Oregon’s Top Hot Springs You Can Visit Year-Round
With rugged mountains, dense evergreen forests, and crystalline rivers, Oregon has more to offer than meet the eye – namely, the hot springs tucked within its tranquil wilderness. A visit to one of these hot springs can warm you up amid the chilliest of winter snows or offer a serene retreat from the bustle of day-to-day life.1. Bagby Hot Springs
Just an hour’s drive from the city of Portland, Bagby Hot Springs offers a unique hot spring experience in the heart of Mount Hood National Forest. Here, hollowed out logs serve as bathtubs, filling up with mineral rich water heated beneath the earth’s surface. Remember, Bagby tends to crowd up at weekends, so a mid-week dip might make for a more peaceful soak.2. Umpqua Hot Springs
Deeper in the wilderness is Umpqua Hot Springs, nestled along North Umpqua River east of Roseburg. The multi-tiered pools offer stunning views of the surrounding forest. It’s situated just 0.3 miles off Oregon’s Highway 138, also endearingly known as the ‘Waterfall Highway’.3. Belknap Hot Springs
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, Belknap Hot Springs is the answer. Located on the western side of the splendid McKenzie River, Belknap provides lodgings, manicured gardens, and two mineral-rich pools – one is open to day visitors, while the other is exclusively for overnight guests. It’s halfway between Eugene and Sisters, just off the scenic McKenzie Highway.
4. Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs
Terwilliger Hot Springs, also known as Cougar Hot Springs, is located near the Cougar Reservoir in Willamette National Forest. The spring’s six soaking pools, arranged in a stepladder formation, lead down to Rider Creek. A local secret is that the upper pools are usually hotter than the lower ones.5. Alvord Hot Springs
Travel east, and you’ll find Alvord Hot Springs, overlooking the Alvord Desert’s vast expanse. This privately-owned hot spring, accessible for a small fee, has two large pools with a stunning view of Steens Mountain. The best time to visit this arid place is during the winter sunset.6. Mickey Hot Springs
For sheer adventure, Mickey Hot Springs on the Alvord Desert’s eastern edge takes the trophy. With boiling puddles, steaming vents, and mud pots, it paints a surreal picture. It’s incredibly remote, so remember to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially during the hot summer months.7. Breitenbush Hot Springs
Up in Detroit in Mount Jefferson’s shadow, you’ll find Breitenbush Hot Springs. This retreat and conference center has several thermal pools of varying temperatures for visitors. They also offer workshops and well-being services, making it a holistic getaway. Advanced reservations are recommended here.8. Paulina Lake Hot Springs
Paulina Lake Hot Springs, at the edge of Paulina Lake in Deschutes National Forest, make you put in a little work. A 9-mile round hike along Paulina Lake’s east side takes you to these several small, beachside soaking pools. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing soak after a day spent exploring the Oregon Badlands Wilderness.9. Bigelow Hot Springs (Deer Creek)
Bigelow or Deer Creek Hot Springs, closer to the town of Blue River, is a single small jacuzzi-sized pool on the bank of McKenzie River. Covered with ferns and mosses and overshadowed by towering Douglas firs, it provides an exceptionally beautiful setting. To avoid disappointment, avoid visiting during high river levels when the pool can be underwater.10. Hunters Hot Springs
On the northern edge of Lakeview, you will find Hunters Hot Springs. This hot spring resort offers individual hotel rooms and cottages with private soaking tubs. A unique feature is ‘Old Perpetual,’ Oregon’s only continuously erupting geyser, which occasionally shoots hot water 60 feet in the air.Oregon’s hot springs are plentiful, each unparalleled and offering unique experiences. So grab that bathing suit, get out there, and ready yourself for 365 days of warm, immersive experiences Oregon-style. Remember to respect the nature that hosts these healing waters, keeping them clean and tranquil for everyone to enjoy. Safe travels and happy soaking, fellow Oregonians!