Rain or shine, it’s always a good time to visit natural hot springs in Oregon. While Portland is known for many things, most are unaware of the hot soaks located within a mere few hours of the city.
There are four hot springs located within a two-hour drive from Portland. The two closest hot springs are only an hour away, can be accessed via I-84 and are located on the other side of the Columbia River in Washington. The other two hot springs are situated southeast of Portland in the Cascades and require a two-hour drive to reach.
In addition to the four hot springs above, further south in the Cascades are three others approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Portland.
Hot Springs 1 Hour from Portland
Just inside Washington near the town of Carson, are the two hot springs nearest to Portland. One is a commercial resort and the other is a HIGHLY seasonal non-commercial soak.
Carson Hot Springs Resort – 51 Miles
View from one of the indoor hot pools at Carson
About an hour from Portland is a historic hot springs resort located in the town of the same name on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. Carson Hot Springs features an authentic bathhouse, multiple hot pools, spa facilities, cozy overnight accommodations (with hot springs fed baths) and on-site dining. Perfect for staying the night and for day-tripping.
Clothing Optional: No public/yes private
Season: All
Type: Commercial, Roadside
Rates: Check for latest
Closest Food/Gas: Carson
Wind River Hot Springs – 51 Miles
The two bedrock hot pools at Wind River
There’s nothing quite like a late-season hot soak in the bedrock pools of Wind River Hot Springs. Make no mistake, these pools are tough to reach. Not only is their accessibility limited to low water conditions (typically late July to mid September), but they are also surrounded by private property. While there are other ways to access the riverbank hot pools, the most preferred route is to park within the city of Carson and hike to and ford Wind River (during low water conditions). Avoid parking along Indian Cabin Road, as area landowners have been known to cause trouble.
Clothing Optional: Yes (with caution)
Season: Late Jul-Mid Sep (all other times river level is too dangerous for crossing/pools are submerged)
Type: Public, Hike/River Ford
Fees: None
Pit Toilet: No
Closest Food/Gas: Carson
Hot Springs 2 Hours from Portland
South of Portland in the Mt. Hood and Willamette National Forests you will find two hot springs more than worthy of soaking your troubles away. Although all of the below hot pools can be accessed year-round caution should be exercised during winter. It is always a good idea to check road conditions before departure.
Bagby Hot Springs – 67 Miles
Enjoying a hot soak at Bagby Hot Springs
Frequently referred to as a Portlander rite of passage, Babgy Hot Springs is Oregon’s most popular public hot springs. A 1.5-mile hike through a tranquil old-growth forest leads to a variety of hot pools and soaking options. Ease your tired muscles into a hollowed-out log filled with hot water in private or enjoy a soak with friends old and new in a whiskey barrel-style hot tub.
There’s an actual backpacker campground just a quarter mile past the hot springs if you are up for backpacking. That is if you don’t feel like camping at the trailhead. Bagby is rare in that it is available for a hot soak 24/7 while most public hot springs in Oregon are closed at night.
Clothing Optional: Yes
Season: All (forest service road not maintained during winter)
Type: Public, Hike
Fees: $5/person
Pit Toilet: Yes
Closest Food/Gas: Estacada
View Complete Bagby Hot Springs Listing
Breitenbush Hot Springs – 107 Miles
Enjoying a hot soak in one of the outdoor pools at Breitenbush
Breitenbush Hot Springs features abundant hot soaking pools, overnight accommodations, a vegetarian buffet and access to yoga and meditation programs. Add to that a 150-acre wildlife sanctuary, 20 miles of trails, campgrounds, dorms, a conference center and even a gift shop. All of these add up to the largest private geothermal facility in the Pacific Northwest.
From spiral tubs to meadow hot pools under the wide-open sky, Breitenbush maintains a variety of soaking options and temperatures. Interested in visiting this unique natural hot spring? You’ll need to make a reservation oftentimes well in advance.
Clothing Optional: Yes
Season: All (check road conditions during winter)
Type: Commercial, Roadside
Fees: $22-$38 per adult on a sliding scale
Pit Toilet: Yes
Closest Food/Gas: Detroit
View Complete Breitenbush Hot Springs Listing
Hot Springs 2-3 Hours from Portland
- Bigelow Hot Springs – 2.5 hours from Portland, Public, Single Pool, No fee, Close to Eugene
- Belknap Hot Springs Resort – 2.75 hours from Portland, Private, Overnight accommodations, Close to Eugene
- Cougar/Terwilliger Hot Springs – 3 hours from Portland, Public, Multiple Pools, Closed at night, Close to Eugene
