Breitenbush Hot Springs - Meadow Hot Pool

• Breitenbush Hot Springs is a historic retreat site hidden in the Willamette National Forest
• The site is one of the best relaxing destination with hot bathing in nature

Hot Springs SoakingHiking OregonFishingCamping Oregonmushrooms Oregon



Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center is located along the Breitenbush River in the beautiful Willamette National Forest, 9 miles northwest of the town of Detroit.

Over the years, Breitenbush has built a reputation as a primary destination for people who enjoy soaking and relaxing in the hot mineral water while enjoying the natural beauty of the ancient forest and mountains.

Breitenbush source water is extremely hot, with the temperature reaching 180°F. The temperature of hot pools varies between 101°F to 109°F. Soaking pools and tubs operate on a flow-through basis. For this reason, no chemical treatment is required.

There are four tubs named "Spiral Tubs" on the lower level. Each of them has a different temperature, from warm to very hot. In addition, there is a deep cedar tub with cold water for plunging.

On the upper level, there are three natural pools lined with river rocks. These pools overlook the river, the meadow, and the mountains. The pool, called "Silent," is the hottest and is designed for quiet soaking.

Breitenbush Hot Springs offers wellness programs such as yoga, EDGU (Spinal Health Exercise), meditation, massage, and a variety of associated workshops.

Payment per day varies. Considering the site's popularity, an advance reservation is highly advisable. You can check availability on the Breitenbush Hot Springs website. You can also reserve a cabin or a lodge room there.



Breitenbush Hot Springs

Breitenbush Hot Springs

Breitenbush Hot Springs

Breitenbush Hot Springs

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

Breitenbush Hot Springs - Old Pool
Old Pool

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

Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs - Oregon

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.

Read more...



Video

Breitenbush Hot Springs | Facts

Open: Year-round
Managed by: Private Property

Development: Retreat Center, soaking tubs, sauna, gift shop, dining room, & library
Activities: Soaking, hiking, fishing, and meditation
Accommodations: Lodge, guest cabins, and campground
Clothing: Optional

Distance from parking: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle, chains are required from November 1st to April 1st
Day-use fees: Yes, reservation required

Elevation: 2,225 ft (678 m)

Breitenbush Hot Springs is located:

  • 10.4 miles northeast of Detroit
  • 62 miles east of Salem
  • 107 miles southeast of Portland.

Water T° (source): 180°F (82°C)
Water T° (pools): 101°F (38°C) to 109°F(43°C)
Water acidity level: Neutral (pH=7.3)
Type of spring: Sodium Chloride
Flow rate: 898 gallon/min (3,400 l/min)
Chemical used: None

Average dissolved solids: 2,650 Mg/L

Chloride - 1,300 Mg/L
Sodium - 720 Mg/L
Carbonate - 144 Mg/L
Sulfate - 140 Mg/L
Calcium - 100 Mg/L
Silica - 83 Mg/L
Potassium - 31 Mg/L
Bromine - 5 Mg/L
Boron - 4.1 Mg/L
Fluoride - 3.4 Mg/L
Lithium - 1.8 Mg/L
Magnesium - 1.3 Mg/L



Adventures Nearby




Directions to Breitenbush Hot Springs

From I-5 in Salem,

    • Take exit 253 for Highway OR-22 toward Detroit
    • Drive east for about 48 miles to Detroit
    • Turn left onto Highway 46 (Breitenbush Road) and follow approximately 9 miles to NF-2231
    • Turn right, cross the bridge, then bear left, and follow NF-890 to Mi Pst Road
    • Turn left, the destination will be on your left.

Phone: (503) 854-3320
breitenbush.com

Address: 53000 Breitenbush Road, Detroit, OR 97342




1. Lawrence and Mary Rakestraw, History of the Willamette National Forest, USDA - Forest Service, 1991, USDA - Forest Service,
2. Lauren S. Forcella. "Geochemistry of Thermal and Mineral Waters in the Cascade Mountains of Western North America". 1981
3. "Geothermal Information Layer for Oregon". www.oregongeology.org
4. breitenbush.com

2 Comments

  1. 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?

    1. 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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.