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Guide to Umpqua Hot Springs in Oregon

ByAgnes Stabinska Updated on
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Umpqua Hot Springs in Oregon is one of our favorites. Natural hot springs are addictive. Once you soak yourself in their warmth, especially in the beautiful scenery, you want to experience more and more hot pools. Umpqua Hot Springs in Oregon was the first thermal pool of water in the US. Since then, during our road trips, we have tried to check all the hot springs on the way. Umpqua is one of the best Oregon hot springs, for sure. Moreover, clothing in this place is optional. So, what should you know before soaking in thermal pools? How to get there? How to prepare for the hike to Umpqua Hot Springs & what to bring? We share all the necessary hints based in our personal experiences.

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.
Umpqua Hot Springs during fall with yellow and orange leaves on trees.
Table of Contents show

What is Umpqua Hot Springs?

Umpqua Hot Springs, aka Toketee Hot Springs, is one of Oregon’s most photographed hot springs locations.

This set of 7 geothermal pools sits right on the edge of a rock face, spilling 108-degree water into the North Umpqua River below. The view is breathtaking. It’s truly worth adding Umpqua Hot Springs to the Pacific Northwest bucket list! So, check out our essential tips for visiting Umpqua Hot Springs in Oregon.

Where is Umpqua Hot Springs?

Umpqua Hot Springs is located in the central Oregon Cascades in the middle of Umpqua National Forest between Roseburg at the west and Bend on the east. The closest town is Glide.

These natural hot springs are a welcome stop on the 79-mile North Umpqua Trail, open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riding. Other attractions in the area are Toketee Falls, Surprise Falls, and Misty Grotto Falls.

Our Experiences

My partner, Chris, and I went hiking in the fall to visit Umpqua hot springs. Despite the rainy and foggy weather, the hike was made all the more magical by the season’s beautiful red, gold, and orange leaves.

We spent almost the entire day enjoying the hot springs, taking breaks only for walks around the area to avoid harming our bodies by staying too long in the hot water. Since it was already late fall, there were few tourists, and the atmosphere was particularly pleasant.

We’d like to share our observations and photos from our trip with you. This place looks slightly different every season, and we highly recommend visiting.

Umpqua Hot Springs Directions

Situated 150 feet over the North Umpqua River and close to Crater Lake National Park, it is perfect for a stop during your epic Oregon road trip.

  • From Roseburg: it is about 60 miles east of Roseburg. You must take OR-138 east/northeast Diamond Lake Boulevard. Continue east on Highway 138 and turn left at milepost 59 onto Forest Road 34. At the bottom of the hill, turn left across the concrete bridge. Go 2.2 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 3401. Proceed 0.7 miles to a parking area on the left.
Agnes Stabinska, the author, is soaking in Umpqua Hot Springs and admiring views.

Umpqua Hot Springs Trailhead

GPS coordinates are Latitude 43.2956 N, Longitude -122.3613 W.
The elevation is 2,600 feet. The road to the Umpqua Hot Springs trailhead parking lot is dirt and gravel, full of potholes, so drive carefully.

The car park is small, with space for 10 vehicles, so it’s better to arrive early in the morning to find a spot. The fee is $5 per vehicle/day or Northwest Forest Pass.
Remember to pay a $5 parking fee. Take cash and a pen. This is a day-use-only area.

Umpqua Hot Springs is year-round accessible unless there are dangers, such as fires.

Umpqua Hot Springs Contact

PROTIP: Before going, check the official Umpqua National Forest website to see if the area is open. The road might temporarily be closed due to bad weather conditions or threats like wildfires. You can also call the Toketee Ranger Station at +1 541-498-2531 to check if the area is accessible.
The gate to Umpqua is often closed during the winter season, so you must add 1.5 miles to reach the trailhead leading to the hot springs.

There is only a composting toilet, two campsites, and picnic tables near the parking area. Garbage disposal is limited, so pack all your trash with you. The place becomes increasingly popular every year, so it can be crowded.

Unfortunately, some people do not clean up after themselves. Don’t forget the garbage bags. So leave no trace and protect this amazing place.

No drinking water is available, so bring plenty of water with you.

