Hot springs near Bend offer an adventurous, relaxing, and memorable experience. Let’s face it, soaking in a hot spring is one of the coolest things and in our opinion, a highlight of our relationship with the outdoors.
Fortunately, there are some incredible Central Oregon hot springs, and a handful of hot springs near Bend within a reasonable drive, perfect for a weekend trip.
We love these hot springs near Bend (we try to get out and soak as often as we can) and we are excited to share our knowledge of nearby Bend hot springs with you.
So pack your towel and spirit for adventure and let’s explore the best hot springs near Bend!
Hot Springs Near Bend Oregon Overview
In this article, we’ll cover 8 of the closest and most magical hot springs near Bend. These nearby Bend hot springs are within a day trip driving distance, ranging from 39 miles to 170 miles from Bend. There are not hot springs in Bend itself.
Of course, we think hot springs are better done as part of an overnight camping trip, especially if you want to get a sunset, night-time, or sunrise soak (highly recommended!).
There are a handful of excellent commercial and natural hot springs in Oregon, curated by the same geothermal activity that generated the Cascade Mountain range.
Safety precautions: It is important to keep in mind that natural hot springs can be dangerous. In fact, they can burn you if the water temperature is not consistent. That said, most of the well-known ones are pretty safe. Just be extra safe if you go looking for them off the beaten path.
Hot Springs Near Bend Oregon Map
Use this interactive map to discover the locations of the nearby Bend hot springs mentioned in this article. You can also expand the map into a full window.
Hot Springs Bend Oregon: Nearby Options
Lets jump into each hot spring near Bend. We’ll cover the details you need to know to put these Oregon hot springs on your radar.
We recommend you do additional research as well before heading out! In the future, we plan to write a unique article for each of these hot springs.
Paulina Lake Hot Springs
Distance from Bend: 39 miles
Type: Natural and undeveloped
Cost: Free
Paulina Lake Hot Springs are a series of small pools along the Northwest edge of Paulina Lake, located within the beautiful Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Park at Little Crater Day Use Site and hike the 2 miles (one way) to the hot springs.
The pools are usually at a great temperature for soaking, and especially nice on a cold spring or fall day. The cold lake water is just a few steps away which makes for a perfect cold plunge
These springs have a gravel bottom and it is often helpful to bring a shovel to dig them out a bit, as they tend to be on the shallower side.
Be aware: in the winter the road to Paulina Lake is closed at Ten Mile Sno Park. However, you can still access the springs in the winter by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking about 3 miles each way.
Overall, Paulina Lake Hot Springs certainly isn’t the most comfortable or impressive natural hot spring we have ever been to. That said, it is the closest hot spring to Bend Oregon, and we love it all the same.
Local Tip: Spend a night at Little Crater Campground and make the hike out to Paulina Lake Hot Springs for a sunset or sunrise soak. Vibes! Also, learn more about Paulina Lake in our full article about the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Crane Hot Springs Oregon
Distance from Bend: 160 miles
Type: Commercial and developed
Cost: Paid
Crane Hot Springs is a commercial hot spring located in Burns Oregon, about 2.5 hours east of Bend. The remote Eastern Oregon desert landscapes are an impressive and humbling site to see.
While we typically prefer natural hot springs (you can’t beat an undeveloped pool), commercialized hot springs do have a lot to offer.
In fact, Crane Hot Springs offers various types of accommodation, including suites, cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. Their hot springs are accessible for all guests and also open to day use.
Regarding the soak, you can enjoy a private cedar bathhouse or the open air public pond. There is plenty of room to spread out, as the pond is over 9,000 square feet!
Add this Eastern Oregon hot springs resort to your list! Make sure you check out their website and contact them if you have any questions.
Umpqua Hot Springs Oregon
Distance from Bend: 120 miles
Type: Natural and undeveloped
Cost: Free
Umpqua Hot Springs Oregon is a truly magical set of pools cascading down a rocky hillside above the North Umpqua River. The trailhead is just off of highway 138 and is about a 2-hour drive from Bend.
There are several individual pools with ranging temperatures, but all are suitable for soaking. In fact, the cascading nature of these pools are quite picturesque, and the scenery of the river below and surrounding forest adds to the ambiance.
When the pools are not crowded, Umpqua Hot Springs are simply magical. However, this excellent natural hot spring has become popular in recent years and is now often crowded, sometimes with people of a rowdier nature than we prefer.
During summer, you can park quite close to the hot springs (albeit, this requires a bit of a drive on a dirt road). However, in the winter, you must park further away and hike in about 2 miles.
Local Tip: To beat the crowds, we recommend going in winter. If you want the springs to yourself, go early in the morning on a weekday. We like camping at the Toketee Lake Campground. Also, don’t miss some of the lovely waterfalls in this area.
McCredie Hot Springs Oregon
Distance from Bend: 87 miles
Type: Natural and undeveloped
Cost: Free
McCredie Hot Springs is located near Oakridge, about 87 miles from Bend along Highway 58. This hot spring has several soakable pools on both sides of Salt Creek.
