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 numerous times and we are excited to share our knowledge with you. In this article, we’ll cover everything (yes everything!) you could possibly need to know about visiting this special place.
By the end of this article, you’ll not only know how to get there, but you’ll also have the tips and tricks to do it right. That means avoiding crowds and ensuring an optimal soaking experience, regardless of what time of year you visit.
Without further delay, pack your towel and sense of adventure and let’s ease into the allure of Umpqua Hot Springs in Oregon!
Umpqua Hot Springs Overview
Umpqua Hot Springs is a truly magical natural Oregon hot spring, with several pools (4-5 with a good soaking temperature) cascading down a rocky hillside above a beautiful river and located within a lush forest.
In fact, the remote setting and ideal orientation of the soaking pools could not be more picturesque. Combined with the optimal water temperature, it’s easy to understand why Umpqua Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs in Oregon.
Leave no Trace – Respect this Space
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! In fact, we go the extra mile and bring a trash bag to pick up garbage left behind by others. There are trash bins at the trailhead.
Location
These hot springs area located in the enchanting Umpqua National Forest and are accessible via Highway 138. The table below shows the drive times to Umpqua Hot Springs from cities in Oregon.
| City | Travel Time |
| Bend | 2 hr 15 min |
| Portland | 4 hr |
| Eugene | 2 hr 30 min |
The map below shows the location of the hot springs.
Umpqua Hot Springs Map
Use the interactive map below to get your bearings. You can expand the map to view it in a new window.
How to Get to Umpqua Hot Springs
You can always use your GPS and we have found Google Maps to be reliable, but it doesn’t hurt to take the following written directions with you. You can always bookmark this page in your browser for reference.
- You’ll either drive east on Highway 138 from I5 or west from Highway 97. Either way, Highway 138 is usually in great shape. Remember, you can always check Trip Check to get up to date information on road closures.
- From Highway 138, turn onto forest road 34. This is actually a paved road that is easy to see from the highway. Continue left at the first intersection onto Toketee Rigdon Road. You will pass the Toketee Falls Trailhead on your left (which is worth a stop and more on that later).
- Continue north-east past Toketee Lake and a hydropower-dam facility until you reach an intersection where you turn right. Continue forward until you see the parking lot. At some point, the road will turn from paved to gravel.
In the summer, you can drive 2 miles or so on the gravel road until you reach the hot springs trailhead. There is a day use fee of 5 dollars to park at the trailhead (an annual Northwest Forest Pass also works).
The trail to the hot springs is about a quarter mile one way. Be aware there is a steep section, but nothing too imposing.
In the winter, the road is closed and you must hike in about 2.25 miles. You can hike along the road (the most direct route), but you can also use the North Umpqua River Trail, which is beautiful but may have a blowdown and is a bit longer. We talk more about visiting in the winter below.
Umpqua Hot Springs: Must Know Information
You can visit Umpqua Hot Springs year-round, however, there are challenges with visiting during certain times of the year (and the week). As one of the most popular hot springs in Oregon, the main drawback is the crowds.
In fact, on a crowded day, there may not be any room in the 4 or 5 soakable pools. We estimate each pool fits about 4 to 5 people comfortably. Therefore, the capacity across all pools is about 20-25 people.
If there is no room in the pools, you’ll have to wait your turn! This can be a bummer and it does happen, but primarily in the summer, when the pools are easier to access (a 0.25 mile hike instead of 2.25 in the winter).
Fortunately, there are ways to ensure you visit at a less crowded time, which means you will have your own pool and you may even have the entire place to yourself.
What is the Best Time to Visit Umpqua Hot Springs?
The best time to visit Umpqua Hot Springs is in the winter on a weekday. This is the best way to ensure there are minimal crowds.
Of course, even a winter weekend will have less crowds than a non-winter weekend because of the colder temperatures and road closure (which again results in an additional 2 miles of hiking).
That said, you can still visit in the summer on a weekday and have a good chance of lower crowds. There are usually less people early in the morning, though nights can be popular times to soak.
Our recommendation: go in the winter on a weekday. We just recently 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.
Is There a Bathroom at Umpqua Hot Springs?
Yes. There is a pit toilet (and trash cans) but it is at the trailhead, about a quarter mile from the springs themselves. We recommend you do your business before you go soaking. Also, bring some of your own TP in case there is none there.
Should you Expect to See Naked People at Umpqua Hot Springs?
Yes. We 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 corresponding freedom!
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. Again, there are less rowdy people in the winter.
Umpqua Hot Springs in the Winter
We only visit Umpqua Hot Springs in the winter for two reasons: there are less people and the temperatures are colder. Trust us: soaking in a hot spring when the air temperature is above 60 degrees F just isn’t the same as when it’s cold.
If you visit Umpqua Hot Springs in the winter, you’ll have to hike 2.25 miles in and the same distance out. Therefore, it will take about an hour of hiking both ways. While this is extra effort, it does keep the crowds down.
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!
Camping near Umpqua Hot Springs
You can camp at Toketee Lake Campground, which is a short drive from the trailhead and along the road to the highway. We always camp here when we go to Umpqua Hot Springs.
There are spacious and private campsites and almost nobody in the winter months. Another option is Whitehorse Falls Campground, a few miles east on Highway 138.
Other Tips for Umpqua Hot Springs
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.
Leave No Trace
Don’t people 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.
Wear Appropriate Layers
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 Towel
You’ll want to dry off after your soak.
Bring a Trashbag to Set Your Stuff In
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.
Things to do 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 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 2.25 miles each way to the hot springs. Of course, you should also prepare for winter road conditions and potential snow pack.
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 opinion: yes! 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. Read the rest of this article to learn how to make the most of your visit to Umpqua Hot Springs.
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 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?
No. 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 are 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 on a weekday. If you do that, you have a great chance at getting a pool to yourself and maybe even the entire place!
If you visit Umpqua Hot Springs, do your part to preserve this truly special place for future visitors. We are so lucky to have Umpqua Hot Springs. 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.
