State guides
Oregon Hot Springs: Cascades Forest Soaks and High Desert Pools
Last updated October 10, 2026 · 2 min read
Oregon offers two very different kinds of hot springs. West of the Cascade crest, springs are tucked into mossy old-growth forest and reached by short hikes. East of the mountains, the high desert has wide-open soaks with views across dry lakebeds.
The Cascades and western Oregon
Umpqua Hot Springs is Oregon’s signature natural soak: a series of small pools stepped down an orange travertine cliff above the North Umpqua River, with a simple shelter over the top pool. The trail is short but steep and icy in winter.
Bagby Hot Springs in the Mount Hood National Forest is reached by a trail of about 1.5 miles through big trees. Spring water is channeled into wooden tubs, including hollowed cedar logs. Operations at Bagby have changed several times over the years, so check current status before you go.
McCredie Hot Springs sits beside Salt Creek just off Highway 58 near Oakridge. It is close to the road and can be very hot near the source.
Terwilliger, also called Cougar Hot Springs, is a set of terraced pools in a forest canyon near Cougar Reservoir east of Eugene. It has been affected by wildfire closures in recent years, so check with the Willamette National Forest.
The high desert
Alvord Hot Springs is a privately run soak on the edge of the Alvord Desert, a huge dry lakebed beneath Steens Mountain. It has two concrete pools, a small bathhouse and camping. Services in the area are very limited.
Crystal Crane Hot Springs near Burns has a pond-sized soaking pool and private tubs, with cabins and camping.
Summer Lake Hot Springs in south-central Oregon has an indoor pool in a historic bathhouse and outdoor rock pools, with lodging and wide views.
Mickey Hot Springs, north of the Alvord Desert, has boiling pools and a small geyser-like vent. It is for looking at, not soaking.
Passes and fees
Many national forest trailheads need a Northwest Forest Pass, an America the Beautiful pass or a day-use fee. Privately run springs charge entry and may require reservations.
Seasons
- Summer and fall are easiest for forest springs and desert roads.
- Winter brings snow and ice to Cascades trailheads and can make desert roads impassable when wet.
- Wildfire closures are common in late summer.
See hot springs near Portland, near Eugene and near Bend, or the full Oregon hot springs map.
Springs in this guide
- Umpqua Hot Springs117°F
- Bagby BathhouseNot recorded
- McCredie Hot Springs - North Bank163°F
- Cougar Reservoir Hot Springs111°F
- Alvord Hot Springs Bath House & Campground174°F
- Crystal Crane Hot Springs172°F
- Summer Lake Hot Spring109°F
Listed Oregon hot springs
The 25 best-documented of 45 Oregon springs in our directory. See all Oregon hot springs on a map.
| Hot spring | Water temp | Type | Nearest town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alvord Hot Springs Bath House & Campground | 174°F | Developed | Hines, OR (76 mi) |
| Breitenbush Hot Springs | Not recorded | Resort | Mill City, OR (25 mi) |
| Crystal Crane Hot Springs | 172°F | Developed | Burns, OR (23 mi) |
| Umpqua Hot Springs | 117°F | Developed | Oakridge, OR (32 mi) |
| Antelope Hot Springs 1981 record | 104°F | Developed | Lakeview, OR (40 mi) |
| McCredie Hot Springs - North Bank | 163°F | Natural | Oakridge, OR (9 mi) |
| Terwilliger Hot Springs (Cougar Hot Springs) | Not recorded | Natural | Oakridge, OR (26 mi) |
| Three Forks Hot Spring | 95°F | Natural | Marsing, ID (73 mi) |
| Bigelow Hot Spring | 142°F | Natural | Sisters, OR (26 mi) |
| Fisher Hot Springs | 154°F | Natural | Lakeview, OR (30 mi) |
| Mickey Hot Springs | 187°F | Natural | Hines, OR (72 mi) |
| Paulina Hot Springs | 70°F | Natural | Three Rivers, OR (13 mi) |
| Austin Hot Springs 1981 record | 187°F | Natural | Mount Hood Village, OR (23 mi) |
| Bagby Bathhouse | Not recorded | Developed | Mill City, OR (20 mi) |
| Barry Ranch Hot Springs 1981 record | 190°F | Natural | Lakeview, OR (2 mi) |
| Beulah Hot Springs 1981 record | 140°F | Natural | Vale, OR (45 mi) |
| Blue Mountain Hot Springs 1981 record | 136°F | Natural | John Day, OR (19 mi) |
| Canters Hot Spring 1981 record | 120°F | Natural | Marsing, ID (41 mi) |
| Cook Creek Hot Spring 1981 record | 97°F | Natural | Asotin, WA (32 mi) |
| Cougar Reservoir Hot Springs 1981 record | 111°F | Natural | Oakridge, OR (26 mi) |
| Deer Butte Hot Spring 1981 record | 115°F | Natural | Parma, ID (12 mi) |
| East Lake Hot Springs 1981 record | 144°F | Natural | Three Rivers, OR (15 mi) |
| Fisher Hot Springs 1981 record | 99°F | Natural | Baker City, OR (17 mi) |
| Flagstaff Butte Hot Spring 1981 record | 126°F | Natural | Winnemucca, NV (90 mi) |
| Hunters Hot Springs 1981 record | 205°F | Natural | Lakeview, OR (3 mi) |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hot spring in Oregon?
Umpqua Hot Springs is the most famous natural soak, with terraced pools on a cliff above the North Umpqua River. Alvord Hot Springs is the classic desert soak, and Bagby is known for its forest setting and wooden tubs.
Do you need a pass for Oregon hot springs?
Many forest springs require a Northwest Forest Pass or a day-use fee for parking. Some, such as Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs, have their own fee. Check the national forest website before going.
What hot springs are closest to Portland?
Bagby Hot Springs in the Mount Hood National Forest is the closest well-known natural spring, roughly two hours' drive. See our near Portland list for others.