Belknap Hot Springs Resort Near McKenzie Bridge, OR
Tucked along the banks of the McKenzie River within the Willamette National Forest, Belknap Hot Springs Resort brings a magical world filled with hidden gardens, miles of trails, bountiful overnight accommodations, and of course, hot springs that are open every day of the year!
While the hot springs are the main attraction, the breathtaking views and grounds are a close second. When visiting one must explore and seek out the Secret Gardens on both sides of the river, to find yourself in a fairytale setting. There are not only strolling paths throughout, but you will also find the 26 mile long McKenzie River Trail at your doorstep.
Picture: Belknap Lodge and McKenzie River
From soaking to hiking to the renowned class III and IV rapids, Belknap has something to offer everyone. Belknap hot springs also maintain facilities for weddings and special events.
Belknap Hot Springs Soaking Pools
You will find two concrete hot spring mineral swimming pools upon arrival. The lower pool which is open to everyone is along the McKenzie River by the main lodge. Reservations are not required for the lower pool. The upper pool, which a bit smaller and located up the hill near the RV sites and cabins, is for overnight guests only.
In the summer months, temperatures for both pools are kept around 92 degrees and a toasty 102 degrees in the cooler months, just perfect for soaking! In the evening, the pool lights change colors creating a peaceful dreamy ambiance as it mixes with the rising steam.
Please note, all children must be at least 2 years old and fully potty trained. No swim diapers are allowed in the pools. The hot springs water at Belknap is treated with chlorine.
Belknap Hot Springs Rates and Hours
Day use hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Pools are available until 9:00 PM for overnight guests only.
Pool Rates (included if staying overnight)
$10.00 for one hour or less, includes access to shower and bathroom
$2.00 pool towel rental available
Picture: Lower Pool at Belknap
Overnight Accommodations
Visitors have their pick on overnight accommodations. Bring your tent, RV or enjoy a few nights in the lodge or your own cabin. A special bonus to all overnight guests includes access to the private pool not open to daytime visitors.
Pitch your tent in a spacious private site nestled amongst trees along the river across from the main resort. Feeling a tad less like “roughing it”? Roll up in your RV and enjoy a woodland or river view spot. Relax in one of the 19 lodge rooms or choose from any of the 8 cabins available, all with kitchens and comfortable furnishings. Cabins can sleep anywhere from 2 to 14 people. All options offer the beauty and peace of being surrounded by nature herself. There are also seven vacation rental Mountain homes only a mile away on Highway 242.
Belknap is pet-friendly. There is a small store in the lodge to purchase ice, drinks and snacks. The lodge also has wifi, if desired. The front desk is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended and required for the peak summer season.
Note, the best seasons for camping are Spring, Summer and Fall.
Lodging Fees
Tent Camping: $40 per night for 2 guests, $15.00 for each additional occupant per day with a maximum of 6 people per site. $10.00 for each pet. Check in: 1:00 PM. Check out: 11:00 AM.
RV Camping: $40 per night for a water/electric site. $45 for full hookups. Double occupancy. $8.00 for each additional occupant per day with a maximum of 6 people per site. $10.00 for each pet. Check in: 1:00 PM. Check out: 11:00 AM.
Lodge Rooms: Rates range from $125 – $200 per night
Cabins: Rates range from $150 – $550 per night
$10.00 for each pet per reservation. There is a 9.8% lodging tax in addition to published rates.
Belknap History Lesson
Belknap Hot Springs was initially developed by R. S. Belknap in 1869. In 1874 a post office was established at the location and called “Salt Springs with the name changing in 1875. The post office shut down in 1877 and reopened in 1891 operating sporadically until 1953.
Steeped in history, Belknap was once a destination to the stars like Cary Grant. The resort is the lone survivor of many similar establishments that speckled Lane County in the late 1800’s. Besides the decade between 1968 and 1978, the resort has been in operation continuously since the 1870s.
Belknap Hot Springs Resort Map and Driving Directions
From I-5 North, take East 194a or I-105 or Highway 126 East toward Springfield.
From I-5 South, take Exit 194a to I-105 or Highway 126 East toward Springfield.
From Eugene
Take Highway 126 East through Springfield. Continue on Highway 126 following the McKenzie River past Walterville, Leaburg, Vida, Blue River and McKenzie Bridge for approximately 55 miles.
Past the turnoff for Highway 242 and shortly after driving over the Lost Creek Bridge turn onto Belknap Springs Road (past mile marker 19). Follow the signs 1/4 mile down the road to the resort.
From Bend / Sisters
Travel West on Highway 20 over Santiam Pass then take Highway 126 South towards McKenzie Bridge. Turn onto Belknap Springs Road a half mile past mile marker 18 before the junction with Highway 242. Follow the signs 1/4 mile down the road to the resort.
From Sisters via Scenic Highway 242
Caution! This is an extremely winding road not recommended for motor-home or travel trailers!
Take Highway 242 West from Sisters 40 miles to the Highway 126 junction. Travel East on Highway 126 over the Lost Creek Bridge and turn onto Belknap Springs Road (past mile marker 19). Follow the signs 1/4 mile down the road to the resort.
Belknap Hot Springs Resort Video
Belknap Hot Springs Soak Stats:
Season: All – check road conditions during winter
Type: Roadside
GPS: 44.193 122.049
Map Quad: MCKENZIE BRIDGE 15
Elevation: 1,700 ft
Land: Private (Commercial)
Fee: Yes – check current rates and/or make reservations
Restrictions: Day use and overnight fees
Usage: High
Visibility: High
Temp: 100-104
Water Clarity: Clear
Odor: Chlorine
pH: n/a
Area Features: McKenzie River
Nearby Hot Springs: Bigelow Hot Springs, McKenzie Hot Springs Cottage, Terwilliger Hot Springs
Closest Food/Gas: McKenzie River Bridge
Trash: Low
Bugs: Moderate
Wildlife: Moderate
Camping: Paid on-site
Clothing Optional: No
Pit Toilet: Yes
Instagram
Wikipedia
What ??? yeah, I heard THIER were some hot springs around cougar, just never found them. Iv’e been to cougar over 30 times and we never made it so far as to leave and try n find more. This will be a new road I will travel someday………. down the road from Cougar!!
Chlorine huh?… If I wanted that I’d endure a soak at the ymca.
Not chlorine–chloriDe. It was wonderful! Highly recommend–it is a magical place. Gardens hidden in the forest and two great pools for soaking. The place is kid and dog friendly and has a magical little trail to the campsites that makes one think that elves or fairies might pop out at any moment. We did not stay in lodge but camped by the river and slept listening to the sound of the rushing McKenzie. We also ate at the little grill which was affordable, yummy, and we sat outside watching the river. Highly highly recommend this place.