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Summary: Everything you need to know to visit Umpqua Hot Springs in Oregon, where to stay, nearby hikes, parking and more. *I use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Thanks for your support! 

Land Acknowledgement: Tribes of Cow Creek Umpqua and Molalla. Find what Native Land you are visiting by using the app Native Land!

COVID UPDATE: This location may be temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Check the National Forest Website HERE for updates.

What’s the Deal with Umpqua Hot Springs?

This is by far the most asked location I have received messages about since the start of my Instagram account. It is very easy to find online and becoming very well known, but I wanted to give you all the ins and outs of having the best possible trip there. Make sure to read all the way to the end about things I did not expect.

Umpqua Hot Springs is in the Umpqua National Forest of Oregon. It consists of terraced geothermal pools that can reach temps of up to 105 F degrees. Are you sold yet?? Let’s get to the details!

Getting to Umpqua Hot Springs

• Distance from Seattle: 6.5 hours
• Distance from Portland: 4 hours
• Distance from San Francisco: 7.5 hours

I recommend routing to Umpqua Hot Springs Trailhead in Google Maps or use the navigation system in All Trails to find the exact trailhead location.

There is a small Day Use parking lot that has vault toilets. Bring your own toilet paper just in case!

As always practice LEAVE NO TRACE! And bring the 10 hiking essentials to ensure yours and others safety!

Park Fees

The Northwest Forest pass is required here. If you have the National Park pass – America the Beautiful, this will also cover you!

There was no kiosk to purchase these passes at Sparks Lake. I recommend securing a pass before. You can purchase a day pass for $5 online and print it off HERE.

Outside of the parking pass, there is no fee. This is a first come, first serve spot with no regulations from rangers or staff. Most people respect your privacy and wait their turn if all the pools are full.

The Trail to the Hot Springs!

The trail to get to the hot springs is very short and relatively easy! However, that did not stop me from falling haha! I recommend having good shoes even though it is a short trek. Reference my footwear guide HERE if needed!

• Length of trail: .8 miles out and back trail
• Elevation: 305 ft elevation gain
• Dogs allowed on leash

Best Time of Year and Day to Visit Umpqua Hot Springs in Oregon

Best Time of Year for Hot Springs in Oregon

Maybe it’s just me, but I LOVE a hot spring in the winter. You get the mystical steam coming off the water, maybe a dusting of snow, or maybe a few FEET of snow. It makes the hot springs that much more enjoyable and also decreases crowds SIGNIFICANTLY.

I have gone in December and early January of different years and had a great experience each time. I’d recommend early winter as the road to get to the trailhead has the potential to close in more severe winter conditions, and would increase your hike in by a few miles.

Best Time of Day

Hands down – you need to go at sunrise. I knowwww it’s so early sometimes, but I promise you this is the only way you’ll have a chance at getting the place to yourself for a moment or sharing it with only a few other people. Finding camping nearby can make it easier to get up early! Read further for camping recommendations!

Things I Wish I Would Have Known for My First Visit!

• Bring a trash bag and gloves. The area unfortunately tends to be littered with garbage. Budget some extra time to clean up the area for your safety (being potentially barefoot! and also to respect the place and improve your pictures!)
• Expect Nudity. Each time I have been to the hot springs there has been nudity. It is perfectly acceptable, but everyone has different comfort levels!
• The upper pools are the warmest. The rest of the pools are fed from the water in the upper pool, so as you go closer to the river, the pools get colder.
• Bring a waterproof bag. I was trying to find a place to hang my bag so it wouldn’t get soaked with my camera and dry clothes inside!! See the Shop my Look section below for recommendations!
• Bring LOOSE PANTS! It is such a pain trying to get skin tight leggings on over wet skin. See my shopping guide at the end of this post for my recommendation.
• Respect the Area! This place is so so fragile and susceptible to erosion. In the year between my visits, one of the pools is no longer holding water due to human impact. Review the Leave No Trace principles before going!

Where to Stay Near Umpqua Hot Springs

Camping Options:

• Toketee Lake Campground – $10, 30 sites, first come first serve
• Lemolo Two Forebay – FREE!, 6 sites, 2 miles from trailhead
• Boulder Flat Campground – $10, 15 sites, 2 miles from trailhead

Cabin Options:

I found some incredible Airbnb’s nearby that I would love to go back and stay in! Check em out!

• North Umpqua River Camp Cabin #8 – $59 a night
• Tiny Home XXL – $139 a night
• Glamping! Luxury Tent – Pioneer – $101 a night

Get $65 off your first Airbnb stay using my link HERE

Shop my Essentials for this Trip!

click the picture below to shop!

Nearby Attractions:

• Toketee Falls
• Watson Falls Hike
• Warm Springs Falls
• Lemolo Falls

Make it a Road Trip!

Pin for Later!

For more Oregon travel inspo check out my blogs:

• Sparks Lake Photography Guide
• Smith Rock State Park