Hike to Umpqua Hot Springs

If you want to enjoy the serenity of the hike, start it early in the morning. It’s about 25 minutes to reach the hot springs from the parking lot. The scenery will be magical due to the fog above the hot pools. When you get to the trailhead, you cross the bridge and venture through the deep woods.

You must cross the footbridge over the North Umpqua River to the trail. Then, turn right and proceed 0.1 miles to a junction. Turn to the right and start to climb a steep trail for 0.2 miles.

Hiking poles are handy in this area because it is humid, slippery, and muddy. You should wear shoes with a good grip or a waterproof climbing sandal that will allow you to immerse yourself in the hot springs later.

At the next fork, turn right and climb a narrow trail for 0.2 miles. Take the path leading uphill and to the left at the final fork. Look for the wooden shelter over the hot pool.

While steep, the hike is definitely short. It is a moderate quarter-mile hike one way, and it should take you 25 minutes to reach the pools.

However, when the gate is closed during winter, it is a 2-mile hike one way.

Clothing is Optional in Umpqua Hot Springs, Oregon

The key to pure relaxation is not being surprised. So, you should know that the place is clothing-optional. You have to be prepared that people in the hot springs might be naked or part-naked. No one stares at you or snickers, and no one expresses surprise. People come here to relax and enjoy nature and breathtaking scenery.

Nudity is something familiar, and folks in Umpqua Hot Springs want to feel this pure nature in all their senses. So, expect plenty of nudity. If you decide to stay in a swimsuit, it’s also okay.

It is acceptable, so go with whichever makes you comfortable. Just relax, feel free to make your own decisions, and respect others. Go with a sense of humor and appreciation for nature.

What to Pack to Umpqua Hot Springs?

  • Enter the water in water shoes or waterproof hiking sandals. It’s slippery and dangerous there.
  • Bring a waterproof bag or backpack to store your mobile, documents, camera, and dry clothes! This area is naturally wet, and the area around the pools is even wetter.
  • Bring plenty of water to keep you hydrated. The pool water temperature can be 105-108 F, so be careful not to dehydrate.
  • Take some snacks. However, remember to take all the rubbish with you. So, pack a trash bag.
  • Don’t forget a quick-drying towel. You don’t want to catch a cold after getting out of hot water into cold air.
  • The temperature differences after leaving the hot pools are vast. Therefore, it is worth packing thermal underwear, dry clothes, and a pair of dry socks.
  • A hat and a scarf might be useful too.
  • If you go in autumn or winter, a thermos with hot coffee or tea will also be perfect when you finish your bath.

Soak in The Umpqua Hot Springs

The wooden shelter protects the main pool from the elements. The main pool, 3 feet deep, sources hot water from the spring beneath the hillside to the rest of the pools.

Six smaller and shallower pools are on the hillside. They are terraced down toward the river. The water from the upper pools flows through the lower ones, meaning the higher pools are warmer and cleaner.
The water temperature is 108 °F (42.°C)

On slopes and in cascades between pools, it is very slippery. It is easy to trip, so wear water shoes or waterproof hiking sandals with a good grip. Wearing proper shoes will also prevent you from accidentally stepping on broken glass or garbage.

Agnes Stabinska, the author, is soaking in Umpqua Hot Springs with the forest view.
rocks and trees around hot springs.

Umpqua Hot Springs Etiquette & Tips for Responsible Hikers

Leave No Trace in Umpqua Hot Springs

Respect this place and take away all your rubbish. Keep things clean. Irresponsible folks sometimes leave garbage, cans, and bottles. Be responsible and clean up.

Don’t leave any food waste, not even the banana peel. So, bring a trash bag and pick up left-behind trash. Don’t bring a glass. Broken glass in a pool can seriously injure someone.

Keep it Clean

Don’t use cosmetics in the pools—even the biodegradable kind. Don’t use soap or shampoo. Natural springs and connecting waterways cannot support cosmetics. So respect this.

Keep Quiet in Umpqua Hot Springs

People want to soak themselves in hot springs, relax, and admire nature. So, everyone should respect the serenity, and no one should be too loud.
Be nice to other people.

Be Open Minded

If you do not like nudity, choose other hot springs. Please do not comment on the appearance of other folks. Be respectful.  If you’re taking pictures, don’t photograph naked people.

