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.
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.
Video of Umpqua Hot Springs in Oregon
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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Road to Umpqua Hot Springs in Oregon Temporarily Closed for Winter
Recent snow at Toketee, OR, and more snow forecasted, prompted Forest Service employees to close a gate to the road leading to the Umpqua Hot Springs. If the snow eases up, you can call the Toketee Ranger Station at 541-498-2531 to find out if the gate has been re-opened.
Visitors planning to soak in the Umpqua Hot Springs on the Umpqua National Forest, near Toketee, should plan to hike, snow shoe, or ski the last 2.5 miles. A temporary gate just past the junction of Forest Roads 34 and 3401 is installed to prevent vehicles from getting stuck in the snow on the way to the hot springs. Visitors are cautioned that as snow melts near the gate, often icy roads and snowy conditions exist further up the road to the hot springs.
Closing the gate will address public safety by limiting vehicle access to a plowed parking area at the junction of the two roads. This action comes at the request of the Douglas County Sheriff’s office and Toketee residents to gate the road during the winter months to reduce adverse impacts on the Sheriff’s office and search and rescue personnel. Douglas County responded to about 165 calls for service at the hot springs from 2003 to 2010, resulting in multiple search-and-rescue calls. “Last year was the first time we closed the gate during winter, and as a result, there were no search and rescue calls to the hot springs,” according to Aaron Grimes, Forest Recreation Staff.
Visitors are encouraged to be prepared for adverse weather and winter road conditions when heading out to enjoy the winter beauty of the hot springs. “There are no trash receptacles at the site, so, whatever you pack in please pack out, so that we can maintain the beauty of the site,” stated Grimes. Temperatures at Umpqua Hot Springs range from 92-102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Anyone who was at Hotsprings this week plz look me up on FBook and send me a message it’s urgent my FBook is Alicia Dawn
The one down at the river is the best.
Umpqua Hot Springs Closed Due to Health Concerns http://www.kdrv.com/news/Umpqua_Hot_Springs_Closed_Due_to_Health_Concerns_.html
Is anyone from the grants pass area going up to the umpua hot springs today?
I’m a 45, 5’9, 150,
Super casual, easygoing fun and outgoing gay gu
There are many Alicia Dawns on Facebook! Be more specific
Visited Umpqua Hot Springs today, which is, my first time ever to a natural hot springs. All I can is, I’m hooked! Since it was during the work week, it was not crowded in the least. When they state clothing is optional, they weren’t kidding. Although, I have to say, everyone was very respectful and I certainly didn’t feel awkward disrobing. I would highly recommend visiting this amazing geological wonder! Oh, and I walked away feeling awesome!
Yay Corrine! Stoked you had such an awesome experience. The hot springs need more people like you visiting them! ?
Heading that way with my kids hope there is not too many naked people lol
Going to try hit this spot tomorrow morning, shooting for a 7-7:30am arrival on a Tuesday just to maximize my odds of seeing it as close to natural/ empty as I can. Based on comments here and on GMaps it sounds like mornings mid week are pretty laid back up there. So far I’ve hit Lassen, Shasta-Trinity, Redwood Ntn’l, and Jedediah Smith all since Friday 🙂 30+ miles of hiking means my legs could probably use this one.
I’ve been to several of Idaho’s natural hot springs which are plentiful in the central/southern region of Idaho… from roadside tubs to 5+ mile back country hikes. Each and evry one magical and healing. I’m a hot springer for life! – Ready to head South and check Umpqua off my list in a couple of weeks, can’t wait!
I was there November 4 th 2016. It was really clean and nice. There were nice people. There are different pools. The one at the back is the hottest.
We visited 10-NOV-16 and the springs were absolutely gorgeous, very clean and very tidy. They are extremely well maintained. These are definitely my new favorite hotsprings!
The outhouses on the other hand were not. The one by the springs was filled with garbage looked disgusting. and the one in the parking lot was full to almost over flowing. They are both in desperate need of attention & maintenance.
This hot spring is the nastiest ever , don’t go not worth it also when it says don’t park on the road, DON’T DO IT, unless you want a 100 dollar parking ticket. Wen me and my bf went it was gross and this was just this summer, a week later there was a report about how people got sick from salmonella. I REPEAT DON’T GO!!!!
Temporary road closure – can still get to the hot springs but will need to hike an extra 1.5 miles in. Deets: https://soakoregon.com/site-news/umpqua-hot-springs-temporary-road-closure/