Be aware: as is the case with many river-side hot springs, the pools can be too cold to soak when the water level is high in the spring. During most of the year, however, the temperature is quite pleasant.
As with many accessible hot springs, this one can get crowded. We recommend going during the week for the best chance at an experience approaching solitude.
Local Tip: Explore the town of Oakridge while you are nearby. The 3 Legged Crane Pub and Brewhouse is a great stop for lunch or dinner!
Cougar Hot Springs Oregon (aka Terwilliger Hot Springs Oregon)
Distance from Bend: 120 miles
Type: Natural, partially developed, actively managed
Cost: Paid
Cougar Hot Springs, also called Terwilliger Hot Springs, is an actively managed hot spring that requires a day use fee. In fact, the springs can only be accessed during the day.
When you arrive, you check in at the pay station. They get you signed in and assign you a 2 hour soaking window. You check out when you leave as they only allow a certain amount of people at a time.
It does cost $10 per person for 2 hours of soaking. However, this is better than the alternative of overcrowding and trash ruining such a special area.
Make sure you check out the official Forest Service webpage for more information.
Breitenbush Hot Springs Oregon
Distance from Bend: 90 miles
Type: Commercial and developed
Cost: Paid
Breitenbush Hot Springs is a commercial hot spring located 90 miles from Bend near Detroit Oregon. The vibes at Breitenbush are spectacular! The pools are well-maintained and clean.
Operations at Breitenbush date back to the 1970s. Today, it is the largest privately owned geothermal facility in the Pacific Northwest, with over 100 buildings heated by geothermal. There is a rich history of these hot springs that make visiting extra special.
There are three ways to experience the magic of Breitenbush Hot Springs
- Day use
- Personal retreats
- Workshops and special weekends
Day use passes provide full access to the springs and sauna from 9 am to 6 pm. You can also pay extra to enjoy their delicious vegetarian lunch buffer.
Personal retreats allow you to stay overnight at one of their variety of lodging types and grants 24 hours access to the springs and the sauna. Meals are included as well.
For a more immersive experience, sign up for one of the workshops or special events like quiet weekends and women-only weekends. You can also get a massage.
Unfortunately, a wildfire in 2020 destroyed almost everything on the land. Since then, they have started to rebuild, but the rebuilding process is ongoing. Support them by visiting!
Local Tip: Check out one of the fun hikes on the west side of Mt. Jefferson such as the Pamela Lake Trail.
Bagpy Hot Springs
Distance from Bend: 170 miles
Type: Natural but developed
Cost: Free
Bagpy Hot Springs is located 170 miles from Bend, but expect the drive to take closer to 3.5 hrs, as much of it on remote roads.
The hot springs are in a remote location on a tributary of the Clackamas River, way off of the nearest highway. That said, they have been improved and bathhouses with soaking tubs are in place rather than a natural pool.
The same fire that affected Breitenbush had taken its toll on Bagpy as well. It has been closed since 2020 and now the accessibility is questionable.
As of when this was written in December 2023, the Forest Service webpage says the springs are closed. However, the website of the new concessionaire Bagpy Preservation Inc. makes it seem like at least one bathhouse is operational.
This confusion is often the case with the ever changing accessibility levels of some hot springs. You can also check Google maps reviews to stay up to date with new information.
Belknap Hot Springs Oregon
Distance from Bend: 70 miles
Type: Commercial and developed
Cost: Paid
Belknap Hot Springs is a commercial Oregon resort hot springs with developed pools and accommodation. Stay in one of their lodge rooms, cabins, RV sites, or tent sites.
The soaking pool is an actual pool, which perhaps detracts from a more natural experience. On the up side, the water is quite clean and you get to stay right next to the river.
In addition to the hot springs, there are some nice gardens and trails on the property, which makes spring an excellent time to visit and see the vibrant plants.
Overall, Belknap Hot Springs in Oregon is a great choice for an experience at an Oregon hot springs resort.
FAQ
What are the closest hot springs to Bend Oregon?
The closest hot spring to Bend is Paulina Lake Hot Springs, which is about 40 miles from Bend.
Does Bend Oregon have hot springs?
There are no hot springs in Bend or within 30 miles of Bend, but there are hot springs within a reasonable drive for a day trip. That said, making it an overnight trip will extend your options.
What are the hot springs in Oregon with cabins?
Crane Hot Springs, Breitenbush Hot Springs, and Belknap Hot Springs all have a variety of accommodation options. These are all great options for an Oregon hot springs resort.
Other Hot Springs Resources
We highly recommend you check out this guide book for hot springs in the Pacific Northwest. We bought this book a year or two ago and it has come in handy when exploring some of these Oregon hot springs. You can also check out helpful websites like Soak Oregon.
Conclusion
We hope you found this guide to hot springs near Bend helpful! We hope you enjoy exploring these nearby Bend hot springs.
Feel free to check out our other articles about Central Oregon. We have lots of helpful content about hiking, lakes, skiing, and so many more fun activities to do in Bend and beyond.
