McCredie Hot Springs offers easy-access soaking alongside remnants of its historic resort past
McCredie Hot Springs is popular for its easy access and short distance from Eugene, just about one hour via Oregon Route 58. These natural hot springs offer an opportunity to enjoy mineral-rich water in a forest setting.
The springs are divided into two main areas on the north and south sides of Salt Creek.
The north side of McCredie Hot Springs is located just a few dozen yards from the large parking area. Hot water, reaching temperatures of up to 163°F (73°C), flows from a concrete cap into pools constructed by volunteers. These shallow pools, made from rocks and mud, are often washed away by spring flooding and rebuilt each year.
Although the water cools as it flows into the pools, temperatures can still vary considerably, so use caution when entering. Have a bucket available to add cold river water if needed.
The south side of McCredie Hot Springs is more secluded and accessible by a separate route (directions below).
Here, water emerges from the base of a concrete-and-rock wall, remnants of the old resort, at a temperature of around 125°F (52°C). The pools vary in size and depth, with soaking temperatures generally between 100°F and 105°F (38-41°C).
The largest pool is shallow, while the smallest is only about 3 feet across. Be mindful of organic debris, sharp rocks, or broken glass at the bottom.
Seasonal Advice
The best time to visit McCredie Hot Springs is during spring, summer, or fall, when the weather is pleasant and creek levels are manageable.
Do not attempt to wade across Salt Creek to reach the south-side pools. Use the separate access route described below, and avoid the area when high water or spring runoff makes conditions unsafe.
McCredie Hot Springs: A Brief History
The history of McCredie Hot Springs dates back to 1878, when Frank Warner, a trapper, discovered the site. Warner lived on the land until the Forest Service required him to leave.
In 1911, John Hardin filed a mineral claim for the area. In 1914, he opened a resort at the springs. Walter "Judge" McCredie, a Portland baseball figure, later acquired the lease and further developed the resort.
The resort became more accessible after Southern Pacific railroad service reached the area in the 1920s, bringing more visitors to the springs. However, by the late 1940s, its reputation had declined after a new owner turned the resort into a brothel.
Tragedy struck in 1958 when the hotel burned down. Further damage occurred during the 1964 flood, which destroyed the bridge and swimming pool and left the resort in disrepair.
Today, McCredie Hot Springs remains a popular destination, although the once-grand resort is now only a memory.
McCredie Hot Springs Camping, Lodging & Vacation Rentals
The 24-site Blue Pool Campground, located 0.5 miles west along Salt Creek, is a seasonal, non-electric campground designed for tent camping. The site offers picnic tables, vault toilets, and access to drinking water. To secure a campsite, reservations can be made through recreation.gov.
For additional accommodations, the town of Oakridge, located 10 miles west, provides lodging, dining, and other amenities. Alternatively, the city of Eugene, 50 miles east, offers a wider range of options for hotels, restaurants, and shopping.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Oakridge
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Eugene
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McCredie Hot Springs | Facts
Open: Year-round from sunrise to sunset
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service
Development: Wild
Amenities: Vault toilet and picnic tables on the parking at the north side of the river
Clothing: Optional
Distance from parking: North side: 0.1 miles; south side: 0.3 miles
Road Access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes or Interagency Senior/Access/Military Pass
Elevation: 2,064 ft (629 m)
McCredie Hot Springs is located:
- 10.3 miles east of Oakridge
- 53 miles east of Eugene
- 87 miles west of Bend
- 114 miles southeast of Salem.
Water T°: 100°F (38°C) to 163°F(73°C)
Type of the springs: Sodium and calcium chloride
Water acidity level: Neutral (pH=7.4)
Flow rate: 75 liter/min
Chemical used: None
Average dissolved solids: 2,650 Mg/L
Chloride - 2,232 Mg/L
Sodium - 910 Mg/L
Calcium - 500 Mg/L
Silica - 65.4 Mg/L
Bromine - 33 Mg/L
Carbonate - 20 Mg/L
Potassium - 28 Mg/L
Boron - 17.8 Mg/L
Fluoride - 2.68 Mg/L
Lithium - 1.98 Mg/L
Magnesium - 0.9 Mg/L
Adventures Nearby
Directions to McCredie Hot Springs
North side of McCredie Hot Springs
From I-5,
- Take exit 188 in Eugene for Highway OR 158 East
- Follow 46 miles southeast on Highway OR 58 to the north side of McCredie Hot Springs on the right (between milepost 45 and 46).
South side of McCredie Hot Springs
- Drive 0.5 miles southeast to Shady Gap Road
- Turn right onto Shady Gap Road and cross the bridge
- Turn right onto NF-5875 and park your car near a trailhead on the right.
The pools are located roughly 0.3 miles or 10 minutes away from the trailhead. The trail runs downstream along the Salt Creek.
GPS (Trailhead South Side): N 43°42.056' W 122°17.094' | 43.7009, -122.2849
GPS (Trailhead North Side): N 43°42.426' W 122°17.394' | 43.7071, -122.2899