Oregon has some of the best natural hot springs in the United States and it’s no surprise that many people like to take a break from their daily lives and head off into the wilderness where they can unwind and re-energize. Many people who live in Portland, Oregon will take a day trip or even make a weekend out of traveling to some nearby hot springs. Unfortunately there aren’t any that are super close, but within a few hours you will have access to quite a few options.
Below we will cover the best natural hot springs near Portland. They are ranked by how long it takes to drive their.
1.Wind River Hot Springs – Near Portland
Minutes to Wind River hot springs near Portland – 1 Hour
Many often overlook that Portland is very close to the border of Washington, which also has a great set of hot springs to enjoy. Wind River Hot Springs may be the closest option to those looking to soak in some natural mineral waters. The hot spring area consists of two main pools that are filled with crystal-clear mineral water from a nearby artesian well. Visitors can relax and soak in the warm waters as they enjoy views of Mount Adams and Wind River Valley below. The temperature of the Water at Wind River Hot Springs averages between 105 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit.
To get to Wind River hot springs can be a little tricky where you can either walk along the river until you arrive or pay a small fee to park close to the area and cross the river. The pros to this is the springs don’t get overly crowded and you can often find yourself alone with mother nature.
Address: 41 Shipherd Falls Rd, Carson, WA 98610
2. Carson Hot Springs – Near Portland
Minutes to Carson hot springs near Portland – 1 Hour
Another hot springs resort just a short drive away is Carson Hot Springs. The amenities here are boundless as you can soak in one of their natural mineral pools before heading off to:
- Get a Massage
- Play a round of golf
- Head off for a spa day
- Dry off in their sauna
Since then, the hot springs have become an increasingly popular destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The resort offers five different pools filled with warm mineral-rich waters that can help to restore balance and provide relief from stress and tension.
Guests can also enjoy spa treatments such as massages, facials, body wraps, mud baths, saunas and more. There are also several hiking trails nearby if you’d like to get out into nature while visiting Carson Hot Springs Resort near portland. For something a little more unique Carson Hot Springs Resort offers an authentic Russian Banya (sauna). This traditional steam bath uses oak tree logs heated up with firewood which creates intense heat and humidity throughout the room.
Address: St. Martin’s Springs Road, St Martins Springs Rd, Carson, WA 98610
3. Breitenbush Hot Springs – Near Portland
Minutes to Breitenbush hot springs near Portland – 2.5 Hours
This hot springs resort is definitely a day trip or longer from Portland, but well worth the adventure. Situated in Detroit, OR, Breitenbush Hot Springs features several different hot mineral pools that will leave you feeling relaxed and ready to tackle the world.
There are three hot springs located in the meadows of the resort and are the biggest pools at the facility. Four more pools are located down towards the river, all varying in temperatures. Being within the Willamette National Forest, there are also great hiking trails. This is one of those hot springs near Portland to put on your bucket list.
The main attraction at Breitenbush is its natural hot mineral springs which bubble up from deep within the earth. These geothermal waters are rich in magnesium, calcium, sodium bicarbonate, and sulfates. Visitors can soak in two outdoor pools that range from 97-109 degrees Fahrenheit as well as an indoor pool heated to 104 degrees Fahrenheit year round.
There is also an onsite sauna available for guests who wish to further their relaxation experience. After a full day of relaxation, if you aren’t up for the drive back to Portland, Breitenbush Hot Springs does offer overnight lodging options ranging from dormitory style rooms to cabins perfect for couples or small families.
Address: 53000 Breitenbush Rd SE, Detroit, OR 97342
4. Bagby Hot Springs – Near Portland
Minutes to Bagby hot springs near Portland – 3 Hours
The next top hot springs destination near Portland is the primitive pools known as Bagby. Seclusion is an understatement when it comes to finding this spring nestled deep in the wilderness of Mount Hood National Forest. Once you arrive you will instantly be taken back in time where you can enjoy the natural mineral waters in:
- First and Second bathhouses offer community waters
- Third bathhouse has 5 private hot tubs
The Bagby Hot Springs near Portland have been used for centuries by Native Americans as a healing site, due to its natural mineral content. The water temperature ranges from 98-108 degrees Fahrenheit (36-42 C), making it perfect for soaking away stress or muscle aches.
There are several pools of varying depths that can accommodate up to 12 people at once, as well as private tubs carved out of cedar logs which offer more privacy. The area around Bagby Hot Springs also has many hiking trails if you’d like to continue your adventure and take in scenic views of the Cascade Mountains.
