Top 7 Oregon Hot Springs: Soak in Oregon’s Magical Waters
From forested pools to high-desert hideaways, these steamy escapes showcase the best of the Beaver State.
One of Oregon’s most distinctive features is its rugged, mountainous landscape. Those peaks—shaped by volcanic forces and shifting fault lines—have also created one of the West’s most alluring natural attractions: hot springs.
Scattered across the state, these steaming pools range from wild, hand-dug basins deep in the forest to thoughtfully developed soaking resorts in the high desert. Whether naturally formed or carefully piped into rustic tubs, Oregon’s hot springs invite travelers to slow down, relax, and recharge in mineral-rich waters long celebrated for their restorative qualities.
If you’re chasing adventure, recovery, or a little of both, here are our Top 7 Oregon Hot Springs, counting down to the most iconic soak in the state.
#7 Paulina Lake Hot Springs
Paulina Lake Hot Springs. (Image: Arbours Abroad)
Location: Central Oregon, Deschutes County — about 90 minutes southeast of Bend (map)
Known for: Secluded, natural lakeside pools
Best season: Summer (easiest access)
Tucked along the edge of a massive volcanic caldera, Paulina Lake Hot Springs deliver a soak that feels truly earned. A 1.2-mile hike from the trailhead leads to a cluster of shallow, hand-dug pools nestled right along the shoreline.
Water temperatures hover in the mid-90s, making it perfect for lingering—especially when paired with a quick plunge into the cool, clear waters of Paulina Lake.
From mid-October through early May, the gate into the caldera is closed. Adventurous visitors can still reach the springs on foot or with winter equipment, but expect an additional four miles each way from the closure gate.
Nearby lodging options include national forest campgrounds, RV parks, and rustic cabins.
#6 Belknap Hot Springs
Soaking pool of Belknap Hot Springs (Image: Belknap Hot Springs)
Location: McKenzie Pass, Lane County — about 60 minutes east of Eugene (map)
Known for: Family-friendly soaking
Season: Year-round
Set along the banks of the McKenzie River, Belknap Hot Springs offers a classic Oregon soaking experience with modern comforts. The developed springs feed two large, accessible concrete pools suitable for guests ages five and up.
Overnight guests enjoy access to both the upper and lower pools, with water temperatures ranging from 92 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Day visitors are welcome as well, though soaking time is limited to one hour in the lower pool.
Belknap offers a variety of overnight options, including lodge rooms, cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. Guests also have easy access to landscaped gardens and the nearby 26-mile McKenzie River Trail.
#5 Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs
Pools of Terwilliger Hot Springs. (Photo by Intricate Explorer on Unsplash)
Location: Willamette National Forest, Lane County — about 90 minutes east of Eugene (map)
Known for: A clothing-optional woodland retreat
Season: Year-round (road access may be limited in winter)
Hidden beneath towering trees, Terwilliger Hot Springs feels like stepping into a fairytale. A half-mile forest hike leads to six cascading soaking pools, with Rider Creek spilling into the scene via a small waterfall.
Temperatures range from about 85 degrees in the lower pools to more than 110 degrees in the upper ones, giving soakers plenty of options to dial in their comfort level.
The springs are day-use only, but lodging is available nearby in Rainbow and Blue River, along with campgrounds such as Cougar Crossing. Winter travelers should note that Forest Service Road 19 is often unmaintained and may be impassable due to snow and ice.
#4 Summer Lake Hot Springs
Sunset at Summer Lake (Image: Summer Lake Hot Springs)
Location: South-central Oregon, Lake County — 50 minutes northwest of Lakeview (map)
Known for: Ancient healing waters and dark skies
Season: Year-round (overnight only)
In the heart of Oregon’s Outback, Summer Lake Hot Springs is a true unplug-and-unwind destination. Anchored by ancient artesian springs, this eco-minded retreat focuses on quiet, restoration, and connection to the landscape.
There is no day use here—reservations are required for overnight stays in modern-rustic cabins and casitas. Guests enjoy access to private outdoor soaking pools or indoor bathhouses filled with silky, silica-rich water ranging from 106 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Many cabins also feature geothermally heated floors.
As a bonus, the remote location sits far from major light pollution, making Summer Lake an exceptional spot for stargazing.
