Umpqua Hot Springs

Multiple hot springs are perched underneath a forested canopy overlooking the North Umpqua River in Southern Oregon. These hot springs, the Umpqua Hot Springs, are understandably among the most popular in the state. A handful of geothermal hot pools sit on a cliffside travertine terrace above the roaring river. Appropriately, “Umpqua” is a local Native word for “dancing water.”

Picture: Chain of Umpqua Hot Pools

Umpqua Hot Springs AKA Toketee Hot Springs in Oregon

You can drive to Umpqua Hot Springs in the Umpqua National Forest, though you’ll need to arrive early in the day in a car that can handle a few rough dirt road miles. A day pass is $5, and there’s a steep 0.4-mile (0.6-kilometer) hike to the hot springs. There are multiple cascading pools, including one with a wooden shelter. These hot springs are some of the warmest in the state, going up to 115°F (46.1°C) degrees. The hot water cascades down the hillside where the hottest pool is at the top.

The hot springs are only open during daylight hours. They are heavily frequented, so if you’re visiting during the summer peak season, arrive as early as possible, ideally on a weekday morning.

Seasonal Access Information

Umpqua National Forest is a typical Oregonian region known for its snowy winters, wet springs, and sunny summers. The most optimal time to visit Umpqua Hot Springs is between April and October when temperatures are mild, and wildflowers bloom. Ideally, visit between May and September, though you may experience some triple-digit days in the late summer due to warming temperatures in the last few years.

From November through April Forest Service Road 3401 is typically closed due to bad weather and poor road conditions. This does not mean that Umpqua Hot Springs is closed, it does however mean that you will need to hike, snowshoe or ski an additional 2.5 miles to reach the hot pools from where Forest Road 3401 is gated, which is located just past the junction of Forest Road 34 and 3401. Please be well prepared if you consider taking this route as winter conditions can escalate out of nowhere.

There are two main environmental hazards to your visit: wildfires, typically between June and October, and rain in the spring months. Check for any fire incidents on Inciweb, as the air quality may be dangerous. Additionally, because this trail is steep, there is a chance of slippery mud or even landslides after rain.

Remember that the roads may be closed due to winter conditions or wildfire risk. Always review the federal U.S. Forest Service website and check Oregon road conditions and reports for any closures. Learn about what you should keep in your vehicle and your backpack as well as how to soak safely with our guide to hot springing.

Picture: Covered Hot Pool

Driving Directions to Umpqua Hot Springs Trailhead

Umpqua Hot Springs is so remote that you’ll need to drive at least 100 miles from any large Oregonian city to see it (at least 235 miles one way from Portland). These hot springs are an excellent weekend visit, not a day trip. However, they are located within a couple of hours of Crater Lake National Park, which means that you can make a weekend out of visiting both the hot springs and Oregon’s only National Park. Otherwise, if you must see the hot springs on a day trip, Medford and Bend are your two best base cities.

If you’re visiting Crater Lake National Park, you’ll take Oregon Routes 62 West, 230 North, and 138 West before turning on National Forest Route 34, Toketee-Rigdon Rd, for just over four miles before arriving at the hot springs trailhead. The last few miles are on a rough road, so we recommend a high-clearance vehicle.

If you’re traveling from Medford, you’ll take Oregon Routes 62 East, 230 North, and 138 West. From there, drive on National Forest Route 34, Toketee-Rigdon Rd, for just over four miles before arriving at the hot springs trailhead.

If you’re traveling from Bend, you’ll take U.S. Route 97 South before turning onto Oregon Route 138 West. Then, you guessed it, take National Forest Route 34 for just over four miles before arriving at the trailhead.

View Oregon Hot Springs Map

Google Maps Directions

• To Umpqua Hot Springs from Crater Lake National Park, Oregon (1.5 hours and 75 miles)
• To Umpqua Hot Springs from Medford, Oregon (2 hours and 109 miles)
• To Umpqua Hot Springs from Bend, Oregon (over 2 hours and 121 miles)

Hiking to Umpqua Hot Springs

Stop at the small parking lot on Basket Butte Road, pay the $5 entrance fee (if you don’t have a recreation pass), and then walk across the narrow footbridge to the trail. Keep to the right and climb up a steep trail for 0.2 miles, after which you’ll come to a fork. At the fork, take another right and hike up another steep, narrow path for about 0.2 miles. Keep going uphill until you reach a covered shelter covering the top hot springs pool. In total, you’ll walk for approximately 15 minutes before you reach the hot springs. See the trail map on the U.S. Forest Service website.

Nearby Accommodations

Camping is not permitted at Umpqua Hot Springs, but you can stay at the nearest campground, Toketee Lake Campground, which is only 3 miles, or an 8-minute drive, from the trailhead for Umpqua Hot Springs. Toketee Lake is open year-round, features 32 sites, is reservations-only (min 2 days in advance), and costs $10 per night. If you’re visiting the hot springs between May and October, you can also stay at East Lemolo Campground, which features 15 primitive reservations-only sites for $10 per night. East Lemolo is 4.6 miles, or 13 minutes, away from the trailhead.

For those who prefer a cabin, tiny home, glamping tent, or RV spot, Umpqua’s Last Resort is only 16 miles away from the hot springs. Nightly rates range from $35 to $199, depending on how fancy you’ll want to be. You can also stay 10 miles away at Lemolo Lake Resort, which offers similar tent, RV, and cabin sites.

Amenities

The closest amenities to Umpqua Hot Springs are in one location: Dry Creek Store (160 Happy Creek Ln, Idleyld Park, OR 97447). This general store and gas station is next to Umpqua’s Last Resort if you’re staying the night, and all of them are a 25-minute drive from the hot springs trailhead. For restaurants, Lemolo Lake Resorts offers weekend casual dining.

Nudity and Hot Springs

As at most hot springs, nudity is common. Umpqua Hot Springs is no exception as it’s a popular site that attracts naturists. If you are uncomfortable seeing naked bodies, you may wish to skip this visit.

Does Crater Lake have hot springs?

Umpqua Hot Springs are remotely located, about 75 miles from Crater Lake National Park. If you’re visiting Southern Oregon or Crater Lake, this is your opportunity to visit nearby Umpqua Hot Springs. And if you’re Portland-based, take a long weekend to relax in the hot springs, go fishing nearby and explore the area’s many waterfalls and rivers.

Umpqua Hot Springs Soak Stats:

Season: All (access road closed during winter = 2-mile snowbound hike-in) – check Oregon road conditions
Type: Roadside/Hike
GPS: 43.2933174, -122.3649609
Map Quad: Toketee Falls 15 or Potter Mountain USGS 7.5 Minute or Umpqua National Forest Map
Elevation: 2,640 ft
Land: Public – Umpqua National Forest
Parking fee: $5 per day pass, or one of these recreation passes
Restrictions: No camping at springs, only allowed in designated areas
Usage: High
Visibility: Moderate
Temperature: Between 100°F (37.8°C) and 115°F (46.1°C)
Water Clarity: Murky
Odor: n/a
pH: n/a
Area Features: North Umpqua River, Soda Springs Reservoir Dam, Toketee Falls, Surprise Falls, Diamond Lake, Crater Lake National Park
Nearby Hot Springs: McCredie Hot Springs (72-105 miles, depending on your route)
Closest Food/Gas: Idleyld Park, OR (16 miles)
Trash: Heavy
Bugs: Moderate
Wildlife: Moderate
Camping: No on-site camping, camp at Toketee Lake Campground, East Lemolo Campground and other nearby national forest campgrounds
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Clothing Optional: Yes
Pit Toilet: Yes, near the trailhead
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