The place has become popular, so you will probably share the pool with other visitors. If you want to be in the pool, try going there at dawn or in the low season.

Use a Pit Toilet

There are vault toilets available, so please use them. It is terrible and disgusting that folks leave their human waste somewhere else than toilets.

Take Care of Your Dog

You can take your dog on this hike as long as it is on a leash. When you get to the hot springs, you also have to keep it on a leash. Your dog should not disturb others relaxing in the pools.

Respect that not everyone wants to be friends with your pet. People hike here for serenity and to enjoy nature.
And most importantly, clean up after your dog.

Do Not Camp Next to Pools in Umpqua Hot Springs

Remember that this place is open from sunrise to sunset for day use only. Camping is forbidden because people destroyed the area and left trash. You can’t stay overnight at the parking lot, either. So, if you want to camp, choose the quiet and beautiful Toketee Lake Campground just four miles down the road.

TRIP TIP: Want to see and soak in more Oregon hot springs? Check out our posts about Alvord Hot Springs in the Oregon Desert and Crystal Crane Hot Springs. Or buy this amazing Touring Hot Springs Washington and Oregon!

Umpqua Hot Springs Lodging

Toketee Lake Campground

Toketee Lake Campground in the Umpqua National Forest is the only camping area near Umpqua Hot Springs. It is a dry campground with vault toilets and no electricity, so you must bring your own water.

There are 32 sites available by reservation only. The maximum vehicle length is 30 feet. The sites cost $10-15 per night. You can make a reservation at the Toketee Lake Campground website.

How to get there?

From Roseburg, OR, travel east on OR-138 East /NE Diamond Lake Boulevard for 59 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 34. Keep left at the bottom of the hill and cross the bridge. Proceed 1.5 miles to the campground entrance on the right.

Camping near Umpqua Hot Springs

We recommend Rising River RV Park in Roseburg if you need a campground with water, electricity, a dump, and other amenities. It is a friendly, family-run park on the bank above the Umpqua River. 

Another one is Seven Feathers RV Resort in Canyonville. It offers dining, wine-tasting tours, a spa, and a pool.
Another great camp is Diamond Lake.

Hotels near Umpqua Hot Springs

If you need a hotel, you will find the best offers in Roseburg, Bend/Sisters, and the Crater Lake National Park area.

Agnes Stabinska and Chris Labanowski, founders of The Van Escape blog, are soaking and relaxing in Umpqua Hot springs.

Oregon Hot Springs Map

Are you a fan of natural hot pools like us? Would you like to experience more hot springs? We like to immerse ourselves in their water, especially during the colder months. We often arrange our road trips in such a way as to reach as many hot springs as possible.

So, if you like hot springs too, we recommend the following books, which contain maps and detailed descriptions of directions to help you get to the hidden gems of Oregon’s forests and desert. These books help us plan our road trips.

So, Touring Hot Springs Washington and Oregon is a must-have for hot springs fans. It featured over forty of the best hot springs in the Pacific Northwest remote wilderness hot springs and spas. You will find detailed directions, maps, and descriptions of each hot pool.

The other one we love is Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest: A Guide to the Area’s Best Backcountry Hot Springs. Because it also describes hot springs in Idaho and British Columbia.

It lists over 162 unique hot springs and over 80 amazing hikes. It is a well-documented book with good descriptions, advice, and tips. With this guide, we still have dozens of places on our bucket list. So, if you want to find the best and hottest springs in the Pacific Northwest Region, this book is number one.

Agnes Stabinska, the author, hike to Umpqua Hot Springs
Umpqua River

If you’re planning a trip to Oregon, please check out some of the other great places we describe in related posts:

Are you a fan of hot springs? So, check out our favorite hot springs in Nevada: Spencer Hot Springs, and Arizona: Natural Arizona Hot Springs.

Agnes Stabinska, the author, is soaking in hot pools.
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Agnes Stabinska is a writer, photographer, and co-founder of The Van Escape. She loves wildlife, landscape photography, and outdoor adventures, especially hiking, camping, and exploring U.S. national parks. Although she has traveled to many countries for almost 20 years, her favorite places are Alaska, the American Southwest, and the Pacific Northwest, which she often visits and explore with her partner, Chris. Their travel tips, itineraries, and recommendations will help you get away from it all and plan a wonderful vacation.