#3 Crane Hot Springs
Steamy sunrise along the soaking pool. (Image: Crane Hot Springs)
Location: Harney County — about 25 minutes east of Burns (map)
Known for: A high-desert soaking oasis
Season: Year-round
Don’t overlook this longtime Eastern Oregon favorite. Operating in some form since the 1920s, Crane Hot Springs blends historic charm with expansive soaking options.
Guests can soak in a massive outdoor pond—five feet deep and kept at a steady 101 degrees—or opt for one of several private cedar soaking tubs. Crane welcomes both day-use and overnight visitors, though reservations are strongly recommended.
Overnight accommodations include cabins, teepees, RV sites, and tent camping, making it easy to turn a soak into a full desert getaway.
#2 The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs
A couple relaxing in a semi-private tub. (Image: The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs, Facebook)
Location: Union County — 15 minutes southeast of La Grande (map)
Known for: Serene, mineral-rich soaks
Season: Year-round
Home to one of the largest hot springs in the Pacific Northwest, The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs offers five outdoor communal pools just minutes from La Grande. Options range from brick and rock pools to circular tubs designed for small groups.
The mineral-rich waters have been used for wellness and relaxation for generations, and the surrounding open landscape encourages guests to fully disconnect.
Overnight stays are available at the historic lodge on site, with additional lodging options nearby for those who prefer to stay off property.
#1 Umpqua Hot Springs
Umpqua Hot Springs are beautiful any time of the year. (Image: Jhamil Bader / Travel Oregon)
Location: Southern Oregon, Douglas County — about 90 minutes east of Roseburg (map)
Known for: An enchanting forest hideaway
Season: Year-round (weather permitting)
If you’ve seen photos of Oregon hot springs, chances are you’ve already admired Umpqua Hot Springs. This iconic soak earns its reputation.
A short but steep 0.3-mile hike leads to a trio of terraced, jade-green pools carved into a travertine cliff overlooking the North Umpqua River. Water seeps from an active fault at temperatures around 115 degrees, keeping the pools warm even on cold days.
Winter adds effort to the experience. Roads are not maintained, and snow closures often extend the hike by an additional 1.5 miles each way. The pools are clothing-optional, and visitors should expect crowds—sometimes even a wait.
Despite its popularity, Umpqua remains unmatched in natural beauty. Pack out everything you bring in and help preserve this place for future soakers.
Honorable Mentions
Breitenbush Hot Springs
Open year-round, Breitenbush offers a deeply intentional soaking experience centered on wellness and retreat. Access to the clothing-optional hot springs and sauna is by advance reservation only, and the property emphasizes unplugging—no cell service, no internet, and a peaceful, substance-free environment. Organic, vegetarian meals are included, and pets are not allowed.
Wilamette National Forest, Marion County
Lithia Springs Resort
For travelers seeking luxurious comfort and privacy, Lithia Springs Resort offers rooms with personal mineral-water soaking tubs. Guests can also enjoy an outdoor saline pool, spa services, a library, and serene gardens. Afternoon tea, wine tastings, and a complimentary breakfast round out the experience.
Southern Oregon, Jackson County (Ashland)
Hot Spring Map
Conclusion
Whether you’re chasing remote adventure or planning a restorative weekend, Oregon’s hot springs offer something special in every corner of the state. So grab your towel, respect the land, and soak it all in.
Oregon’s hot springs are more than just places to warm up—they’re living reminders of the powerful forces shaping this landscape beneath our feet. From volcanic calderas and fault lines to high-desert basins and old-growth forests, each soak tells a geological story millions of years in the making.
No two hot springs experiences are the same. One day you might be hiking through snow to reach a steaming forest pool, the next you could be floating under a blanket of stars in the Oregon Outback. Some reward effort and patience. Others offer comfort and ease. All of them invite you to slow down, disconnect, and truly experience where you are.
As these destinations grow in popularity, our responsibility as travelers grows with them. Many of Oregon’s hot springs exist in fragile environments, and their future depends on how well we care for them today. Pack out everything you bring in, respect posted rules, and be mindful of fellow soakers so these places remain special for the next adventurer who wanders in.
Whether you’re road-tripping across the state, planning a winter escape, or simply adding inspiration to your bucket list, Oregon’s hot springs deliver the perfect blend of adventure and restoration. They remind us that sometimes the best journeys aren’t about how far we go—but how deeply we soak into the moment.
So keep exploring, tread lightly, and when the steam starts to rise, take a breath and enjoy one of Oregon’s greatest natural gifts.
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