Central Oregon is famous for its skiing, hiking, and craft beer, but there is another side to the region that fewer visitors discover: the hot springs. Scattered across the volcanic landscape of the Cascades and the high desert, natural hot springs offer some of the most restorative and scenic soaking experiences in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you prefer a developed resort with concrete pools and garden paths or a backcountry soak where you dig your own pool beside a mountain lake, Central Oregon has a hot spring for every comfort level.
Most of these springs sit within a one- to two-hour drive from Bend, making them perfect day trip destinations any time of year. In spring, when the trails are thawing and the mountain air still carries a chill, there is nothing quite like lowering yourself into naturally heated mineral water surrounded by towering pines. Here is your guide to the best hot springs near Central Oregon.
Paulina Hot Springs: The Closest Soak to Bend
Tucked along the northwest shore of Paulina Lake inside Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Paulina Hot Springs offers one of the most unique soaking experiences in Oregon. The springs emerge from the ground along the lakeshore, creating a series of small, shallow pools where hot mineral water mixes with the cold water of the lake. The temperature is usually perfect for soaking, and if you want a cold plunge afterward, the lake is just a few steps away.
Getting there requires about a 50-minute drive from Bend followed by an hour-long hike along the Paulina Lakeshore Trail. The pools have a natural gravel bottom and tend to be on the shallower side, so bringing a small shovel to deepen them a bit is a common and appreciated move. Some visitors even leave a shovel behind for the next group. The setting, with views across the volcanic lake to Paulina Peak, is worth every step of the hike.
Belknap Hot Springs: A Polished Resort Experience
If you prefer your hot springs with a side of comfort, Belknap Hot Springs Resort along the McKenzie River is hard to beat. Located about 90 minutes west of Bend on Highway 126, this family-owned resort offers two large concrete pools filled with naturally heated mineral water. The grounds are a lush garden sanctuary that feels more like a botanical park than a typical campground.
Accommodations range from lodge rooms and cabins to RV sites and tent camping, so you can tailor your visit to your budget and style. Day-use passes are available if you just want to soak and go. The pools maintain comfortable temperatures year-round, and the surrounding McKenzie River Valley offers excellent hiking, fishing, and scenic drives to fill the rest of your day.
McCredie Hot Springs: Roadside Soaking Near Oakridge
About 87 miles southwest of Bend along Highway 58 near Oakridge, McCredie Hot Springs is one of the most accessible natural hot springs in the region. Multiple soakable pools sit on both sides of Salt Creek, with temperatures ranging from a mild 98 degrees to a toasty 114 degrees depending on the pool and the time of year. You can fine-tune your experience by mixing creek water with the hot spring flow.
The springs are free to use and located right alongside the highway, so the hike in is minimal. The vibe is casual and clothing-optional, which may or may not be your thing. Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience. The pools closest to the creek tend to have the best temperature balance for long soaks.
Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs: A Cascades Classic
Terwilliger Hot Springs, also known as Cougar Hot Springs, is located about two hours west of Bend near the town of Blue River in the Willamette National Forest. The springs cascade down a hillside through a series of tiered rock pools, each progressively cooler as you move downhill. The top pool is usually the hottest, around 108 to 112 degrees, while the lower pools settle into a more comfortable range.
A reservation and day-use fee are required, and the short quarter-mile trail from the parking area to the springs passes through dense old-growth forest. The atmosphere is serene and the pools are beautifully natural, making this one of the most popular hot springs in Oregon. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
East Lake Hot Springs: Volcanic Lakeshore Warmth
Just over the ridge from Paulina Lake, East Lake offers its own hot springs along the southern shore. These are subtle compared to some other springs on this list. The warm water seeps up through the sandy lake bottom near the boat ramp, creating patches of heated water that you can feel as you wade along the shore. It is less of a dedicated soaking experience and more of a warm surprise while swimming or wading in the lake.
East Lake is accessible via the same Newberry Volcanic Monument entrance as Paulina Lake, and the combination of warm springs, excellent fishing, and dramatic volcanic scenery makes it a worthy addition to any Central Oregon hot springs itinerary.
What to Bring and What to Know
Pack a towel, water shoes (rocky bottoms are common), plenty of drinking water, and a bag for trash. Leave no trace at all undeveloped springs. Cell service is spotty or nonexistent at most locations, so download maps ahead of time. Check road conditions before heading to higher elevation springs like Paulina and East Lake, as access roads may remain snowy into late May.
A quick note on etiquette: keep noise levels down, do not bring glass containers, and always yield poolside space to others. Many of these springs have been enjoyed by generations of Oregon visitors, and keeping them clean and welcoming is everyone’s responsibility.
Common Questions
Click a question to reveal the answer.
Are there hot springs near Bend Oregon?
Yes. Paulina Hot Springs inside Newberry National Volcanic Monument is the closest, about a 50-minute drive plus an hour hike from Bend. Several other hot springs are within a one- to two-hour drive.
Do I need to pay to use hot springs in Central Oregon?
It varies. Belknap Hot Springs charges a day-use fee. Terwilliger requires a reservation and fee. Paulina Hot Springs requires a Newberry Monument day-use pass. McCredie Hot Springs is free.
Are Central Oregon hot springs clothing optional?
Some are. McCredie Hot Springs and Terwilliger are traditionally clothing-optional. Belknap Hot Springs Resort requires swimsuits. Paulina Hot Springs is on federal land and does not have an enforced dress code.
When is the best time to visit hot springs near Central Oregon?
Hot springs can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall offer the best balance of comfortable air temperatures and accessible roads. Winter visits are magical but may require snowshoeing to reach remote springs.
Can I camp at any of these hot springs?
Belknap Hot Springs has on-site camping, RV sites, and cabins. Paulina and East Lake have nearby Forest Service campgrounds. McCredie does not have formal camping facilities. Terwilliger is day-use only.
About Chance & Tianna
TEAM HOMEWARD FOUND · REALTY ONE GROUP DISCOVERY
Chance and Tianna Jackson are a husband-and-wife real estate team serving Bend, Sunriver, Three Rivers, La Pine, Redmond, Prineville, Tumalo, and Sisters. Between military roots, marketing expertise, and years of investing in Central Oregon, they guide retirees, families, Veterans, and investors through buying, selling, and relocating with a level of care that only locals can offer.
Chance Jackson
OREGON REALTOR® · TOP PRODUCER
(503) 816-2780
Mr.ChanceJackson@gmail.com
Tianna Waite-Jackson
OREGON REALTOR®
(503) 207-8636
Ms.TiannaJackson@gmail.com