• Willow Creek Hot Springs is a remote hot springs oasis in the Oregon high desert
• Features two adjoining pools with crystal-clear blue waters
Willow Creek Hot Springs also known as Whitehorse Ranch Hot Springs is located in the isolated part of eastern Oregon, 35 miles away from the small town of Fields.
Nonetheless, it is still comparatively easy to find if you follow the driving directions provided below.
The route to the historic Whitehorse Ranch is a good gravel road, but the final 2.5 miles to the hot springs is dirt and can become impassable during wet weather.
Many miles away from the nearest civilization, Willow Creek Hot Springs comes with two adjoining pools with crystal-clear blue waters.
A refreshing oasis in the middle of nowhere, near the rocky hill, surrounded by the high-elevation desert plain, offers an incredible soaking experience allowing to enjoy picturesque views of the flat desert, bright low sky, and mountains ridges in the background.
Video
Geothermal mineral water at 110-degree Fahrenheit emerges from the sandy bottom of the man-made pool. The pool is 14 feet in diameter and waist-deep (about 30 inches). A temperature averages between 100°F and 105°F, depending on air temperature and wind. Separated from the main pool by a dam, the second largest pool is receiving water from the main pool. The temperature of the largest pool is a few degrees lower and ranges between 85°F and 95°F.
Willow Creek Hot Springs with its depth and near perfect 102°F temperature at all times is an extraordinary high desert indulgence. Besides hot bathing, visitors can also enjoy some of the wildlife sightings like wild horses, rabbits, deer, coyotes, and pronghorn antelopes.
Free camping is allowed on the public BLM land around the hot springs, on a first come, first served basis but prohibited within 100 feet of the hot springs. The 5-mile hiking trail is excellent for long hikes, short walks, and wildlife viewing.
The best time of the year for these trips is from March until October when the roads are accessible.
In order to keep Hot Springs gratifying experience, be sure to pack out all trash.
Willow Creek Hot Springs | Facts
Open: Year-round
Managed by: Bureau of Land Management
Development: Primitive
Amenities: None except a vault toilet
Accommodations: Camping is allowed on BLM land, do not camp within 100 feet of the hot springs
Clothing: Optional
Distance from the parking: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle when dry, a road can be inaccessible during wet weather
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 4,495 ft (1,370 m)
Willow Creek Hot Springs is located:
- 35 miles east of Fields
- 138 miles southeast of Burns
- 419 miles southeast of Portland.
Water T° (source): 110°F (43°C)
Water T° (main pool): 100-105°F (38-41°C)
Water T° (large pool): 85-95°F (29-35°C)
Flow rate: 30 gallon/min (114 l/min)
Odor: None
Chemical used: None
Adventures Nearby
Directions top Willow Creek Hot Springs
From Burns,
- Take OR-78 and drive 91 miles to OR-78 and US-95 Junction
- Bear right and continue 21 miles to Whitehorse Ranch Lane between milepost 87 and 88 (87.8)
- Turn right (west) onto Whitehorse Ranch Lane and go 21 miles to Whitehorse Ranch
- Continue 2.8 miles straight to the dirt road on the left
- Turn left (south) and drive 2.5 miles to the destination.
From Fields,
- Take OR-205 south and drive 8 miles to Whitehorse Ranch Lane
- Bear left (east) onto Whitehorse Ranch Lane and continue 23 miles to the dirt road on the right
- Turn right (south) and drive 2.5 miles to the destination.
"Geothermal Information Layer for Oregon". www.oregongeology.org