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An Oregon Sanctuary: Past and Present
Tucked away in serene Oregon wilderness, Kitson Bathhouse Hot Springs is a 159-acre property steeped in fascinating history. For over a century, this land has been a sanctuary, first as a renowned therapeutic resort and later as a beloved Boy Scout camp. Today, it stands as a testament to its dual legacy of natural wellness and outdoor adventure.
From “Medicine Water” to Geothermal Camp
Dating back to the late 1800s, Kitson Bathhouse was a bustling recreational destination celebrated for its “medicine water.” Visitors flocked to the large lodge and therapeutic baths, seeking the purported healing benefits of the mineral-rich waters. Though the historic bathhouse was decommissioned and no longer stands, the natural hot springs continue to flow freely through the property, offering a powerful and authentic geothermal feature. The consistent flow of these hot springs is a living testament to the land’s enduring power.
The property’s more recent history as a Boy Scout camp leaves behind a charming collection of open-air wooden cabins and rustic structures. These cabins are a tangible link to the site’s past as an outdoor sanctuary, preserving the spirit of adventure and connection with nature.
Is Kitson Hot Springs Open?
No, you cannot currently soak at Kitson Bathhouse Hot Springs. The property is owned by the Boy Scouts of America and access is restricted to their members. The remnants of the old bathhouse have been secured as a bat habitat, further limiting public access to the springs themselves.
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KITSON BATHHOUSE HOT SPRINGS
I am interested in Kitson Hot Springs. Is it still in operation or has it been tore down. I lived there in Oct of 1958 at the big lodge. I would like to go see it again if I can. Can you give me any information on its being? I was a wonderful place back then. I have forgot how to get to it since they have the dam completed. Please give me driving instruction on how I may see it. Thank you Vonda Zysett
Comments: Kitson Hot Springs were donated to the Boy Scouts in 1977 and during 2000 the decrepit bathhouse structure on the 160 acre property was burnt down in a controlled fire as it was a safety concern. The foundation qucikly became a bat habitat as they were attracted to the cavernous, bunker like structure of the bathhouse.
The new version of the bathhouse attracts hundreds of bats and has been the focus of a clean up and restoration project by the Hood-Willamette Resource Advisory Committee.
The project put steel ‘shutters’ on doors and windows to help protect bats from predators and curious people. It also cleaned up harmful debris, improved riparian habitat and enabled some monitoring of the site.
As for other areas of the camp, it is setup for short term Scout and Webelos overnighters, and den and pack picnics. A program shelter, 11 Adirondack shelters and a latrine are available.
Kitson Hot Springs’ Concrete Bathhouse Structure, now home to many bats.
Hi Jenni,
I saw on the RAC info that the title II grant also went to volunteer caretakers. Do you know who these people are and how to contact them?
Thanks!
It is no longer there. Part of the bath house is still standing but everything is capped and it is on private land owned by the boy scouts.
Supposedly, they burnt down the old building with part of the forest, and then left a concrete structure there as a bat sanctuary.
So Sad.
I lived up in Kitson Springs when I was 10 yrs. old. A lot of wonderful memories, I’m sad to hear it isn’t there any longer.
So, in essence, this is now the “Kitson bat-house” Instead of it’s aforementioned “Kitson Bathhouse”
As mentioned, it has been completely sealed off for use and is now a bat habitat. Yes it is Boy Scout territory now, our troop is finishing up its own week long camp there. It is a great campsite and a favorite destination of our troop. We are constantly making improvements and are trying to get more attention to it amongst the Scouting community. I know the troop would love to hear old stories of the place.
Why is this even listed on this site, for anything other than historical information?
These natural springs should obviously be available to the public, duh. Instead, they are no longer available to anyone but some bats, and that’s just bat guano crazy.
This is an absolute travesty.
As much as I love bats, this isn’t even a natural habitat for them.
There are only so man natural hot springs in Oregon, and this one absolutely, 100% should be open to the public.
There would be great interest in building some pools along the river, and cafe taking them.
It’s beyond ridiculous to keep these springs sealed up like this.
Kitson is currently for sale!