203 Comments

  1. The hot springs look like a great way to explore nature! I love that they are clothing optional so that you can really get close to nature and be able to enjoy it at its best. I don’t know if I would be able to do it myself, but I can certainly see why one would want to! I’m sure it is the perfect reward after hiking out there. Great tips on visiting the hot springs, I think many people fail to think about things such as the Leave No Trace policy, but it is so important. I will have to check out the books, I would to take a hot springs road trip. 

    Reply

  2. We do love to visit hot springs. You are right, they do become quite addicted.  A great way to relax after a busy day travelling.  I must admit I had to pause when I read it was both a clothing optional hot spring and one of the most photographed in Oregon! Maybe good that there is fog early in the day?  Definitely looks like my kind of place.  

    Reply

  3. I honestly was not aware of these springs. But they seem perfect. The picturesque settings of course, is the main attraction but the perfect temperature definitely adds to it. Your tips are much appreciated -starting with the car park fee per day to the hiking trails. Definitely makes it easy for someone to plan a trip there. 

    Reply

  4. Yes, I agree with that hot springs are addictive. It has been a while since we last visited one so, it would be really nice to visit Umpqua. It is nice to know that there are accommodations available. 
    Thank you for sharing these tips and information. I agree that it’s worth to pack thermal underwear. Appreciate the reminder. Saving this post for future reference. 

    Reply

  5. Omg! This place looks amazing! I literally had to check it out on Google Maps ASAP! Looks like we were quite close to it on Labor Day weekend when we visited Crater Lake. We didn’t have much time then though and the smoke from the fires was getting pretty thick. We are in California and we also have some hot springs here. We also visited some in Utah. I just love love love hot springs, and especially if there is no one else around… ha ha. It’s like a nature pool just for yourself. Thanks for telling me about this one. 

    Reply

  6. I agree. Natural hotsprings are indeed addictive. Oh wow. You sold it to me the moment you said  7 geothermal pools sit right on the edge of a rock face!!!! Thats just too tempting. I need to visit here. Thanks for the tip about needing to take paper map. Interesting to know that its a clothing optional place. Indeed a visit to this place means respecting fellow humans (which is necessary even otherwise). Thanks for introducing this amazing place to me. 

    Reply

  8. I always think of hot springs as something that you can only do in Iceland, it’s really awesome to know that an option for relaxing in nature exists in my own country. I love your list of things to consider, especially your bit about being mindful of where you are snapping a photo. Your photos and open mindedness are absolutely beautiful!

    Reply

  9. The Umpqua hot spring pools seem like the ultimate relaxation pick, in the wild environs! I like the tips you have shared in this post, hiking up to here early morning and catching the fog over the hot springs would be totally worth it. I’m getting major travel fomo with this post, and yearn for such a treat, more so it being a Friday today haha! Love this post, so cool you have such treats close to your hometown. 

    Reply

  10. I know natural springs are very relaxing and addictive. It is always great to soak into nature’s beauty and feel the peace and get rejuvenate.  I agree we should always respect nature but cleaning there and not disturbing others. Keeping quiet is the best thing to absorb the nature vibes. Wow I loved you and your partner’s photo in spring and gazing out the peaceful stream. 

    Reply

  12. This looks like such a beautiful spot! I have only been to Oregon once before as we did a road trip down the coast, but I would love to go back and visit here as there is so much more to see 🙂 I have never soaked in natural hot springs before!

    Reply

  13. This is SO amazing.  I’ve only been in one actual hotspring and that was in Costa Rica.  I love this one as it over-looks the edge and it seems like it’s more one with nature.

    Reply

  14. I can see the real freedom you are enjoying in there! Hot springs must be a fantastic activity to do, now that the days are getting cooler. Seeing this post, It really makes me want to dip myself in to a pool or hot spring. 

    Reply

  15. I like the way you highlighted the hot spring etiquettes, most of the people are very judgemental and it is very hurtful. And also I find people super loud at these places, which irritates me a lot. Very well compiled piece.

    Reply

  18. I love natural hot springs! I had no idea these ones existed in Oregon. Once the borders open up again I’ll be sure to go and check them out 🙂 

    Reply

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