Dip into Oregon’s Hot Springs

McCredie Hot Springs

McCredie Hot Springs are not for the faint of heart. Pools are constantly changing shapes, the temperatures are unpredictable compared to others, and the water is murky with silty bottoms. Still, the reward is great for those who dip in anyway.

Just off Highway 58, about 8 miles east of Oakridge is the parking lot for the springs. The pools here are shallow but very easy to access. To get to the larger pool, you can cross the river when it is low (but do so very carefully as the flow can be fast during certain times of the year) or just drive further down Highway 58 and turn right at the next opportunity. You will cross a bridge over Salt Creek and wind through the forest for a bit before finding a very small, unmarked pullout on the right-hand side. The hiking trail down to the springs is just shy of a mile with little change in elevation. Clothing is optional here and the crowds are usually pretty minimal.

Belknap Hot Springs Resort

Right on the edge of the McKenzie River, Belknap is the perfect place to soak if you want the healing benefits of mineral-rich waters without the mud or skinny dippers. The water from the springs across the river is pumped into a large, clean swimming pool with nearby restrooms, showers and deck chairs. Inside the lodge at Belknap, there is also a small market for snacks. Pay $8 to soak for an hour or $15 to lounge for a whole day. Access to the day-use pool and second upper pool is extra. If you forget to bring a towel, you can rent one from the lodge for a small fee. After a relaxing experience in the pool, cross the bridge for a stroll through the beautiful gardens. If you are lucky, you'll find the "Secret Garden" - a favorite spot for photos.

Terwilliger Hot Springs

After being closed due to fire and landslides, this beautiful hot spring is now reopened and better than ever. Terwilliger, or "Cougar" if you ask the locals, is one of the most popular hot springs in Oregon. As such, you can expect to see quite a few people on a visit to their four clear cascading pools. The source of the spring is at the top and each pool gets gradually cooler as you go down. There is a cash fee of $7 per day for use of the hot springs. Clothing is optional at Cougar but you might see folks covering themselves in the spring’s mud or clay since it’s said to be great for the skin. There is a small covered area for your belongings and new restrooms nearby. The parking lot is a quarter mile hike through lush forest from the springs.

Deer Creek Hot Springs

Deer Creek, also known as Bigelow Hot Springs, is more like a "warm" springs and is actually best to visit in summer. This single pool sits so close to the river that it disappears completely during the months when the river runs high. Even though the waters don't get as hot as some of the others on this list, the site itself is special. The warmest spot in the pool is near the back of the cave which covers about half the pool. From there, you get a great view of the river and the forest. There is no cost for a soak here and clothing is optional. Luckily, Deer Creek is located just off the McKenzie River highway near Cougar and Belknap so if you happen to visit during the season when Deer Creek disappears, you can find another hot spring to enjoy.

Of course, that’s not to say you can’t enjoy the luxury of your own suite when you stay at the Gordon. Whether or not you spend your days dipping your toes in hot springs, you get to end your day by coming back to unwind in a comfortable living area with a sofa, gas fireplace, spacious bathroom, walk-in shower, and standalone tub. It would be our pleasure to help you cross off your “springs” list, and to host you for the night once you’ve had your fill. Make your reservation to stay at the Gordon Hotel today.