes). Various soaking spots mix with the cold-running water nearby to provide comfortable temperatures. Touring the pools is fun, including cold-water dips in the adjacent Salt Creek.

The hot springs are moderately popular. Don't expect privacy at these roadside hot springs, there are no walls or barriers separating the several pools. An adjacent parking area has approximately nine parking spots and one RV pullout. The parking area is almost always full, with only a few sites available. The weekends are the most common time for the springs to be packed. Arrive in the early morning to get a spot.

11. Hart Mountain Hot Springs

Hart Mountain Hot Springs is in a far remote area of southern Oregon. It's part of the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, operated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The main hot spring to visit features landscaped rocks, which make for a comfortable seat, and another small pool nearby offers views of the vast and open landscape.

The pools are moderate in size, fitting a group of four comfortably, though thanks to the remote location, these hot springs are much less busy. The remote landscape also offers a surreal starscape at night that pairs nicely with a soak.

Thirty primitive campsites are available at the Hot Springs Campground nearby. Day and overnight users will want to pack their own drinking water. Accessibility can sometimes be an issue, especially when wet weather jeopardizes some of the dirt roads to the hot springs. Check the latest road conditions and updates before making the trip.