• Umpqua Hot Springs is situated on a cliff perch above the river canyon
• Colorful travertine deposit is made by high-mineral water
Umpqua Hot Springs is one of the many geothermal mineral springs of the Cascade Mountains, yet it is one of the most beautiful. The hot springs pools are situated on the cliff perch, facing a canyon of the North Umpqua River.
It is unclear how exactly the Native Americans, who settled along the river bank hundreds of years ago, shared the hot springs. We now know what at least four tribal groups used to live separately along the river, but all conflicts between tribes were put aside when they came to the hot springs for healing and spiritual purposes.
Some visitors say these springs are slightly harder to find due to more turn-offs having to be taken. However, if you follow the signs that are provided and you will get there easily. There is a short 0.3 miles walk-up between the parking area and the springs; though it is a bit steep and can be slippery. So, use appropriate shoes.
Natural mineral water emerges from an active fault at a temperature up to 115 degrees. Slightly acidic geothermal water with a high mineral concentration (8,000 ppm), builds the colorful travertine deposits.
There are eight pools of different sizes. Water temperatures range from 100°F to 108°F. The sheltered pool, 6 by 6 feet in diameter and 2 feet in depth, has wooden beams as walls with a large opening at one side. The hot water is transferred by the hose. If the water is too hot, it can be cooled by diverting the hose.
Other smaller pools cascade down the hillside. The further down to the river, the cooler water in the pool. On the riverbank, there is one more pool nestled inside of a colorful travertine grotto.
Be careful, when moving between pools, as the cliff is covered by mineral deposits and it is very slippery.
There are a few hiking trails that pass and come quite close to Umpqua Hot Springs.
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Umpqua Hot Springs | General Description
Open: Year-round from sunrise to sunset; the gate can be closed due to snow or road conditions
Managed: US Forest Service
Location: Umpqua National Forest
Development: Undeveloped, sheltered pool
Services: No services, pit toilet
Activities: Soaking, hiking, fishing, rafting
Accommodations: Camping is not permitted near the trailhead; the campground at the Toketee Lake
Clothing: Optional
Distance from the parking: 0.3 miles
Road Access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes
Popularity: Moderate
Elevation: 2,640 ft (805 m)
Umpqua Hot Springs is located:
- 63 miles east of Roseburg
- 121 miles southwest of Bend
- 130 miles southeast of Eugene.
Water T° (source): 115°F (46°C)
Water T° (pools): 100°F (38°C) to 115°F (46°C)
Water acidity level: Weak acidic (pH=6.37)
Type of the springs: Sodium Chloride Carbonated
Flow rate: 20 l/min
Chemical used: None
Average dissolved solids: 8,000 Mg/L
Chloride - 3,500 Mg/L
Sodium - 2,400 Mg/L
Carbonate -1,380 Mg/L
Calcium - 340 Mg/L
Sulfate - 190 Mg/L
Silica - 90 Mg/L
Potassium - 63 Mg/L
Magnesium - 41 Mg/L
Boron - 2.4 Mg/L
Fluoride - 1.5 Mg/L
Iron - 0.01 Mg/L
Adventures Nearby
From Roseburg,
- Drive 68 miles east on OR-138 to Toketee-Rigdon RD (Forest Road 34)
- Turn left at milepost 58.4 onto FR 34
- Turn left across the concrete bridge and continue 2.2 miles onto North Umpqua Road and Basket Buttle Road to Forest Road 3401
- Turn right onto FR 3401 and drive 0.7 miles to a parking area on the left.
From the trailhead at the parking area, cross the footbridge over the river to the trail. Turn right, walk 0.1 miles to a junction, then turn to the right, and, finally, start climbing for 0.2 miles on a steep narrow trail.
GPS (Hot Springs): N 43°17.811' W 122°21.822' | 43.2968, -122.3637
GPS (Trailhead): N 43°17.602' W 122°21.905' | 43.293361, -122.365083
Lauren S. Forcella. "Geochemistry of Thermal and Mineral Waters in the Cascade Mountains of Western North America". 1981
USDA Forest Service. fs.usda.gov