About Whitehorse Hot Springs
Whitehorse Hot Springs, also known as Willow Hot Spring, offers a rare blend of vast desert vistas and soothing thermal waters. Perched on a low butte in Oregon, this primitive hot spring reveals endless skies and sagebrush as far as the eye can see, creating a serene and expansive atmosphere. Its two natural pools provide a peaceful soak without the distractions of modern amenities.
Getting There
You reach Whitehorse Hot Springs via a 30-mile drive down a rugged dirt road that challenges your sense of adventure but requires no hiking. Parking is very limited near the pools, so arriving early helps secure a spot. The remote setting means you’ll feel truly off the grid, surrounded by untouched landscape typical of Oregon swimming holes.
What to Expect
The upper pool warms to about 105°F, its clear water settling over a soft sandy bottom, while the lower pool is cooler and cloudier, inviting quieter relaxation. The absence of sulfur odor and lack of crowds make it a tranquil experience. Facilities are minimal—just a vault toilet maintained by the BLM—and the area welcomes informal camping under open skies.
Tips for Visitors
Visit year-round for the full range of desert moods, but bring plenty of water as the spring isn’t drinkable. Pack light but be prepared for the primitive conditions: no showers, no trash service, and limited parking. There’s no fee or strict rules, but leave no trace to help preserve this raw, natural oasis among Oregon’s hot springs.