Umpqua Hot Springs in Oregon is a magical natural hot spring that is not just soak-able, but one of the best hot springs in Oregon!
In fact, Umpqua Hot Springs is one of our all-time favorite Oregon hot springs (and we can’t stop coming back).
Over the years, we have visited Umpqua Hot Springs many times, and we are excited to share our knowledge with you!
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to feel prepared, including our local tips to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit.
Pack your towel and let’s soak in the allure of Umpqua Hot Springs in Oregon!
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Umpqua Hot Springs Overview
Umpqua Hot Springs is a truly iconic Oregon hot spring located deep within the enchanting Umpqua National Forest.
Soakers can enjoy heavenly hot spring water flowing through a series of naturally tiered pools situated on a rocky hillside and surrounded by lush conifer forests.
While taking in the view from the springs, you can hear the muted rushing of the beautiful North Umpqua River over 100 feet below.
Combine this picturesque setting with year-round soak-worthy water temperatures (variable across pools), and you can see why Umpqua Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs in Oregon.
As amazing as Umpqua Hot Springs are, they get incredible crowded. In our opinion, going during less popular times is critical to a worthwhile soaking experience.
In this article, we’ll help you avoid crowds and ensure a secluded soak. Who knows, you may even get the springs all to yourself!
Would you rather watch a video? Check out our video guide below.
First Thing’s First: Leave no Trace
We are truly so lucky to have this gem in Oregon. Please be respectful of this special place and do not leave trash and never bring glass! We can all do our part to keep this amazing place open.
Umpqua Hot Springs Map
Use the interactive map below to get your bearing of the area. You can expand the map to view it in a new window.
Heads up: We highly recommend you get this PNW hot spring guidebook. It is our favorite PNW hot spring resource, and we always have it with us when exploring!
How to Get to Umpqua Hot Springs
Umpqua Hot Springs are located in the serene Umpqua National Forest and accessible via Highway 138. The table below shows typical drive times to Umpqua Hot Springs from major cities in Oregon.
| Starting Point | Drive Time to Umpqua Hot Springs | Distance to Umpqua Hot Springs |
| Bend | 2 hrs 15 min | 120 miles |
| Portland | 4 hrs | 230 miles |
| Corvallis | 3 hrs 20 min | 170 miles |
| Eugene | 2 hrs 30 min | 130 miles |
From Highway 138, turn onto National Forest Road 34 (also called Toketee Rigdon Rd.) which is paved and easily seen from the highway.
Continue straight past the Toketee Falls Trailhead on the left and Toketee Lake on the right. A short way past a hydroelectric facility, turn right at a fork in the road. After a few bends you will see a gravel parking lot (which typically has lots of potholes).
Local tip: You’re GPS should work just fine navigating you to the springs, but we also recommend carrying this Oregon Road Atlas when in remote areas.
Accessing Umpqua Hot Springs in Summer
During warmer months, you can continue 2 miles or so on a NF-3401 until you reach the official Umpqua Hot Springs Trailhead, which is only a short walk from the springs.
There is a small gravel lot with a pit toilet. Limited trash collection capacity means you should plan on packing out everything.
After you park, simply cross the colorful bridge and hike up a fairly steep hill until you smell the sulfur! Officially this is the 0.3-mile Umpqua Hot Springs Trail.
Head’s up: There is a day use fee of 5 dollars to park at the summer trailhead (an annual Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Annual America the Beautiful Pass also works).
Accessing Umpqua Hot Springs in the Winter
In the winter the gravel road is closed, and you must hike in over 2 miles to the springs, which equates to about an hour hiking (one way).
You can hike along the road (the most direct and flat route), but you can also use the North Umpqua River Trail, which is beautiful but may have a blowdown and is a bit longer.
Keep an eye on the road conditions and snow levels in the winter. The springs are at about 2,600 feet and do get snow most winters.
That said, it all depends on the year and what time you go. Consider snowshoeing or cross-country skiing if there is deep snow!
When to Visit Umpqua Hot Springs
Although the hot springs are open year-round, there are some things to consider when timing your visit.
What Time of the Year to Visit
In our years of soaking, we’ve learned the best hot spring soaks are secluded and in cold air temperatures.
Therefore, we strongly prefer visiting Umpqua Hot Springs in the winter, when the road is closed. The 2-mile hike limits crowds and allows for a more secluded soak.
Also, winter air temperatures are often below 50 degrees F. In our opinion, air temperatures over 50 degrees F are simply not as pleasant for soaking.
| Time of Year | Road Closed? | Pros | Cons |
| Late spring, summer, fall | No | Short hike in. Easier access. | Higher crowds. Warm air temperatures. |
| Winter, early spring | Yes | Less crowds. Cold air temperatures. | 2-mile hike (one-way). Hazardous travel conditions. |
That said, visiting during warmer months can be worthwhile especially if you want a short hike in. Just keep in mind you’ll likely have to share the pools.
Also keep in mind road conditions can be hazardous during winter, which many vehicles and tires are not suitable for.
What Time of the Week and Day to Visit
Unsurprisingly, weekdays are less crowded than weekends. That said, we have experienced some relative seclusion during winter weekends.
