Brief History
The river and the hot springs were named after Lewis Breitenbucher, a hunter who explored this area in the 1840s. By 1897, the hot springs, under the successful management of John Hollingsworth, had become a popular destination for visitors who were looking for tranquility, healing, and rejuvenation. In 1904, the upper and lower pools were separated.
Upper Breitenbush Hot Springs
In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt gifted the upper hot springs to Claude Mansfield. In 1927, the property was purchased by the Bruckman family.
Later, a new lodge and spa were built. Breitenbush Hot Springs prospered during the Bruckmans' ownership. The resort had a sizeable 100-foot pool, a post office, a grocery store, a gas station, a restaurant, and a dance hall.
In 1957, Merle Bruckman retired and sold the property. Two devastating floods in the 1970s damaged the resort, which was eventually closed.
In 1977, Alex Beamer purchased the closed resort for further development and renovation. He was looking to create a self-sufficient sanctuary amid Oregon’s natural beauty, where customers could focus on their personal growth, mental and physical health. This mission was shared by the volunteers who helped restore the property.
In 1985, the resort was purchased by a cooperative that supported Alex Beamer's vision. For more than 30 years, Brietenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center has been managed by a worker-owned cooperative.
In 2020, one of the most devastating Oregon wildfires destroyed almost everything. Restoration and rebuilding began immediately after. Today, the hot springs retreat center is open again.
Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs
In 1913, Mark Skiff received a permit from the Forest Service to use the lower springs to build a resort. Skiff's camp on both sides of the river consisted of several cabins, a hotel, a bathhouse, a restaurant, and a footbridge across the river.
Unfortunately, two large floods in the 1970s damaged the property. The upper hot springs were reconstructed in 1977. The lower hot springs were, however, never rebuilt. Hopefully, the Forest Service that manages this area will find a way to restore this beautiful site.
My wife and I are looking to sell our home in Spokane Washington and leave the city. I am 53 years old my wife is 58 years old.
In our younger days we used to visit Kinixu Ranch a lot and had a lot of fun with the Bear buns fun run.
My wife still works I am on Social Security disability. I am basically a jack of all trades a MacGyver of a junkyard there is nothing I cannot fix I’m electrician auto mechanic small engine repairs diesel mechanic plumber carpenter groundskeeper video surveillance technician. My wife has done a lot of different things in her life pharmacy technician she ran a 7-Eleven for about 20 years now she works for Coremark.
Our question is this we’re looking to start over and get away from the city and start living off the land.
Do you folks have something like this?
The only answer is to just do it. Sell the house, get rid of materials and live through the heart. The life you imagined is already out there, just need to experience it for yourself. Give and Receive