Hot Lake Hotel combines one of the world’s largest hot springs with a history of ghost stories and mystery
Hot Lake is known as one of the largest hot springs in the world. Mineral-rich geothermal water emerges from multiple spring orifices at very high temperatures.
Historically, the springs were reported to produce nearly 3 million gallons of water per day at temperatures exceeding 200°F (93°C).
Today, the resort reports the water temperature at approximately 186°F (85°C), with about 2 million gallons flowing daily.
According to the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, several hot springs occur along a narrow northwest-trending fault zone extending from Hot Lake northward toward Union Junction, about 3.5 miles southeast.
Built in the early 1900s, this genuinely historic hotel offers a variety of elegantly furnished rooms, some with soaking tubs and showers. Overnight accommodations can be reserved through the lodge.
The soaking area is located along the lakeshore and includes several pools and tubs. Hot water is pumped from an artesian well and mixed with cold water before being delivered to the soaking tubs.
Overnight guests have access to the hot springs during their stay.
A soaking pass is also available for day visitors and can be reserved through the Lodge at Hot Lake Springs website.
Brief History of Hot Lake Springs
Before 1812, Native Americans used the hot springs for bathing and to care for sick and injured people.
In 1812, the steaming Hot Lake was documented by Robert Stuart during the Pacific Fur Company expedition. Between the 1840s and 1860s, Hot Lake Springs became a popular destination for travelers along the Oregon Trail.
What began as a “Town Under One Roof” in 1864 eventually developed into a grand three-story brick hotel with about 105 rooms, completed in 1908.
The healing properties of the hot springs attracted Dr. William T. Phy, who eventually developed the property into a medical facility known as the Hot Lake Sanitarium.
The facility became known for its innovative medical treatments and modern equipment, including X-rays, and was sometimes called the “Mayo Clinic of the West.”
Dr. Phy died in 1931, and three years later, a fire destroyed much of the hotel. Over the following decades, Hot Lake Resort received several grants and changed hands multiple times.
David and Lee Manuel purchased the property in 2003, beginning a long restoration process. In 2010, the restored property began welcoming overnight guests.
In 2020, the owners of Grande Hot Springs acquired the property and continued its restoration and historic preservation.
When visiting, take time to enjoy the historic lodge and the quiet landscape surrounding Hot Lake.
Ghost Stories
Multiple ghost stories claim that the Hot Lake Hotel is haunted.
In 2001, the American paranormal television series Scariest Places on Earth featured the hotel as one of its supposedly haunted locations.
Whether these stories are true is impossible to say, but they have added another intriguing chapter to the hotel's history and continue to attract visitors interested in paranormal activity.
In 1979, Hot Lake Hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Things to Do and See at Hot Lake Lodge
The Thermal Pub & Eatery serves food and beverages, and the on-site movie theater shows films Thursday through Sunday.
Hot Lake Lodge and Grande Hot Springs are not the only attractions in the area.
Cove Warm Springs, 12 miles away, offers swimming in the natural mineral water. The source and pool temperatures are around 86°F (30°C), making it suitable for summer swimming.
The 3,200-acre Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, about four miles away, provides important habitat for birds to breed, nest, and migrate. Visitors can explore wetland trails and enjoy opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Hot Lake Lodge | Facts
Open: Year-round
Development: Resort, hot tubs
Amenities: Restaurant, movie theater, kitchen with microwave and refrigerator for overnight guests, and daily breakfast for overnight guests
Road Access: Any vehicle, the road can be blocked by snow
Day-use: Yes, fee applies; free for overnight guests
Elevation: 2,800 ft (853 m)
Hot Lake Springs is located:
- 6 miles northwest of Union
- 9 miles southeast of La Grande
- 268 miles east of Portland.
Water T° (source): 200°F (93°С)
Water acidity level: Alkaline (pH=9.5)
Type of the springs: Sodium Chloride
Chemical used: None
Average dissolved solids: 461 Mg/L
Chloride - 129 Mg/L
Sodium - 128 Mg/L
Silica - 81 Mg/L
Sulfate- 56 Mg/L
Carbonate -31 Mg/L
Hydroxide - 4 Mg/L
Calcium - 3.6 Mg/L
Potassium -2.7 Mg/L
Fluoride - 1.6 Mg/L
Magnesium - 0.3 Mg/L
Iron - 0.01 Mg/L
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Hot Lake Lodge
From La Grande,
- Take I-84 east toward Baker City
- Travel 2.7 miles to exit 265 for OR-203
- Turn right onto OR-203 and continue 5 miles on OR-302 South to the destination.
Phone: 541-963-4685
hotlakelodge.com