• East Lake Hot Springs are series of heated sulfur springs on the lake's shoreline
East Lake Hot Springs, located on the southeast edge of East Lake, is a series of heated sulfur springs that rise from the lake bottom. Most of the hot springs are submerged by the lake, but a few can be found along the shoreline when the water level is low.
Thousands of years ago, a massive volcanic eruption created the Newberry Caldera, a geothermal area and one of the most active volcanic regions in the United States. The 5-mile-wide caldera contains two alpine lakes, Paulina Lake and East Lake, as well as large lava fields known as the Big Obsidian Flow.
Visitors can see many hot springs bubbling along the shores of both Paulina and East Lakes. The best time to visit Paulina Lake Hot Springs is between May and July.
East Lake Hot Springs are more suitable for soaking in late summer and fall. In spring, when water levels are high, most shoreline springs are covered by lake water. By mid-summer, as water levels drop, more springs become exposed.
The largest and most distant hot pool is located about 0.4 miles west of the Hot Springs Boating Site. You can reach it by boat or by walking along the shoreline.
Follow the shore for about 15 minutes until you reach a red-brown cliff that extends into the lake. Go around the cliff and large detached boulders, and you will find rock-and-log hot springs bubbling through volcanic gravel.
Along the way, you may also see smaller pools with bubbles rising through sand and gravel. Pools with a strong sulfur smell are usually not used for soaking.
The temperature of the source just below the surface has been recorded as high as 176°F. Water in the largest pool can reach up to 140°F, but it cools quickly when mixed with cold lake water. It is helpful to bring a bucket.
The sulfur smell in the largest pool is usually mild.
East Lake Hot Springs History
A health resort was built in 1915 on the southeast shore of East Lake near the hot springs. The bathhouse used natural spring water piped directly from the geothermal source.
The site originally included four cabins and a small bathhouse. Plans for a larger hotel were never completed, and the resort was destroyed by fire in 1923.
Another attempt to develop a resort was made in 1942. However, in 1952, another fire destroyed the buildings, ending further development.
Today, there are no remaining structures except for an old boat near the boathouse and an old car on display.
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East Lake Camping and Lodging
Camping at East Lake near Bend is popular during the summer season, with East Lake Campground on the southern shoreline and Cinder Hill Campground on the western part of the lake. The campground offers sites for tents and RVs, along with basic facilities such as picnic tables, restrooms, and drinking water.
It also provides easy access to the lake for fishing, boating, swimming, and visiting the nearby hot springs.
Reservations are usually required in the busy summer months and can be made online through Recreation.gov, as sites often fill up quickly.
For more comfort, visitors can stay at East Lake Resort nearby, which offers cabins, RV and tent sites, and boat rentals.
The city of Bend also has many hotels, cabins, and other lodging options for different budgets.
East Lake Hot Springs | Facts
Best time: July through mid-October from sunrise to sunset
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service
Development: Wild
Amenities: None at the hot springs
Activities: Soaking, hiking, boating, fishing
Clothing: Swimsuits would be handy
Distance from the parking: 0.4 miles
Road Access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes, or Recreation Passes in the Fee Areas
Elevation: 6,350 ft (1,935 m)
East Lake Hot Springs is located:
- 40 miles southeast of Bend
- 133 miles east of Eugene
- 202 miles southeast of Portland.
Water T° (source): 140°F (60°C)
Water T° (pool): 104°F (40°C) to 120°F (49°C)
Water acidity level: Acidic (pH=6.4)
Type of the springs: Sodium Calcium Silicate and Sulfate Calcium Silicate
Chemical used: None
| T= 120°F (49°C) | T= 143°F (62°C) |
|---|---|
| Silica - 199 Mg/L Calcium - 70 Mg/L Sodium - 53 Mg/L Magnesium - 34 Mg/L Sulfate - 25 Mg/L Potassium - 17 Mg/L Chloride - 1.7 Mg/L Fluoride - 0.16 Mg/L |
Sulfate - 58 Mg/L Calcium - 38 Mg/L Silica - 36 Mg/L Sodium - 32 Mg/L Magnesium - 16 Mg/L Potassium - 3.8 Mg/L Chloride - 0.4 Mg/L Fluoride - 0.2 Mg/L |
Adventures Nearby
Directions to East Lake Hot Springs
From Bend,
- Travel approximately 23 miles south onto US 97 to Paulina East Lake Road
- Turn left onto Paulina East Road and drive 17 miles east to the Hot Springs boat ramp
- Turn left the Hot Springs boat ramp.
Hike 0.4 miles west of Hot Springs Boating Site along the shore to the prominent cliff. If the water level is low, the trail around the cliff is exposed. Go around the cliff and soon you will see the pool.
GPS (Hot Springs): N 43°43.186' W 121°12.275' | 43.7199, -121.2046
GPS (Trailhead): N 43°43.417' W 121°11.735' | 43.7236, -121.1956
This hot spring spot had 2 very small spots that were about as deep as your big toe. They say you could dig your own hole but it’s not like a pit.
East Lake Hot Springs worth the trip and yes a very hot soaking. Located just west from the boat ramp