Tucked along the banks of the McKenzie River within the Willamette National Forest, Belknap Hot Springs Resort offers a magical escape filled with hidden gardens, miles of trails and mineral hot spring pools open 365 days a year.
While the soaking is the main attraction, the breathtaking grounds are a close second. Visitors should make a point to explore the Secret Garden on the north side of the river to experience a true fairytale setting. For those looking for adventure, the renowned 26-mile McKenzie River Trail is accessible directly from the property.
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 maintains facilities for weddings and special events.
Belknap Hot Springs Soaking Pools
Picture: Lower Pool at Belknap
The resort features two concrete mineral soaking pools. The Lower Pool, located near the main lodge along the river, is open to both day-use visitors and overnight guests. The Upper Pool is situated up the hill near the RV sites and is strictly reserved for overnight guests, offering a more private experience.
In the summer, pool temperatures are maintained at approximately 92 degrees, while they are raised to a toasty 102 degrees during the cooler months. In the evening, the pool area is illuminated with color-changing lights, creating a peaceful ambiance amidst the rising steam.
Important Pool Rules:
- Age Requirement: Children must be at least 5 years old to enter the pool areas.
- Potty Training: All children must be fully potty trained; swim diapers are strictly prohibited.
- Water Treatment: The mineral water is treated with chlorine.
- Reservations: While reservations are not required for the lower pool, occupancy is limited, and walk-in access is subject to availability.
Belknap Hot Springs Hours
- Overnight Guests: Pools are available from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Day-Use (Walk-In) Guests: Access is available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on an hourly basis. Please note that the resort is closed to walk-in guests on federal holidays. All day-use visitors must clear the pool area by 6:00 PM.
Overnight Accommodations
Belknap offers a wide range of lodging to suit any preference. All overnight stays include access to both the public and private soaking pools.
- Lodge Rooms: 19 rooms located within the main lodge for easy pool access.
- Cabins: 8 cabins equipped with kitchens and comfortable furnishings, ranging in capacity from 2 to 14 people.
- RV & Tent Sites: Spacious sites nestled among the trees with river or woodland views.
- Mountain Homes: Vacation rentals located approximately one mile away on Highway 242.
- Camp Yale: Located just down the road, offering additional RV sites and modern accommodations.
The resort is pet-friendly in designated areas. The lodge features a small store for essentials, snacks and drinks, as well as limited WiFi in the lobby area.
Belknap Hot Springs History
Initially developed by R.S. Belknap in 1869, the resort is a lone survivor of the many grand mineral springs that once dotted Lane County. It has remained in near-continuous operation for over 150 years and was once a preferred destination for Old Hollywood stars.
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 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
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.