· By Yulia Fishkin
9 Hot Springs Near Portland, Oregon: Relaxation and Adventure Await
Oregon’s natural hot springs offer a perfect escape from city life, and several are located within a short drive from Portland. From rustic, wilderness pools to developed resorts, these geothermal spots provide relaxation and stunning views year-round. Whether you prefer a quiet soak in nature or the comforts of a resort, this guide explores hot springs within one to three hours from the city. Discover what each destination offers, including accessibility, seasonality, and other key details to help you plan your next hot spring adventure.
Enjoying hot springs is a great way to relax, but staying hydrated is key to a good experience. Bubba Bubble delivers eco-friendly CO2 refills right to your door in the Portland Metro Area, so you can make refreshing, zero-waste beverages at home. Perfect for keeping hydrated on your next adventure.
Hot Springs Within 1 Hour of Portland
Carson Hot Springs Resort
Carson Hot Springs Resort is a historic facility located about an hour from Portland, on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. The resort offers indoor hot pools, spa services, and overnight accommodations, including rooms with hot springs-fed baths. It provides a convenient option for those seeking a relaxing experience close to the city.
- Clothing Optional: No, except in private rooms
- Seasonality: Open year-round
Tenzen Cabins and Springs
Tenzen Cabins and Springs features six minimalist, Japanese-inspired rental cabins set on 100 acres in the Columbia River Gorge. Each cabin includes a private outdoor soaking tub fed by natural geothermal water. This adults-only retreat offers a quiet, secluded experience, just over an hour from Portland.
- Clothing Optional: Yes, in enclosed outdoor areas
- Seasonality: Open year-round
Wind River Hot Springs
Wind River Hot Springs offers a more rugged experience, located about an hour from Portland. The bedrock pools are accessible only by hiking and fording the Wind River during low water conditions, typically in late summer. The pools are on the riverbank and are surrounded by private property, so visitors need to plan their trip carefully.
- Clothing Optional: Yes
- Seasonality: Open from late July to mid-September due to fluctuating river levels
Hot Springs Within 2 Hours of Portland
Bagby Hot Springs
Bagby Hot Springs is one of Oregon’s most popular public hot springs, located about 1.5 hours from Portland in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The springs are accessible via a 1.5-mile hike through old-growth forest, and visitors can soak in hollowed-out logs or barrel-style tubs. The site is open 24/7 and offers a rustic, natural setting.
- Clothing Optional: Yes
- Seasonality: Open year-round, but road conditions can be difficult in winter
Breitenbush Hot Springs
Breitenbush Hot Springs, located about two hours from Portland, is a full-service retreat center offering multiple soaking pools, overnight accommodations, and wellness programs like yoga and meditation. The retreat is situated on 150 acres of forest and operates as a cooperative community, focusing on sustainability and wellness. Reservations are often required well in advance.
- Clothing Optional: Yes
- Seasonality: Open year-round, though winter road conditions should be checked in advance
Hot Springs 2-3 Hours from Portland
Kah-Nee-Tah Hot Springs
Kah-Nee-Tah Hot Springs is a private resort located around 2.25 hours from Portland. The resort offers multiple pools, overnight accommodations, and amenities close to Bend. It provides a comfortable, family-friendly option for those seeking a hot springs experience in a scenic high desert setting.
- Clothing Optional: No
- Seasonality: Open year-round
Bigelow Hot Springs
Bigelow Hot Springs is a small, natural pool located about 2.5 hours from Portland, near Eugene. This public hot spring is free to access and offers a quiet, rustic setting for those looking for a peaceful, nature-centered experience. The spring is situated along the banks of the McKenzie River.
- Clothing Optional: Yes
- Seasonality: Open year-round
Belknap Hot Springs Resort
Belknap Hot Springs Resort is a private resort located about 2.75 hours from Portland, near Eugene. The resort features landscaped gardens, multiple pools, and overnight accommodations. It is a popular destination for families and those seeking a more developed hot springs experience in a scenic location along the McKenzie River.
- Clothing Optional: No
- Seasonality: Open year-round
Cougar (Terwilliger) Hot Springs
Cougar Hot Springs, also known as Terwilliger Hot Springs, is a public hot spring located about 3 hours from Portland in the Willamette National Forest. The site features multiple tiered pools surrounded by lush forest. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and those seeking a natural soaking experience, though it tends to be busier on weekends.
- Clothing Optional: Yes
- Seasonality: Open year-round, but closed at night
Tips for Visiting Wild Hot Springs
Safety
When visiting wild hot springs, it’s important to be cautious of slippery surfaces, as they are not regularly cleaned like developed springs. Wearing water shoes can help prevent slips, but testing your footing before fully stepping in is always a good idea. Additionally, many wild springs require hiking, so knowing the difficulty of the trail and preparing with water, snacks, and appropriate gear is essential. If traveling alone, informing someone of your plans is always a safe practice.
Hydration
Hot springs can cause dehydration, especially during extended soaks. Carrying sufficient water for both the hike and while soaking is important. A good guideline is to bring half a liter to a full liter of water for every hour of hiking. For longer hikes, a portable water filter may help reduce the need to carry large amounts of water.
Etiquette
Wild hot springs are often sought for their peaceful, natural settings. Keeping noise to a minimum and being respectful of others seeking a quiet experience is appreciated. Clothing is often optional at wild springs, so being prepared for nude bathers is helpful, and most visitors match the atmosphere they encounter when they arrive.
Leave No Trace
Maintaining the natural beauty of wild hot springs is important for future visitors. Packing out all trash and leaving the site as clean as or cleaner than you found it helps protect these locations. Taking out extra trash, if possible, contributes to preserving the pristine environment for others.