Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs: The Mystery of Forgotten Waters

Breitenbush Hot Springs is a series of geothermal springs emerging along the bank of the Breitenbush River in the Willamette National Forest, 10 miles northeast of Detroit. The springs lie downstream from Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center

Breitenbush’s hot springs have long attracted people seeking healing and relaxation.

Indigenous people used the mineral water of the springs long before European settlers arrived. Historical records also describe settlers visiting the area in the 1800s.

In 1913, Mark Skiff of Salem received a Forest Service lease to develop a resort at the lower springs.

Known as Skiff’s Camp, the resort eventually extended across both sides of the river. By the mid-twentieth century, it included approximately 30 cabins, a lodge, a restaurant, a shop, a bathhouse, and a footbridge.

Flooding damaged the lower resort, and its buildings were later removed.

The upper resort also suffered from flooding and deterioration, closing in 1972. Restoration began after its purchase in 1977, and it reopened to paying guests in 1981.

The lower springs were never restored as a resort. Concrete foundations, pool structures, and remnants of the former footbridge serve as reminders of the site’s history.

There are currently two large concrete pools and several smaller tubs. A few bathtubs are also located along the riverbank.

A concrete pool left over from the former resort is filled with hot spring water that emerges from the source at temperatures up to 150°F (65°C).

Hoses carry hot water from the source to the pools and tubs. Water temperatures range from very hot to cool and can be adjusted by redirecting the hoses.

Due to a lack of maintenance, the water in the large pools often looks cloudy. The walls and floors are slippery and slimy, suggesting possible algae or other microbial growth.

Use caution when bathing here. Smaller concrete tubs and the bathtubs along the river may be easier to clean, but cleaning them does not guarantee that the water is safe.

🟡 Check the water temperature carefully, as spring water can cause severe burns.

The hot springs can be reached by an approximately 0.5-mile unofficial trail from a parking area located about one mile from Highway 46 and half a mile from Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center.

The route passes through an area affected by the 2020 wildfire before reaching the scenic Breitenbush River. From there, follow the river upstream toward the hot springs.

Some visitors have used an alternative approach by parking on the opposite riverbank and fording the river when water levels are low. However, we do not recommend this route.

⚠️ Do not attempt to cross the river to reach the springs. Even when the water appears shallow, strong currents, slippery rocks, and uneven footing can make crossing dangerous.

Several camping options are available near Detroit and Detroit Lake. Detroit Lake State Recreation Area offers tent campsites, RV sites with hookups, and seasonal mini-cabins.

Nearby national forest campgrounds include Humbug Campground, about 4.6 miles northeast of Detroit, and Breitenbush Campground, approximately 9.3 miles from town along Breitenbush Road. Facilities and seasonal availability vary, so check current conditions before your trip. Potable water is currently unavailable at Breitenbush Campground.

For a stay with more amenities, Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center offers overnight accommodations in a forest setting. Choices include rooms, yurts, the Forest Shelter, seasonal tent cabins, platform tents, tent campsites, and designated sites for sleeping in camper vans or trucks with campers. Availability varies by season and accommodation type.

Overnight stays include three vegetarian meals per full day, beginning with dinner on the day of arrival and ending with lunch on the day of departure. Guests also have access to the retreat’s soaking pools, sauna, and scheduled daily wellness activities. Reservations are required.

Open: Year-round
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service

Development: Primitive
Amenities: None
Clothing: Optional

Distance from the parking: 0.5 mile
Road Access: Any vehicle, chains are required from November 1st to April 1st
Day-use fees: None

Elevation: 2,160 ft (658 m)

Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs is located:

10 miles northeast of Detroit
62 miles east of Salem
107 miles southeast of Portland.

Water T° (source): 150°F (65°C)
Water T° (pools): Adjustable
Water acidity level: Neutral (pH=7.3)
Type of spring: Sodium Chloride
Chemical used: None

Average dissolved solids: 2,650 Mg/L

Chloride - 1,300 Mg/L
Sodium - 720 Mg/L
Carbonate - 144 Mg/L
Sulfate - 140 Mg/L
Calcium - 100 Mg/L
Silica - 83 Mg/L
Potassium - 31 Mg/L
Bromine - 5 Mg/L
Boron - 4.1 Mg/L
Fluoride - 3.4 Mg/L
Lithium - 1.8 Mg/L
Magnesium - 1.3 Mg/L