McCredie Hot Springs features high-volume flow and exceptionally hot temperatures at the source, creating a series of riverside pools that range from lukewarm to scalding.
Located 50 miles southeast of Eugene and within the lush Willamette National Forest, the natural hot springs provides a beautiful forest backdrop just a short distance from Highway 58. Whether you are looking for a quick roadside dip or a more secluded soak across the creek, McCredie delivers a versatile geothermal experience that captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
McCredie Hot Springs Essential Visit Info
- Status: Open
- Type: Public (Natural)
- Access: Roadside
- Location: 10 miles east of Oakridge, OR
- Elevation: 2,000 ft
- Season: Year-round
- Runoff Risk: High (May – June). Pools are often submerged when Salt Creek rises.
- Water Temp: 98°F – 114°F (Source is nearly 130°F)
- Fees/Permits: Northwest Forest Pass or Day-use fee ($5)
- Land Manager: Willamette National Forest (Middle Fork Ranger District)
Current Soaking Conditions
Pictures: The pools on the day-use side of the river usually aren’t that great – visit the pools on the other side of the river for a better soak.
McCredie offers a rugged, social and “natural” vibe where the sound of rushing creek water mixes with the steam of geothermal vents. The site has a long history as a popular local gathering spot, known for its easy access and clothing-optional culture.
From 1914 to 1958, McCredie was the former site of a resort, baseball team and bordello. The hot pools at McCredie lie along the north and south banks of Salt Creek (a Willamette River tributary).
Hot Pool Details
- Quantity: 2 to 4 distinct pools, depending on the season and river levels.
- Substrate: River silt, sand and smooth gravel.
- Pool Features: Shallow pools (1-2 feet deep) with varying temperatures controlled by moving rocks to let in cool creek water.
- Environment: Dense Douglas fir and hemlock forest with direct exposure to the sun and river spray.
- Visibility: Moderate
- Water Clarity: Murky
- Trash: Moderate
- Bugs: Moderate-High (seasonally)
- Wildlife: Moderate
- Pit Toilet: Yes (in the official parking area)
- Pro Tip: For a quieter experience, cross the creek to the “South Side” pools, which are generally less crowded than the ones immediately next to the parking area.
Seasonal & Access Restrictions
- Winter Access: The parking lot is usually plowed, but the path to the pools can be extremely icy and slippery.
- Spring Runoff: During peak snowmelt (late spring), the river typically floods the pools, making them too cold or dangerous to enter.
- Summer/Fall: High fire danger often leads to strict campfire bans in the surrounding forest.
Rules, Etiquette & Crowds
- Nudity Level: Traditionally clothing-optional; expect to see nude bathers at any time.
- Crowd Factor: Very high on weekends and holidays due to highway proximity. Visit on weekday mornings for peace.
- Regulations: No glass containers, no overnight camping at the springs and dogs must be on a leash.
- Conservation: Please practice Leave No Trace; McCredie has suffered from litter in the past, and keeping it clean is vital for continued access.
The Journey: Getting There
McCredie Hot Springs Map – View Statewide Oregon Hot Springs Map
McCredie Hot Springs Directions: The Drive
- From Oakridge, travel east on Highway 58 for approximately 10 miles.
- Look for the blue “Hot Springs” sign between mileposts 45 and 46.
- Turn right into the large paved parking area.
- The road is a well-maintained, two-lane paved highway.
Camping & Local Amenities
- Nearby Camping: Blue Pool Campground (1 mile west) or Packard Creek Campground.
- Food & Fuel: Oakridge is 10 miles west and offers full services, including breweries, groceries and gas.
- Cell Service: Generally reliable for most carriers at the parking lot.
Technical Maps & Resources
- USGS Quad: McCredie Springs
- Contact: Middle Fork Ranger District – (541) 782-2283
- GPS: 43.708 122.288
McCredie Hot Springs Video
McCredie Hot Springs FAQ
What should I bring?
Bring water shoes (the rocks are slippery) and a towel.
Is it family-friendly?
Because of the clothing-optional nature, some families may prefer commercial resorts, but children are allowed.
Is the water clean?
