• McCredie Hot Springs emerge on both sides of the river
• The area boasts a captivating and often dark historical background
McCredie Hot Springs is well-known and loved for easy access and a short distance from Eugene, just about one hour via Oregon Route 58. These natural hot springs give you the opportunity to interact with nature while enjoying hot dips into mineral-rich water.
The springs are divided into two main areas: the north and south banks 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 160°F, flows from a concrete cap block into pools constructed by volunteers. These shallow pools, made from rocks and mud, are often washed away by spring flooding and rebuilt each year.
Though the temperature of channeled water is gradually decreasing, you should be careful entering into pools. Have a bucket 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-rock wall—remnants of an old resort—at a temperature of around 125°F. The pools, varying in size and depth, offer more comfortable soaking temperatures between 100°F and 105°F. While the largest pool is approximately 30 feet wide and 2 feet deep, the smallest is just 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. Avoid attempting to cross the creek during high water or spring runoff, as strong currents can be hazardous.
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 vacate.
In 1911, John Hardin filed and was granted a mineral claim for the area. Five years later, in 1916, the hot springs were named after their third owner, Walter "Judge" McCredie. A former baseball player from Portland, McCredie leased the property from Hardin and, in 1914, built a two-story resort hotel.
The resort gained popularity with the construction of the Southern Pacific Railway in 1923, making the springs more accessible to visitors. However, by the late 1940s, the resort’s reputation declined after a new owner turned it into a bordello.
Tragedy struck in 1958 when the hotel burned down. Further damage occurred in 1964 when a flood destroyed the bridge and swimming pool, leaving the site in disrepair.
Today, McCredie Hot Springs remains a popular destination for nature lovers, though its 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: US Forest Service
Development: Undeveloped
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 (North Side): N 43°42.426' W 122°17.394' | 43.7071, -122.2899
Lauren S. Forcella. "Geochemistry of Thermal and Mineral Waters in the Cascade Mountains of Western North America". 1981