Oregon

Alvord Hot Springs

This rustic old cowboy hot spring has been in use by travelers for hundreds of years. Sandwiched betweeen the Steen mountain range and the alvord salt flat desert, there is no lack of wide open views. The springs themselves consist of a couple small concrete pools surrounded by a deck. There is a small windblock surrounding one of the pools. It has a really cool rustic feel to it!

Adjacent to the hot springs is the alvord desert. This is a large salt flat you can take your vehicle out on. Beware though, the salt flats can get muddy in the rainy season causing your vehicle to get stuck. The salt is also bad for your car and paint, so make sure to head to a car wash afterwards. You can even camp on the flats if you choose too! Expect strong winds though. You can also camp in the gravel lot outside of the springs.

The trick is heading to this place during the right season. Go in summer and it will be too hot. Go in winter and the flats will be mud. The fall is a nice time to go, but call the hot spring host before making the trip out to get information.

Summer Lake Hot Springs

This hot spring is mostly housed inside a rustic barn. There are also a couple small pools and tubs you can use outside. The owners also operate a campground outside.

Umpqua Hot Springs

These natural hot springs are not too far outside of crater lake national park. While this makes it a good destination to add onto a road trip, it also makes it a little more crowded. There is a 5-10 minute hike to get up to the springs. There is a view of a creek down below, but it is not possible to access from the hot pools.