These are natural pools with high turnover, but they can be silty; always rinse off after soaking.
Please make sure to pack out what you pack in, including any other trash you might find in order to keep this precious natural resource free and safe for generations to come.
Had our car broken in here. Look out!!!!
No good! I’ve heard of this happening here many times!
Go to across the bridge up river and cross over to the other side. Find first trail to your right and hike into the two warmer pools. Less creepy people.
Went to “the other side” last Monday (as Chris said) and it was great. We had it to ourselves while there were several people at the main side, which was way too hot. Watched some guy toss boulders for probably 45 minutes trying to improve the flow…before he finally left. Kinda funny.
is mc credie still day use only i rember when they wernt clear winter nights were awsome there patti
MCCREDIE HOT SPRINGS UPDATE – AUGUST 2012!!!
McCredie springs will no longer be a free hot spring after this fall. The Forest Service has been adding various ‘improvements’ such as pit toilets in the parking lot in anticipation of turning it all into a fee area sometime this fall according to a Forest Service notice posted on the board at the trailhead. The notice has stated that there will be a day use fee of $6.00 per person. I’m guessing it’ll be modeled on a similar fee structure as the nearby Cougar Hot Springs, 60 miles over the hills, so no more free soaks. On the plus side, there will probably be a lot less car break-ins as there will likely be a manned booth in the parking lot.
I stopped here, just over a year ago, I do not remember if we paid, we normally don’t, it was trashed with garbage, dirty pads, crap floating in the pools, it was snowing, the river was high, buts THIER was a stinky strong, strong sulfur smell to them and THIER was an orange/brown algae in the water mixed with dirt and pine needles floating all over. We picked up all the trash and layer in them, they were not deep enough to cover our body’s and the part that was in the water was so frying hot we could not stand it and the part that was out was shivering cold with the snow. It was a beautiful scenery. Just pick up more than you bring with you so we can all have places to go in the future.
The hot springs at McCredie are free, and have been even after the improvements. I go there quite often, and the improvements are much appreciated.
Today, Christmas Day 2014, I went there but found the river flow had overwhelmed the springs. No waste time to visit. Interesting thing is the springs on the other side of the river is accessible. I think those persons soaking there must see Chris’s comment. But it’s a kind of long trail to go there after crossing the bridge.
Went here yesterday, May 19, 2015. The side between mile marker 45 and 46 is washed out. If you continue down past marker 46 take a right turn onto a dirt road, stay right at the fork and park about a 1/4 mile down. There is a sign on a tree that says McCredie day use and a hiking path. Stay on the path towards the river and you will come out after 10 mins or so by 2 pools that are deep enough to soak. Clothing optional. The closer one to the trail is a little hot, but the second pool is perfect. Happy soaking!
Went here on July 28th 2015. Had a nice time and got what I wanted. It’s a little hard to figure out where the springs are because the signage doesn’t even indicate the presence of springs. But, if you park at “McCredie Day Site” (follow sign on 58) and take the path to the creek and then wade across the creek, you’ll reach the pools. It’s definitely a natural setting, and the pools are a little muddy, but it’s worth it for the geothermal experience. Maybe there’s another way across the creek besides wading but it’s not too bad if you’re careful. There are some tiny pools before crossing the river, which are more of a cool sight to see than something to soak in. There was no fee.
Took a soak August 11th 2015 3pm, met a very friendly person from the coast (GMC sub/Tundra), and learned about other springs, Umpqua (Toketee), and good camping at Waldo up the road. The friendly spirit has made me reflect on being more friendly to everyone, just because. I hope this person sees this post, and makes a reply. Be nice to one another, its contagious!
The dam between the ponds is to tumble the water keeping it warm top to bottom . when you brake it out like is in the photo the hot water stays on top running out the overflow and the bottom can get real cold …. most of you jerks are not native to oregon or the willamette pass and do more damage than good when you disrupt what we do at these springs ….. be nice if you’d go home and clean up the trash pie you left behind to come here to trash our home & forests …….
Anyone been here lately?
Just went today, there is only one pool on the north side that hasn’t been run over by the river, and there is one pool with algae on the south side apparently, but it was plenty hot enough to relax.