A Spa Hopper's Guide

Travellady Magazine ^TM

A Spa Hopper's Guide

Oregon's Natural Hot Springs and Resort Spas

Volcanic and glacial activity are what formed Oregon's natural hot springs. Many of them are in remote scenic areas that require clear directions and some hiking to reach, but most are accessible by an easy walk over well-maintained trails. Developed resort spas, which range from rustic to deluxe, have natural springs as their main attraction and offer a variety of amenities. So whether your post-soak pleasure is to bask on a warm rock or slip onto a massage table, Oregon has many options to choose from.

Natural Hot Springs

Here are a few of Oregon's natural hot springs that rate a wrinkled thumb’s up from veteran soakers. Before you set out, it's advisable to consult a guidebook, which will give you easy-to-follow directions, tub etiquette (to skinny-dip or not), safety and environmental concerns, as well as a lowdown of nearby services, hikes and attractions.

Bigelow Hot Springs, Willamette Valley

The small, secluded pool is in a lush fern grotto next to the McKenzie River in the Willamette National Forest and maintains a perfect soaking temperature of 103 degrees. From Eugene, take Hwy. 126 about 60 miles northeast to Deer Creek Road, then follow the signs.

Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs, Cougar Reservoir

Five soaking pools separated in stair-step fashion by logs and large stones cascade into a lush forest canyon. The top pool is the hottest at 105 degrees. Cold water diverted over a log flume provides an invigorating shower between soaks. From Eugene, take Hwy. 126 east 42 miles to the town of Blue River then follow the signs. Campgrounds on McKenzie River Highway 126 are nearby.

Austin Hot Springs, Mount Hood National Forest

Water from the beautiful Clackamas River cools the hot springs water just enough to make it a great soaking temperature. The forest setting offers many hiking trails and campsites. From Estacada, drive 30 miles south on Hwy 224 then follow the signs.

Umpqua Hot Springs, east of Roseburg

Carved out of a colorful travertine deposit, this spring is perched 150 feet above the North Umpqua River on Hwy. 138. A rustic shelter and deck offer broad views of North Umpqua Canyon. Not far to the southeast is spectacular Crater Lake National Park.

Three Forks Hot Springs, upper Owyhee River Canyon

The remote springs, which are off Hwy. 95 between Jordan Valley and Burns Junction, feature a gem of a secluded, three-foot-deep pool on the west side of the river. Several thermal waterfalls pour into it, giving bathers a warm JacuzziTM-like massage. Take in spectacular sunsets from the springs and nearby campground.

Resort Spas

Belknap Springs Lodge, six miles east of McKenzie Bridge on Hwy. 126. Native Americans stopped regularly at the mineral springs in this area, believing the water had healing powers. Two outdoor mineral water pools and several in-room hydrojet tubs are available in this beautiful wilderness setting on the McKenzie River. Resort accommodations include lodge rooms, cabins, campsites and RV parking.

Ph: 541-822-3512.

Breitenbush Hot Springs, Detroit

Built in the 1930s, this refurbished resort 11 miles northeast of Detroit on Hwy.

22, has several outdoor soaking pools of varying temperatures and a sauna/steam bath building. The resort offers massage, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, as well as a full roster of spiritual seminars. Cabins and vegetarian meals are also available.

Ph: 541-854-3314.

The Spa at Eagle Crest, Redmond

After a round of golf on one of the resort's 18-hole courses or a vigorous hike in the high desert, treat yourself to a massage, facial and pedicure or one of the luxurious spa packages. Top the day off with a fine meal and you'll really feel rejuvenated! Lodging options include rooms and condos.

Ph: 541-923-9647.

Spa Wanapine, Kah-Nee-Ta Resort, Warm Springs

The spa features natural hot springs that flow into private hydrotherapy JacuzziTM tubs. Choose from a full menu of massage services, body treatments and facials. The resort offers a wide variety of recreational activities, cultural events, accommodations teepees, hotel rooms and cottages), entertainment and fine dining. The Museum at Warm Springs is just minutes away.

Ph: 800-554-4786.

Crystal Crane Hot Springs, southeast of Burns

After a visit to Steens Mountain, enjoy a soak in a private hot tub, then cool off in the outdoor swimming pool. The resort has RV and tent sites and cabins. Travel 25 miles southeast of Burns on Hwy. 78.

Ph: 541-493-2312.