• Three Forks Hot Springs sits on the Owyhee River in a scenic high-desert canyon
• This is one of the most remote soaking spots in Oregon
Three Forks Hot Springs, or Three Forks Warm Springs, is a primitive soaking spot in Eastern Oregon, 40 miles south of Jordan Valley. It sits near the junction of 3 forks of the Owyhee River, giving this spot its name.
Here, you can soak in healing mineral water, surrounded by the high desert scenery, and enjoy a stunning view of a canyon stretching out before you, with riverbank greenery and a mesmerizing blue sky.
Geothermal mineral water comes from several springs at about 95°F (35°C) and cools further in the pools. You can choose from multiple soaking spots on the river's west and east sides. The pools on the east bank are smaller, while those on the west bank are bigger.
The west bank also has a warm mineral waterfall cascading down from a large pool to a smaller one. Water flows at about 3,000 liters per minute, so the water in those two pools remains well circulated and clear.
One of the smaller pools has a tiny waterfall running down the 45-degree slope, making it a natural waterslide for adults and kids.
Caution: To reach the west-bank springs, you must ford the river. Use extreme care, and never attempt to cross during high water—it can be very dangerous.
How to Get to Three Forks Hot Springs
Three Forks is not easy to get to, but it means you have a high chance of being the only soaker.
You will need a high-clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle to reach the springs. Most of your path will be a rough dirt road. The last 3 miles of your way will be even rougher with steep areas.
Many hot springs visitors leave their cars at the canyon rim and hike the final miles. The road becomes impassable during wet seasons, and even a four-wheel-drive can get stuck.
Remember, there is no cell phone reception in this area, and the nearest services are in Jordan Valley, 39 miles away.
Three Forks Hot Springs: Camping & Lodging
Three Forks Recreation Site, three miles away from the hot springs, offers 5 primitive camping sites, a vault toilet, and a boat lunch.
Since Three Forks Hot Springs sits in such a remote area, the nearest lodging is roughly 100 miles northeast in Caldwell, Idaho.
Three Forks Hot Springs | Facts
Best time: Late spring through early fall
Managed by: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Development: Wild
Amenities: None
Activities: Soaking, fishing, picnicking
Clothing: Optional
Distance from the parking: Up to 3 miles if your vehicle cannot make last miles
Road access: High clearance 4WD vehicle
Restrictions: No glass in the soaking pools
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 4,000 ft (1,219 m)
Three Forks Hot Springs is located:
- 39 miles south of Jordan Valley
- 121 miles southwest of Boise
- 175 miles southeast of Burns.
Water T° (source): 95°F (35°C)
Water T° (pools): Vary
Flow rate: Depends of the pool
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Three Forks Hot Springs
From Highway 95 at Jordan Valley,
- Take Highway 95 West for 16 miles
- At Three Forks and the Soldier Creek Watchable Wildlife Loop sign turn left
- Continue on a dirt road for 27 miles to the junction and then turn right
- After a few miles you will arrive to Owyhee Canyon rim edge, Three Forks Recreation Site will be underneath it
From Three Forks Recreation Site you can either hike to the Three Forks Hot Springs or drive if you have a high clearance 4WD
- From Three Forks Recreation Site Head southeast toward Fenwick Ranch Road
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto Fenwick Ranch Road and follow it for 0.6 miles
- Slight right onto Fields Creek Reservoir Road and follow it for 0.8 miles
- Turn right onto an unnamed road and proceed to your destination for 1.3 miles.
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