Oregon is well known for it’s primitive hot springs as you relax in the states natural mineral waters surrounded by forest and wildlife. People who live or are visiting Bend, OR unfortunately don’t have the luxury of having a hot spring just a few minutes away. However, if you are ok with making a day trip out of it, here are our favorite 6 hot springs near Bend, Oregon to visit.
Map of Hot Springs Near Bend OR
9 Hot Springs within Driving Distance from Bend, Oregon
1. Paulina Lake Hot Springs
Miles from Bend, Oregon – 40 Miles
Minutes from Bend, Oregon – 1 Hour, 15 Minutes
Directions from Bend – Map
Paulina Lake Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument of Central Oregon. The hot springs are situated at the base of Paulina Peak, and can be accessed by hiking or horseback riding along the Paulina Lake Trail.
The hot springs are fed by thermal water that rises out of the ground from an underground aquifer. This thermal water is rich in minerals, such as calcium and magnesium sulfate, which give it its therapeutic properties. Visitors to Paulina Lake Hot Springs will enjoy soaking in these relaxing waters while taking in views of nearby lakes, mountains and forests. The temperature of the hot springs varies depending on time of day and season, but they typically range between 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit (35-41 Celsius).
Swimmers should exercise caution when entering due to high temperatures and slippery rocks near shoreline areas.
Address: 43.719 121.209
Clothing: Optional
Cost: Free
2. Bigelow Hot Springs
Miles from Bend, Oregon – 66 Miles
Minutes from Bend, Oregon – 1 Hour, 45 Minutes
Directions from Bend – Map
Bigelow Hot Springs is an amazing natural oasis in the high desert of Oregon. Located in the Harney County, Bigelow Hot Springs is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The hot springs are situated along Highway 78, near the small town of Burns. Though there are several sources of hot water onsite, Bigelow’s most famous feature is its thermal pool.
Sitting at 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 Celsius), this large hot spring can accommodate up to 30 people at one time and has become a favorite spot to relax after long days hiking or camping nearby. In addition to soaking in the warm waters, visitors can also take advantage of nearby trails that offer stunning views and opportunities for wildlife watching. The area around Bigelow Hot Springs offers some great outdoor activities like fishing, horseback riding and rock climbing as well as many other recreational pursuits such as birdwatching and photography.
3. Belknap Hot Springs
Miles from Bend, Oregon – 70 Miles
Minutes from Bend, Oregon – 1 Hour, 20 Minutes
Directions from Bend – Map
Located west of Bend, Oregon likes Belknap Hot Springs. This one technically isn’t classified as natural as it’s spring fed. However, that doesn’t take away from the mineral waters that are known to help heal the body and relax the mind. Best part is this isn’t a primitive area and there are quite a few amenities for you to enjoy.
There are two different pools for you to soak in. However, one is specifically reserved for people staying at the resort while the other is for walk-ins. This doesn’t mean you need to stay there as the walk-in pool is all you need to enjoy a day of relaxation.
Address: 59296 N. Belknap Hot Springs Road
Clothing: Required
Cost: $8
4. McCredie Hot Springs
Miles from Bend, Oregon – 87 Miles
Minutes from Bend, Oregon – 1 Hour, 45 Minutes
Directions from Bend – Map
McCredie Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located in the Willamette National Forest near Oakridge, Oregon. The springs are fed by underground geothermal activity and feature two pools of varying temperatures that range from 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors can enjoy soaking in the therapeutic mineral waters or simply relax on one of many rocks surrounding the area.
The area is well maintained with amenities such as picnic tables and restrooms. While there are no overnight camping facilities at McCredie Hot Springs, several nearby campgrounds provide great options for those who want to extend their stay and explore more of the surrounding wilderness areas.
5. Terwilliger Hot Springs
Miles from Bend, Oregon – 89 Miles
Minutes from Bend, Oregon – 2 Hours
Directions from Bend – Map
Highly regarded as the most visiting hot spring in the state, Terwilliger (also known as Cougar) hot springs is the perfect way to spend a day away from the city of Bend and out in the wilderness. Nestled deep in the Willamette National Forest, it’s roughly a quarter mile hike up to the six different natural pools that cascade down one another, with temperatures ranging from from 85 – 112 degrees. The vast difference in heat makes it ideal for any family as there is a pool that works for everyone.
Terwilliger Hot Springs near Bend is clothing option and you will see people taking advantage early or late in the day.
Address: Forest Road 19, Rainbow, Oregon
Clothing: Optional
Cost: $7
6. Umpqua Hot Springs
Minutes from Bend, Oregon – 2 Hours
Directions from Bend – Map
Located directly above the North Umpqua River lies one of the most breathtaking hot springs you will find in Oregon. Umpqua Hot Springs is a travelers dream as it requires a fairly steep quarter mile trek to reach, but once you arrive you will feel like you are all alone with mother nature. Overlooking the river and wilderness you will find a few cascaded natural springs pools with temperatures between 100 – 115 degrees. There is also an enclosed structure that houses another pool which is ideal in the winter months.
Speaking of winter months, if you plan on going off peak season, be prepared for the gate to the area to be closed. This doesn’t mean you can’t still soak in Umpqua hot springs, but it does mean that you will need to hike 1.5 miles to reach the pools. If there is snow this can be somewhat challenging so make sure you bring the proper gear.
Address: NF-3401, Idleyld Park, OR 97447
Clothing: Optional
Cost: $5
7. Crane Hot Springs
Minutes from Bend, Oregon – 2 Hours, 30 Minutes
Directions from Bend – Map
If you want to travel south of Bend, Crystal Crane Hot Springs is a great destination. It’s considered a resort, but definitely has the primitive vibe making it a very popular tourist attraction. Outside of a few accommodations to stay the night, it’s pretty much just you and the natural mineral waters. Crane Hot Springs has two options when it comes to soaking.
The first options is an enclosed bathhouse made from cedar where the water is pumped in and regulated to the desired temperature. The second is a huge pond that keeps a constant temperature of 101. Recently they added a new facility that is only for visitors who plan on staying at least two nights. The building has it’s own private soaking pools and even a private patio for you to relax as you watch the sun set.
Address: 59315 Highway 78
Clothing: Required
Cost: 2 Night Stay
8. Alvord Hot Springs
Minutes from Bend, Oregon – 4 Hours
Directions from Bend – Map
This is more of a journey as Alvord Hot Springs is roughly 4 hours southeast of Bend. There are two main natural springs pools created with concrete which originates at almost 170 degrees before drastically cooling down once it is pumped into the pools. Many people enjoy coming hear at dusk as there is nothing like enjoy a good soak while staring into the stary night sky.
Address: Fields-Denio Road
Clothing: Required
Cost: $10
9. Summer Lake Hot Springs
Minutes from Bend, Oregon – 2 Hours
Directions from Bend – Map
Located a couple hours south of Bend is another primitive hot springs for you to enjoy. There are not thrills here and offer three main outdoor pools, as well as one enclosed natural hot spring. There are a couple cabins if you’d like to stay overnight and some camping locations in the area.
Address: Highway 31, Paisley
Clothing: Optional
Cost: $10
Conclusion
Bend is an awesome city to live in, but it’s important to get out once in a while and explore everything Oregon has to offer. There are some amazing hot springs not to far of a drive away so get out there! Happy Soaking!
Hot Springs Near Ashland Oregon