The definitive guide to 8+ geothermal springs in Oregon's high desert, from primitive playa-edge soaks to Oregon's Mini-Yellowstone. Complete access info, safety, and insider knowledge from locals living on the Alvord Desert.
Southeast Oregon sits on the northern edge of the Basin and Range Province, one of North America's most geothermally active regions. The same tectonic forces that created Steens Mountain (9,733 feet) and dropped the Alvord Desert (ancient lakebed) also bring superheated water from miles underground to the surface.
The result: many documented hot springs in the broader region, with temperatures ranging from warm soaking pools (95°F) to near-boiling geysers (206°F). This guide covers the 8 most notable springs, some you can soak in, some you can only observe, all worth experiencing.
About This Guide: Written by Alchemy Sky Homestead on 160 acres of the Alvord Desert. We live 5 minutes from Alvord Hot Springs, and have soaked at every spring in this guide. All data verified from BLM, USGS, Oregon Discovery, and on-the-ground experience.
Private commercial springs on playa's western edge
Two concrete soaking pools fed by natural geothermal springs at the base of Steens Mountain. Source water emerges at 170-180°F, Temperatures can be adjusted in the pools by a valve. Privately owned, open to public with fees.
From Burns: OR-78 SE 65 miles → East Steens Road south 40 miles
From Fields: Fields-Denio Road north 22-23 miles
From Alchemy Sky Homestead: 5 minutes north
GPS: 42.544°N, 118.533°W
Combining Alvord Desert exploration with hot springs soaking. Most accessible spring for visitors staying at Alvord Desert. Year-round access, maintained pools, stunning Steens Mountain backdrop.
Local Tip: If you're staying with us at Alchemy Sky, this is your closest spring (5 min). We produce their monthly newsletter about current conditions and seasonal considerations. Ask us about current status before you visit.
Southeast Oregon's largest developed hot springs resort
Massive natural hot springs pond: 9,728 square feet, ~5 feet deep center, holds 323,143 gallons. Maintained at perfect 101°F year-round. Fed by 5 geothermal wells, hottest at 165°F. Pure mineral water, untreated.
From Burns: US-20 E, then OR-78 E ~25 miles (59315 Hwy 78)
From Bend: 2.5 hours via US-20 E
From Alvord Desert: 1.5 hours north
Contact: 541-493-2312
Families, groups, anyone wanting developed amenities and guaranteed comfort. Only full-service resort in region. Great stopover between Bend and Alvord Desert.
"Oregon's Mini-Yellowstone" Viewing only, too hot for soaking
Spectacular geothermal site with 60+ vents, boiling mud pots, steam vents, colorful thermophilic bacteria, and Oregon's only natural mini-geyser (6-8 feet high during active periods). Vivid yellow-orange-green colors from bacteria and minerals. NOT for soaking, dangerously hot.
DANGER - DO NOT SOAK: Temperatures reach 206°F (boiling). Thin ground crust can break, exposing you to scalding water. Two deaths documented (1996 hypothermia, 2017 severe burns). BLM has fenced the area with warning signs. This is for viewing only.
From Burns: OR-78 SE 65 miles → East Steens Road south 30 miles → Mickey Springs access road left 6 miles
Road conditions: Gravel to dirt, 6-mile access road varies (dusty when dry, thick mud when wet)
GPS: ~42.68°N, 118.38°W
Photographers, geology enthusiasts, those wanting to see active geothermal phenomena. Worth the drive for the otherworldly landscape. Visit early morning or late afternoon for best light on colorful pools.
Remote primitive spring, perfect 102°F temperature
Single large pool divided by concrete wall into two sections. Waist-deep (~30 inches), sandy/gravel bottom, large boulders for sitting. Nearly perfect 102°F temperature year-round. Located on historic Whitehorse Ranch (63,222 deeded acres + 287,205 acres grazing rights).
From the Alvord Desert: Fields-Denio Rd south 28 miles → Whitehorse Ranch Lane ~23 miles → dirt road right 1.5 miles
From US-95: Whitehorse Ranch Lane west ~23 miles (between mileposts 20-23)
Road: Well-maintained gravel, then 2.5 miles dirt (impassable when wet)
WARNING: No signposts. Download offline maps. Zero cell service for 30+ miles.