While technically only open for day use, we have never seen this rule enforced, and we have certainly enjoyed a nighttime soak.
Typically, very late nights and early mornings are the best times to visit to avoid crowds and give you the best chance to get this super popular hot spring to yourself.
We usually visit Umpqua Hot Springs during a winter weekend and take work off on Friday or Monday. We like to camp and soak multiple times!
Last year, we took a Monday off of work and soaked at around 11am. There was only one other group there. At around 2pm some other people arrived just as we were leaving.
Camping near Umpqua Hot Springs
You can camp at Toketee Lake Campground, which is open year-round and just short drive from both Highway 138 and the hot springs trailhead.
There are spacious and private campsites, pit toilets, and almost nobody there during winter months. In addition, there are some awesome riverside sites right by the North Umpqua River.
We can’t recommend enough taking advantage of Toketee Lake Campground near Umpqua Hot Springs! Another option is Whitehorse Falls Campground, a few miles east on Highway 138.
Other Tips for Visting Umpqua Hot Springs
After many years of visiting natural hot springs in Oregon and beyond, we’ve gathered these tips that apply to both Umpqua Hot Springs and any natural hot springs.
Leave No Trace: Don’t be those people that leave trash at one of the most special places in Oregon. Do your part to preserve this place for the rest of us. Never bring glass! We always bring a trash bag to help pick up trash others (shame on them) have left behind.
Bring plenty of water: The hot temperature of the soaking pools will dehydrate you quicker than usual (especially if you are sipping on that tasty beverage) so do yourself a favor and bring plenty of water.
Bring a towel: You’ll want to dry off after your soak.
Wear appropriate clothes: If you are visiting during colder temperatures (which are better for soaking) bring enough layers to keep you warm outside of the hot springs.
Bring a trash bag to keep your stuff dry: We recommend putting your backpack and clothes inside of a trash bag while you’re soaking. The steam from the springs will dampen anything nearby and the ground is always wet as a result. This is the best way we’ve found to keep our stuff dry while we soak.
Adventures Near Umpqua Hot Springs
Don’t pass up the chance to see Toketee Falls, an impressive cascade of water at the end of a short hike. The Toketee Falls Trailhead is just a few minutes away from Umpqua Hot Springs.
In addition, consider checking out some of the other waterfalls along Highway 138 including Watson Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Slide Creek Falls, White Horse Falls, and Clearwater Falls.
There are also tons of beautiful hiking trails, including the North Umpqua River Trail, which extends upstream of the Umpqua Hot Springs area for many miles.
Umpqua Hot Springs FAQ
Is there a bathroom at Umpqua Hot Springs?
Yes. There is a pit toilet, but it is at the trailhead, about a quarter mile from the springs themselves. Bring some of your own TP in case there is none there.
Should you expect to see nudity at Umpqua Hot Springs?
Yes. Many people (ourselves included) are usually naked at any of the natural hot springs we visit, unless it is very crowded, there are kids around, or the vibe isn’t right. Consider going naked yourself and embracing the freedom! We’re all human.
Do people party, drink, and use drugs at Umpqua Hot Springs?
Certainly. Rowdy groups are definitely a vibe killer to an aspiring peaceful soak. However, if you go during the morning, you are less likely to encounter these sorts of folks. Expect a rowdier crowd on Friday and Saturday nights.
Is Umpqua Hot Springs open in the winter?
Yes. Umpqua Hot Springs are open year-round. However, the last two miles of gravel road are closed in the winter, meaning you’ll have to hike a total of 2 miles each way to the hot springs. Of course, you should also prepare for winter road conditions and potential snow.
How deep are Umpqua Hot Springs?
Each soaking pool is unique, and some are deeper than others. Most spots in the soakable pools are 2-4 feet deep and ideal for soaking.
Is Umpqua Hot Springs worth it?
In your honest opinion: it depends on when you go. However, it really depends on what time you go. There are times when the pools are so crowded you cannot even soak. However, other times you have the place to yourself (rare) and it is magical.
How much does it cost to go to Umpqua Hot Springs?
There is a day use fee of $5 to park at the trailhead but an annual Northwest Forest Pass or other qualifying pass also works.
Are dogs allowed in Umpqua Hot Springs?
Dogs are allowed but please keep them on a leash and pick up after them. Umpqua Hot Springs is a heavily trafficked area and it takes each of us to do their part to keep it clean.
Are Umpqua Hot Springs man made?
Sort of. Umpqua Hot Springs are natural. That said, people have altered the soaking pools over the years to make them better for soaking.
Conclusion
Umpqua Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs in Oregon. As a result, these magical Oregon hot springs are totally worth a visit if you do it right!
Unfortunately, visiting during crowded times can be a bummer. That is why we recommend going during the winter and on a weekday if possible.
If you visit Umpqua Hot Springs, do your part to preserve this truly special place for future visitors. Let’s all pick up not only our trash, but others as well to help keep it that way.
We hope you found this article helpful in planning your visit to Umpqua Hot Springs. You might be interested in our other articles about Central Oregon.
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