Although it’s quite the adventure from Portland, Bagby hot springs needs to be on your list of things to do before you leave Oregon.
Address: Mt. Hood National Forest
5. Austin Hot Springs – Near Portland
Minutes to Austin hot springs near Portland – 3.5 Hours
Austin Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located in the Deschutes National Forest near Bend, Oregon. This popular destination has been known to visitors for over 100 years and continues to be one of the most sought-after attractions in Central Oregon. The springs are located on top of an ancient volcano that was formed thousands of years ago.
The water from these hot springs flows into two separate pools, each with its own temperature range. The upper pool is heated by geothermal energy, while the lower pool is fed by cold mountain streams. Both pools range between 90 – 105 degrees Fahrenheit making them perfect for soaking and relaxation!
When visiting Austin Hot Springs you should always take precautions when entering any body of water due to varying temperatures as well as potential risks associated with submerged rocks or debris which could cause injury if not taken seriously enough. And lastly please remember to respect nature while you explore this beautiful part of Central Oregon!
Other hot springs options near Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon is a beautiful city that boasts some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. One of its hidden gems is the numerous hot springs located near Portland. These thermal pools are ideal for relaxation and soaking up Oregon’s mother nature.
The closest hot spring to Portland is Bagby Hot Springs, which can be found just an hour away from downtown in Mount Hood National Forest. The springs are open year round and offer visitors 12 private soaking tubs tucked into a secluded forest setting with plenty of wildlife to take in while relaxing in the warm waters. The temperature ranges between 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for lounging around after a long day of hiking or sightseeing around town.
Another popular spot within driving distance of Portland is Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat & Conference Center located near Detroit Lake about two hours outside city limits. This geothermal retreat offers visitors three different pools ranging from 104-114 degrees Fahrenheit amidst forests and abundant wildlife like elk, and deer. Guests have access to saunas, steam rooms, and massage therapies as well as yoga classes held by certified instructors onsite if desired.
For something closer than Breitenbush but still want all the amenities then Umpqua Hot Springs might be the choice for you. Located only 90 minutes east of Portland these remote yet easily accessible springs provide visitors with four outdoor rockpools heated by volcanic activity below ground with temperatures ranging between 97-109 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sometimes a day isn’t enough and it’s a weekend getaway you are after. Terwilliger Hot Springs (also known as Cougar) is worth checking out. Located approximately 3 hours south west from downtown Portland these popular mineral water spas boast temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit accompanied by scenic views overlooking Willamette Valley. They also provide campgrounds so guests can extend their visit even longer if they wish.
8 Other Activities to do around Portland
1. Explore Forest Park – Stretching across more than 5100 acres wilderness right outside downtown Portland lies Forest Park – one of America’s largest urban forests! This park offers stunning views as well as plenty of trails for hiking and biking.
2. Visit Lan Su Chinese Garden – Located in Chinatown district, this beautiful garden features traditional architecture from China’s Ming Dynasty along with a lake full of Koi fish and tranquil tea houses surrounded by carefully manicured gardens.
3. Spend time at The Grotto – A Catholic shrine located just north of downtown Portland off I-84W exit 30B is The Grotto. A 62 acre botanical garden featuring breathtaking beauty complete with waterfalls, fountains, and religious shrines throughout its grounds.
4. Tour breweries & wineries – With over 65 craft breweries within 25 miles radius around Portland it’s no wonder why it was named “Beer Heaven” by Men’s Journal magazine! There are also many local vineyards where you can sample fine wines produced locally such as Domaine Drouhin Oregon Winery or Sokol Blosser Winery
5. Go whitewater rafting down Clackamas River – Get your adrenaline pumping by going whitewater rafting down Clackamas River which runs through Mt Hood National Forest. Experienced guides will help ensure you get to thrill navigating class II–IV rapids.
6. Multnomah Falls – Only about forty minutes away from downtown Portland lies Multnomah Falls. This is another must see destination with cascading waters falling over 600 feet.
7. Bite Of Oregon Food Festival– Held annually in late August/early September, locals come together to celebrate Northwest culinary foods. Enjoy cooking demonstrations, competitions, and more, while live music keeps the party going.
8. Columbia Gorge Waterfall Corridor – One of the most popular tourist destinations near Portland is the State Columbia Gorge Waterfall Corridor. This area stretches over 80 miles and offers 77 different waterfalls to find.
Rocky Canyon Hot Springs