Everything, water, food, fuel, first aid. Fields Station (34 miles) is nearest services. Satellite communicator recommended. Expect to see wildlife (coyotes, wild horses) using the spring when humans absent.
True solitude seekers. Perfect for multi-day desert camping trips. Often completely empty. Best visited April-October (avoid wet season).
Nevada border springs, variable temperature 108-131°F
Collection of natural springs flowing through ~1-mile channel creating multiple soaking spots. Source emerges at 131°F, cools downstream. Located on private Bog Hot Springs Ranch, open to public. Near Oregon-Nevada border with views of Pueblo Mountains.
Challenge: Temperature varies by season, weather, and distance from source. Summer: often 110°F+ (too hot). Spring/Fall: 105-115°F (better). Winter: Cooler but snow/mud access issues. Always test water before entering.
SAFETY WARNING: 2016 incident - couple found dead in springs (cause undetermined, high temperature suspected factor). Do not use source pool. Test all pools before entering. Exit immediately if feeling overheated.
From Fields, OR: OR-205 south to Nevada border → NV-292 east to Denio Junction → NV-140 east ~9 miles → Bog Hot Road right 3.5 miles
From Winnemucca, NV: 110 miles northwest via US-95 and NV-140
Road: Dirt final 3.5 miles, can be extremely muddy after rain
Experienced hot springers comfortable with variable conditions. Visit in shoulder seasons (April-May, Sept-Oct) for better temps. Not recommended as first desert spring experience.
National Antelope Refuge, two pools, spectacular wildlife
Main pool: Rock and concrete structure, 9×12 feet, 5 feet deep, 100-104°F. Water bubbles up from crack in bedrock floor. Created by rancher who blasted bedrock with dynamite.
Primitive pool: ~100 yards away, undeveloped, slightly warmer (102-104°F), unobstructed mountain views.
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, 270,000 acres of sagebrush steppe, cliffs, and canyons. Established 1936 to protect pronghorn antelope. Home to 300+ species: pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mule deer, golden eagles, sage grouse.
From Plush, OR: Lake County Road 3-12 (Hart Mountain Road) east 23 miles → Refuge HQ → Hot Springs Road 4.4 miles
Road: Mostly gravel, year-round maintained but closed seasonally during snow
2024 UPDATE: Warner Peak Fire burned 65,000 acres of refuge summer 2024. Parts of refuge including hot springs closed through June 15, 2025. Check refuge website for current status before visiting.
Combining hot springs with wildlife viewing and hiking. Best spring/fall for weather. Avoid hunting season weekends (heavy traffic). Remote but accessible, great for families with preparation.
Status: Soakable but challenging • Access: Private land, public use allowed • Location: 34 miles south of Burns
Very hot source (140-150°F) cools to 100-110°F in dug pools downstream. Second hottest geothermal resource in Harney Basin. Strong sulfur smell. Muddy, primitive conditions. Road can be impassable when wet (8.5 miles unimproved). Best visited mid-summer when dry. Not recommended for first-time visitors, for experienced desert travelers only.
Status: View only, protected • Access: Nature Conservancy reserve • Location: 4 miles east of Fields
10-acre geothermal lake (~100°F) with extremely high borate concentration. Home to endangered Borax Lake chub (Gila boraxobius), found nowhere else on Earth. Historical borax mining site (1897+). Protected biological reserve. Not suitable for soaking. Interesting to view from distance as part of regional geothermal tour.
We are on 160 acres of the Alvord Desert playa, 15 minutes from Alvord Hot Springs and within 90 minutes of 6+ springs in this guide. Modern off-grid cabins, real-time weather and spring-condition updates, and hosts who actually live here year-round.
Last updated: January 2026
Written by: Jesse & Kristin at Alchemy Sky Homestead, Alvord Desert, Oregon.
Sources: BLM Burns District, Oregon Discovery, USGS geothermal surveys, Hot Springs Locator, Soak Oregon, field verification, and 10+ years of cumulative on-the-ground experience. All temperatures, distances, and access information verified from authoritative sources or direct observation.
© 2026 Alchemy Sky Homestead. Share freely with attribution.