• Deer Creek Hot Springs is a great soaking spot on the bank of the McKenzie River
• Features a little pool in the fern grotto
Deer Creek or Bigelow Hot Springs is another great soaking spot, located in the Willamette National Forest on the bank of the beautiful McKenzie River. A little pool in the fern grotto sectioned off from the river by rocks on its outer edge. The hot mineral water slowly bubbles up from the pool bottom, providing a comfortable soaking temperature if it doesn't mix with the cold river water. The pool has a coarse sandy-gravel bottom; it is small and can only handle a few visitors at a time.
The hot springs are a free day-use area. Clothing is optional.
Due to Deer Creek Hot Springs is adjacent to the rushing McKenzie River that originates in the high Cascades, the soaking pool can be too chilly in the winters and early springs. The temperature is nearly perfect during the summer and fall seasons.
Neighbor to the Belknap Hot Springs Lodge & Gardens, Deer Creek is a quiet and scenic place that begs to be visited.
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Deer Creek Hot Springs | General Description
Open: Year-round from sunrise to sunset
Managed by: US Forest Service
Location: Willamette National Forest
Development: Undeveloped
Amenities: No services are available
Activities: Soaking and hiking
Accommodations: Olallie Campground - 1.5 miles northeast, Belknap Hot Springs Resort - 4.4 miles southeast
Clothing: Optional
Distance from parking: 200 yards
Road Access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Popularity: Moderate to high
Elevation: 1,700 ft (518 m)
Deer (Bigelow) Hot Springs is located:
- 63 miles east of Eugene
- 67 miles west of Bend
- 101 miles southeast of Salem
- 147 miles southeast of Portland.
Water T°: 85°F (29°C) - 100°F (38°C)
Water acidity level: Neutral (pH=7.8)
Type of the springs: Sodium Chloride
Flow rate: 2.6 gallon/min (10 l/min)
Chemical used: None
Average dissolved solids: 2,650 Mg/L
Chloride - 1,148 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
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Adventures Nearby
Directions to Deer Creek (Bigelow) 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.
1. Lauren S. Forcella. "Geochemistry of Thermal and Mineral Waters in the Cascade Mountains of Western North America". 1981
2. "Geothermal Information Layer for Oregon". www.oregongeology.org