• Barnes Warm Springs is secluded warm springs in the midst of the high desert
• The springs are perfect for soaking in warmer summer days
The eastern part of Oregon can be described as an area of rugged beauty filled with sagebrush high desert, uneven mountain peaks, volcanic craters, deserted highways and rural backroads, and abundant wildlife. Barnes Warm Springs is secluded warm springs in the midst of high desert near Steens Mountain and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, 1 mile southeast of the small town of Frenchglen.
To find the warm springs, drive on Steens Mountain Loop south of the historic hotel Frenchglen for 0.3 miles to a fork, bear right to a gate and park your car. The trail named Barnes Springs Footpath starts behind the gate. An easy and enjoyable hike along Warm Springs Canal and hills takes about 20 minutes. Soon, you will see juniper trees, big rocks, and abandoned farm constructions in the background.
Located a few yards down from the trail, the 7-feet in diameter secluded pool is lined with rocks. The bottom of the pool is sand and gravel.
The water's temperature in the pool is about 90-degree Fahrenheit, making it perfect for soaking on warmer summer days. Moreover, there is no fee to be paid, so soakers can thoroughly enjoy this secluded Barnes Warm Spring without any worries.
The best time to visit this site is between June and September. The trail is animal-friendly, so dogs and other pets on the leash can use the trail. The amazing natural beauty and a refreshing dip in Barnes Warm Springs will surely make your day relaxing and pleasant.
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Barnes (Frenchglen) Warm Springs | General Description
Open: Year-round, the best time is summer
Managed: BLM
Location: Steens Mountain
Development: Undeveloped
Service: None
Accommodations: Historic Frenchglen Hotel - 0.3 miles south; Page Springs Campground - 3.3 miles southwest
Clothing: Optional
Distance from the parking: 0.85 miles
Road Access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 4,170 ft (1,271 m)
Barnes Warm Springs is located:
- 1.2 miles southeast of Frenchglen
- 52 miles north of Fields
- 61 miles south of Burns.
Water T°: 88°F (31°C)
Adventures Nearby
From Burns,
- Take Highway 78 (OR-78) and follow 1.2 miles to Highway 205 (OR-205)
- Turn right onto Highway 205 and travel 58.2 miles to Frenchglen
- After passing the Historic Frenchglen Hotel on the right, take the Steens Mountain Loop
- Travel 0.3 miles onto the Steens Mountain Loop
- Then bear right and park your car near the gate
- Walk 0.85 miles from the gate to the warm springs on the left.
GPS (Warm Springs): N 42°48.903' W 118°54.029' | 42.8151, -118.9005
GPS (Trailhead): N 42°49.425' W 118°54.695' | 42.823753, -118.911582