Deer Creek or Bigelow Hot Springs is another great soaking spot, located in the Willamette National Forest on the bank of the McKenzie River. A little pool in a fern grotto sectioned off from the river by rocks on its outer edge. Hot springs water flows slowly from the pool's bottom, providing a comfortable temperature if it doesn't mix with the cold river water. Hot Springs pool has coarse sand and gravel bottom; it is small and can only handle a few guests at a time.
The hot springs are a free day-use area. Clothing is optional.
Neighbor to Belknap Hot Springs, Deer Creek is a quiet place that begs to be visited. Its location in the woods near the river means that the creek is a little too chilly in the winter, but the temperature is perfect during the summer and fall seasons.
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General Description
Access: 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset
Development: Undeveloped
Clothing: Optional
Service: None
Accommodations:
Olallie Campground, 1.5 miles northeast
Belknap Hot Springs Resort, 4.4 miles southeast
Walking distance from the parking: 200 yards
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 1,700 ft (518 m)
GPS coordinates: 44.2387, -122.0594
Deer (Bigelow) Hot Springs are located:
- 63 miles east of Eugene
- 67 miles west of Bend
- 101 miles southeast of Salem
- 147 miles southeast of Portland.
Water Properties & Geochemistry
Water T°: 85°F (29°C) - 100°F (38°C)
Water acidity level: Neutral (pH=7.8)
Type of the springs: Sodium Chloride
Chemical used: None
Average dissolved solids: 2650 Mg/L
Chloride - 1148 Mg/L
Sodium - 540 Mg/L
Carbonate - 144 Mg/L
Sulfur - 102 Mg/L
Calcium - 188 Mg/L
Silica - 68.9 Mg/L
Potassium - 16.6 Mg/L
Boron - 6.5 Mg/L
Fluorine - 1.4 Mg/L
Lithium - 1.1 Mg/L
Directions to Deer Creek Hot Springs
- From I-5, take exit 194A in Eugene
- Drive on Highway 126 East for about 63 miles to Forest Road 2654, or Deer Creek Road
- Turn left, cross the bridge, and park on the right.
Lauren S. Forcella. "Geochemistry of Thermal and Mineral Waters in the Cascade Mountains of Western North America". 1981