Natural hot spring · Oregon
Ritter Hot Springs
Grant County, Oregon · 34 miles north of John Day, OR
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 106°F (41°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- John Day, OR (34 mi / 55 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
- Historical record only: this spring has not been confirmed on the ground since 1981 and may be on private land.
About Ritter Hot Springs
Ritter Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Grant County, Oregon, about 34 miles north of John Day, OR. The nearest large city is Walla Walla, WA, roughly 90 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 106°F (41°C). That puts it in the "very hot" range. Hotter than a hot tub. Enter slowly, keep soaks short and get out if you feel dizzy.
It is a natural spring with little or no development. Some natural springs have rock pools you can sit in, while others are too hot, too shallow or on land where soaking is not allowed.
This spring comes from the US federal Thermal Springs List compiled in 1981. Nobody has confirmed it on the ground for this directory since, so treat the details as historical. Many springs on that list sit on private ranch land, so never visit without permission.
Water temperature
Very hot. Hotter than a hot tub. Enter slowly, keep soaks short and get out if you feel dizzy.
Readings come from the NOAA thermal springs list, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.
Map and directions
Red marks Ritter Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 44.89200, -119.14100.
Getting there
- Nearest town: John Day, OR. The spring is about 34 miles (55 km) north of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Walla Walla, WA, about 90 miles (145 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Bend, OR.
- Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.
Weather forecast
Live forecast for this exact spot from the US National Weather Service.
Hot springs near Ritter Hot Springs
- Mount Vernon Hot Springs 120°F
- Blue Mountain Hot Springs 136°F
- Fisher Hot Springs 99°F
- Radium Hot Springs 135°F
- Kropp Hot Spring 109°F
- Weberg Hot Spring 115°F
Before you go
- Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps. Do not use soap in natural pools.
- Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
- Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Ritter Hot Springs?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 106°F (41°C), which is very hot. Hotter than a hot tub. Enter slowly, keep soaks short and get out if you feel dizzy.
Where is Ritter Hot Springs?
Ritter Hot Springs is in Grant County, Oregon, about 34 miles north of John Day, OR. The GPS coordinates are 44.8920, -119.1410.
Can you soak at Ritter Hot Springs?
Natural springs vary. Some have pools built by visitors, others are too hot or shallow, and some are on private land or in areas where bathing is banned. Check local rules and test the water before you get in.
What hot springs are near Ritter Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Mount Vernon Hot Springs, about 31 miles south. Blue Mountain Hot Springs is about 47 miles away.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.
Sources and corrections
This listing combines the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1
Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.