5 Natural Hot Springs of Oregon for Your Next Road Trip: a complete guide » Miss Rover (2024)

(Last Updated On: November 3, 2021)

There are so many natural hot springs in Oregon and it can be overwhelming to plan a trip to see them. In this guide, I’ll be covering some of the best hot springs of Oregon that are open! I have recently visited all of these hot springs and ranger stations have been contacted to ensure they are open to visitors. Oregon Hot Springs Camping is definitely a favorite road trip that I repeat!

Photos in Collaboration with Johnathon DeSoto unless otherwise credited

Hot Spring Etiquette

Before we get into locations, have you read myHot Spring etiquetteguide? Maybe you’ve been to a few hot springs, but you might learn something new that can help keep these hot springs around longer for everyone to enjoy! It is important to learn and do your part!

In summary:

• Leave No Trace
• Clothing Optional
• No Glass
• DON’T bathe or urinate in soaking pools (what goes in, stays in..gross)
• Watch out for trash/glass (wear protective footwear down to the pools)
• Be polite and keep your noise to a normal level.

Best Hot Springs in Oregon

Oregon Hot Springs Map

As you can see, the first four hot springs, located in Central Oregon, are relatively close together. There are some current road closures that I will cover as well.

TIP: I recommend a vehicle with 6-8 inches of clearance. A standard SUV will do the trick! Some of these roads would be very challenging in a Sedan with less clearance.

Nearby Airports:

• Eugene, Oregon (4 of 5 hot springs near Eugene, Oregon)
• Portland, Oregon

5 Natural Hot Springs of Oregon

For more information on each Hot Spring and for Oregon Hot Springs camping information, please refer to each complete guide linked!

1. Cougar Hot Springs (Terwilliger Hot Springs)

Terwilliger or Cougar Hot Springs near Eugene Oregon lies in the Willamette National Forest near Rider Creek Falls and the Mckenzie River.

Cougar Hot Springs consists of 4 geothermal soaking pools ranging in temperature from 112 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Fees: $7
• Hours: Closed on Thursday morning for cleaning. Open dawn to dusk.
• Clothing optional
• 0.4 mile trail, rated easy with trailhead beginning at Aufderheide Drive.

Note: To access this hot spring you’ll want to read my full blog below that covers road closures due to landslides.

2. Wall Creek Hot Spring

Wall Creek Hot Springs Near Eugene Oregon is located within the Willamette National Forest and is known for being a Meditation Pool.This meditation pool lies along Wall Creek, hence the name Wall Creek Hot Springs. A short lovely trail through old growth forest takes you to these creekside pools.

Wall Creek Hot Spring consists of one oval shaped pool at approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Fees: None
• Hours: No set hours, open 24/7, year round (depending on access due to road conditions in winter
• 0.6 mile trail, rated easy beginning at Warm Springs Trailhead
• Clothing optional

3. McCredie Hot Springs

McCredie Springs sits next to Salt Creek, constructed of man-made rock walls to keep the naturally heated water contained to the pools, but are left natural outside of that.

If I’m being honest, these were my least favorite on this list. The hot spring by the river was gorgeous (pictured above) but the main hot pool up top was really murky and crowded.

TIP: Avoid going to McCredie Day Use Area. Instead go to Shady Gap Road (the next road on the right if you are driving East). It is unfortunately not on Google maps. Drive over a bridge and park before the fork in the dirt road. There will be an unmarked trail that follows the river and lead you right to multiple pools.

If you are unable to find this road, go to McCredie Day Use Area and if the river is low, you can cross to get to the other side to enjoy more hot springs.

• Fees: None
• Clothing Optional
• Hours: Dawn to Dusk
• 0.4 mile trail rated easy

4. Umpqua Hot Springs

Umpqua Hot Springs is in the Umpqua National Forest of Oregon and is also a hot springs near Eugene, Oregon. It consists ofterraced geothermal poolsthat can reachtemps of up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

These cliffside hot springs are set up along the North Umpqua River and are maybe the most scenic I’ve been to, but also usually the busiest hot springs on this list. Read my complete guide below for tips on having the best experience there.

• Fees: The Northwest Forest passis required here. If you have the National Park pass – America the Beautiful, this will also cover you!
• Hours: Dawn to Dusk
• Clothing Optional
• 0.8 mile trail, rated easy

5. Alvord Hot Springs

There is something intriguing yet calming about large vast areas, and the Alvord Desert Camping experience is one you don’t want to miss. This one is not close by to the above hot springs, but it is worth a trip on it’s own or if you’re coming from that way, I’d highly recommend adding this on your Oregon road trip.

There aretwo poolsmade out of concrete with pipes funneling170 degree Fahrenheitwater from the ground into the pools. The hot water mixes with cooled off water in the pools and temperature can be controlled (SLOWLY) with valve shut offs.

• Fees: $20 per person and camping available as well
• Clothing optional
• Hours: Open 24/7 for overnight camping guests. Day Passes allow you to enjoy the pool during daytime hours.
• Walk up, no hike involved

Best Time of Year for Natural Hot Springs in Oregon

Maybe it’s just me, but I LOVE a hot spring in the Fall and Winter. You get the mystical steam coming off the water, maybe a dusting of snow, or maybe a few FEET of snow. It makes the hot springs that much more enjoyable and also decreases crowds SIGNIFICANTLY.

I have gone to Oregon hot springs in August through early January of different years and had a great experience each time. If you decide to go during the winter, I’d recommend early winter as the road to get to the trailhead has the potential to close in more severe winter conditions, and would increase your hike in by a few miles. Just be sure to check weather and road conditions and even call ranger stations to get updates on the areas.

Best Time of Day

As much as I hate mornings, sunrise seems to be the best time to visit. If you want a chance at getting the place to yourself for a moment or sharing it with only a few other people, sunrise is the way to go. But if you’re not worried about sharing, sunset is a great way to unwind for the day. Finding Oregon hot springs camping nearby will make it easier to get up early!

Nearby Destinations:

Check out some of my other Oregon Adventure Guides:

Summary

This list is just a handful of the hot springs Oregon has to offer, and some of my personal favorites. Be sure to check out each guide for detailed information and Oregon hot springs camping recommendations when visiting! I loved making a road trip out of these and definitely plan to go back in other seasons.

Leave a comment below if you’ve been to any of these, or which one you’d be most interested in visiting!

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