Hart Mountain Hot Springs in the National Antelope Refuge of Southern Oregon
Embark on a high desert adventure to Hart Mountain Hot Springs, a secluded oasis nestled within the vast Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge in southeastern Oregon. Surrounded by the rugged Warner Peak and teeming with wildlife, this primitive hot spring offers a soul-stirring escape for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.
Hart Mountain Hot Pools
Hart Mountain Hot Springs boasts two distinct soaking experiences. The main pool, constructed of rock and concrete, is roughly 5+ feet deep and 9 feet by 12 feet wide, comfortably accommodating up to six bathers. The geothermal waters bubble up from the earth’s core at a comforting 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit, rich in minerals believed to possess therapeutic properties.
A short distance away lies a smaller, undeveloped pool with unobstructed views, perfect for those seeking a more intimate soak beneath the expansive sky. Both pools offer moderate water clarity with a faint sulfur odor, a telltale sign of the spring’s volcanic origins.
Camp Under the Stars
For a truly immersive experience, consider camping at the nearby Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground, a first-come, first-served facility managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Nestled amongst aspen trees, the campground provides a scenic base for exploring the refuge. Backcountry camping is allowed within designated areas with a backcountry permit. Camping is not allowed on roads or pull-off areas.
Facilities and Considerations
Hart Mountain Hot Springs offers a rustic experience with limited amenities. Parking is available within walking distance, and basic pit toilets are provided. While the hot springs are generally family-friendly, keep in mind the remote location and lack of changing facilities.
Access and Fees
The hot springs are accessible year-round, although winter conditions can make the dirt road impassable. There is no official fee to access the hot springs.
A Timeless Soak
Hart Mountain Hot Springs boasts a rich, albeit undocumented, history. Indigenous tribes likely frequented the hot springs for their therapeutic qualities for centuries before European settlers arrived. Today, the hot springs remain a cherished destination for those seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, relaxation and a chance to reconnect with the simple pleasures of life.
Hart Mountain Hot Springs Map
View Oregon Hot Springs in a larger map
Driving Directions from Lakeview, Oregon
- Start your journey in Lakeview, Oregon.
- Head east on OR-78 for about 17 miles until you reach the junction with OR-205.
- Turn right onto OR-205 South and continue for approximately 67 miles until you see Rock Creek Road on your right.
- Turn right onto Rock Creek Road (which becomes Frenchglen Road) and follow it for 41 miles.
- You will arrive at the Refuge Headquarters. Turn left onto Hot Springs Road.
- Follow Hot Springs Road for 4.4 miles until you reach Hart Mountain Hot Springs and Campground.
Important Note:
The roads leading to Hart Mountain Hot Springs are unpaved. While they are generally accessible by car during dry conditions, especially during the summer months, be sure to check road conditions with the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge before your visit, particularly during winter and spring when snow and mud can make the roads impassable.
Consider the weather conditions and your vehicle’s capabilities before attempting the drive.
Nearby Adventures
Beyond the hot springs, explore the diverse landscapes of the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. Hike through meadows teeming with wildflowers, spot herds of pronghorn antelope and mule deer or visit the nearby Rock Creek for a refreshing swim.
ANTELOPE/HART MOUNTAIN HOT SPRINGS MAP QUAD:
CAMPBELL LAKE 7.5
Beautiful scenery! It has been recently rebuilt with native rock to fit its surroundings better instead of plain concrete. If you do a little exploring, there is a second pool, but its location is secret.
Visited Hart Mountain for the first time Memorial Day weekend. The springs were lovely. The developed spring was deep – over my head in spots. The undeveloped spring was, for me, more enjoyable. It’s unimpeded views of the mountains were top notch. There is a third spring, as well, but it’s very small and muddy, probably not suitable for soaking.
My only issue was that some of the campers in the campground were rather disrespectful and loud. In the spot next to ours, someone left their dog tied up alone all day, so it was crying and howling into the evening.
Overall, it was a beautiful trip with great hiking and wildlife in the area.
Visited Hart Mountain for the first time Memorial Day weekend. The springs were lovely. The developed spring was deep – over my head in spots. The undeveloped spring was, for me, more enjoyable. It’s unimpeded views of the mountains were top notch. There is a third spring, as well, but it’s very small and muddy, probably not suitable for soaking.
My only issue was that some of the campers in the campground were rather disrespectful and loud. In the spot next to ours, someone left their dog tied up alone all day, so it was crying and howling into the evening.
Overall, it was a beautiful trip with great hiking and wildlife in the area.
Thanks for the update, Nicole! Sorry to hear about the unruly campers, that is unfortunate. Glad you were able to enjoy the high desert regardless!
FYI, over the course of the last few months I’ve received a total of 3 trip reports that state Hart now has red spider mites š It has been added to ‘the list’.
My best guess as to why is that hot springers are inadvertently transporting the mites from nearby hot springs in NV.
Here’s the list: http://www.idahohotsprings.com/education/hot-springs-red-spider-mites.htm
One of my favorite spots to camp, bow hunt, rock hound, and have a nice private hot soak. Lots of cool Jasper, Petrified wood, and Fire Opal on the western parts of the mountain. Found a 14 lb. Opal. The bath is in great demand during summer, fall, take turns, or use at off hours. Steps are slippery. Totally enclosed, with benches
When is the earliest month to visit Oregon hot springs? I’ll be driving north on Hwy 1 from California. Thanks.
Hi Rose, I believe you can get in anytime as long as the roads are clear.
Did anyone visit this summer (2013)? How busy is it typically, especially when antelope are in higher density?
Are the red spider mites still a problem? Are they actually inside the springs or nearby? Just a few questions from a beginning hot springer (US at least).
I have yet to visit the High Desert and the one of the most intriguing places of SE Oregon to me is the Hart Mountain area, namely for wildlife viewing at the antelope refuge. Knowing there’s a hot spring that close makes it even more attractive of a destination. Plus there’s a theory that the pronghorn are so fast because the long-since-extinct North American cheetah used to hunt it.
Spent the night here March 7, 2014. Warm day cold nights. Hot springs is like a warm bath. Walking distance from the camp grounds.
Read your comment regarding opal on Hart. Been looking for the area for a few years. Do you have any clues you would be willing to share?
During the limited entry hunts the place is crowded. I had a tag Sept 5 and showed up two days early. I got one of the last two sites in the hot spring camp ground. There was never a crowd in the hot spring. Avoid the hunt dates and you should be fine.
hey Opalfinder,
I am going to start scouting the western slopes of the mountain as well,
there was a precious opal field that was found there in the 1920’s
http://books.google.com/books?id=vGewAkLkmvIC&pg=PA100&lpg=PA100&dq=Hart+mountain+opal+field&source=bl&ots=Lb6xesr9om&sig=vld9PkWlO55bay8INz0Vi3jK9Yg&hl=en&sa=X&ei=R85lU9qiGcmCogSi-4DQAw&ved=0CCkQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Hart%20mountain%20opal%20field&f=false
Thanks for posting! How was the camping grounds? Is it free to camp there? Is there a fee for the hot spring?
There were no fees when we were there of any kind. Camping areas each have a fire ring with a cooking grate. Very beautiful area.