Cove Warm Springs is a historic mineral spring pool with a strong natural flow
A historic landmark of Northeastern Oregon, Cove Warm Springs is located at the southern edge of the small town of Cove in Union County. The water temperature is around 86°F (30°C), making it ideal for summer swimming.
With a strong spring flow of 110 gallons per minute, the pool water is completely replaced several times a day. The continuous flow meets Oregon state water quality requirements, so no chlorination is required.
The 60-by-65-foot swimming pool is built over the mineral spring source, which flows directly up through a 15-by-15-foot opening that appears as a dark patch on the pool bottom.
The pool is mostly concrete, with a gravel base above the spring source.
Cove Warm Springs has operated for nearly eight decades and is typically open for recreational swimming from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Shaded picnic areas provide a relaxing setting before or after swimming. A snack bar and playground are also available. The owner lives in a nearby house.
Camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities are available nearby in the Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness. Cove also provides access to outdoor recreation in the surrounding Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
Cove Warm Springs Accommodations
Limited tent camping and RV parking are available at Cove Warm Springs. Cove and the surrounding area also offer several lodging options, including vacation rentals, bed-and-breakfasts, and hotels.
More accommodations are available in La Grande, about 15 miles west of Cove.
Cove Warm Springs | Facts
Open: Call in advance for current hours of operation (summer only)
Development: 60' x 65' concrete pool
Amenities: Dressing rooms, picnic, and playground facilities
Activities: Swimming, rock jumping, fishing, hiking
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use: Yes, fee applies
Elevation: 3,000 ft (914 m)
Cove Warm Springs is located:
- 9.4 miles north of Union
- 16 miles east of La Grande
- 275 miles east of Portland.
Water T°: 86°F (30°C)
Type of spring: Sodium Carbonate
Chemical used: None
Carbonate - 34.07 Mg/L
Sodium - 32.19 Mg/L
Silica - 28.6 Mg/L
Calcium - 23.6 Mg/L
Sulfate - 8.3 Mg/L
Chloride - 4.5 Mg/L
Iron-Aluminium Oxide - 1.8 Mg/L
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Cove Warm Springs
- Take OR-82 and go east to OR-237
- Turn onto OR-237 and travel 13.5 miles to French Street in the town of Cove
- Turn left onto French Street, bear left onto Hill Street, and turn right onto 1st Street and then right at Water Street.
Phone: 541-568-4890