Historic Bingham Springs combines warm mineral water with beautiful Blue Mountain scenery
Bingham Springs is a historic hot spring located on the 633-acre Bar M Ranch, located in a picturesque valley of the Blue Mountains along the Umatilla River. The guest ranch has a long history.
Before European settlement, Native Americans used the hot springs for healing and spiritual purposes. Later visitors described the mineral water as relaxing and beneficial.
The site began as a stage house along the historic mail route from Walla Walla, Washington, to Boise, Idaho, in 1864. Before 1881, the site was known as “Warm Springs.”
From 1881 to 1891, the springs were known as Purdy Springs, named after John Purdy, who owned the hotel and served as postmaster.
In 1892, when John Bingham purchased the property, the springs were renamed Bingham Springs.
After changing hands several times, the property was purchased in 2011 by Calvary Chapel of Tri-Cities, a church based in Washington.
Today, the ranch operates as a retreat, conference, and event center, while also welcoming guests who reserve a stay at the property to enjoy its facilities.
Mineral water emerges from the mountain at about 93°F (34°C) and flows into the 40-by-60-foot swimming pool at a rate of 133 gallons per minute.
Because of the high flow rate, the water does not require chemical treatment under Oregon standards.
The pool area has a large deck and changing rooms with showers. The pool temperature is about 85°F (29°C), making it comfortable for summer swimming.
Bar M Ranch Activities & Accommodation
In addition to swimming in the pool, Bar M Ranch offers a variety of outdoor activities. There are miles of hiking trails, including the Bobsled trail, which climbs to an overlook above the ranch and a meadow along the Umatilla River.
A small pond is available for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and catch-and-release fishing. Other activities include volleyball, basketball, Frisbee golf, picnicking, and tubing and fishing on the Umatilla River.
A variety of Western-style buildings accommodate business conferences, meetings, training classes, family reunions, vacations, weddings, and other events.
Bingham Springs | Facts
Open: Year-round
Development: Rustic guest ranch with a swimming pool
Amenities & Service: Meeting rooms, playgrounds, and mercantile
Clothing: Required
Road Access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use: Available only to ranch guests
Elevation: 2,100 ft (650 m)
Bingham Springs is located:
- 30 miles northeast of Pendleton
- 209 miles northwest of Boise, Idaho
- 241 miles east of Portland.
Water T° (source): 93°F (34°C)
Water T° (pool): 85°F (29°C)
Flow: 133 gallons/min (300 l/min)
Chemical used: None
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Bingham Springs
From I-84 near Pendleton,
- Take Exit 216 toward Walla Walla and Milton-Freewater
- Turn left onto Market Road (OR-331) and travel about 2 miles to Mission Road
- Turn right onto Mission Road and continue 1.6 miles to Cayuse Road
- Turn left onto Cayuse Road and follow it for about 12 miles to Bingham Road
- Turn right onto Bingham Road and continue about 13 miles to the destination on the right.
Phone: 509-736-2086
barmranch.com