Situated in the middle of the expansive Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge in Plush, Oregon, Hart Mountain Hot Springs, also known as the Antelope Hot Springs, is a primitive area featuring two hot spring pools and a sizeable campground. Although rustic, these naturally occurring springs are sure to relax you and can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Hot Spring Pools
Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground features two geothermally heated pools. The main pool is surrounded by a small stone wall and a concrete deck. Approximately six people can fit in this pool, and the water sits a little above 100°F, making it the perfect temperature for extended soaks.
Despite the concrete deck, this pool is still primitive. The bottom is not solid and often feels uneven and slimy. There are also no seats in this pool, so visitors must either float or hold onto the ladder used for entering and exiting.
In addition to this primary pool, the area features another, more simple pool. This second pool is smaller, and the water is slightly warmer. It does not feature any sort of surrounding or deck, but it’s shallow along the edge, making sitting in the pool much easier. From this pool, visitors can see a fantastic view of the nearby Hart Mountain.
Note: There are no additional amenities in the area besides basic pit-toilets.
When to Visit
Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground is best enjoyed in the spring and fall. These seasons typically sees fewer visitors, and the temperatures are not as extreme. Summer can be a nice time to enjoy the hot springs, but the area is often much more crowded and the mosquitoes can be troublesome. Though the campground and hot springs remain open year-round, the roads often become impassable during winter.
Campground
For those hoping to extend their stay at the springs, Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground features a basic, first-come, first-served campground with thirty sites. There is no fee for using these sites and reservations cannot be made in advance, but guests are able to stay for up to 14 nights.
The campground is very basic; there are no facilities besides a few pit-toilets, so campers must be prepared to bring all items that they plan on using during their stay. Additionally, there are no fire rings, but campfires are allowed as long as there are no local fire restrictions in place. However, gathering firewood is strictly prohibited, so visitors have to bring in any firewood they plan on using.
Note: Dogs are allowed in the area, but they must be leashed, and they are not allowed in the hot spring pools.
Getting There
As is expected with an area this remote, access can be tricky. Most of the roads in the Antelope Refuge are gravel, which significantly increases the length of time it takes to go from place to place. Additionally, there is no cell service in the area.
- From Lakeview, take Highway 140 north.
- Follow the road through a junction where it turns east.
- About 4.6 miles down, turn right and drive to the turnoff for Hart Mountain and Plush.
- Another 15.8 miles down, turn left onto Country Road 313.
- Drive 18.8 miles further to a crossroads in Plush.
- Turn left here and continue to Country Road 3-12.
- Turn right and drive another 13.4 miles as the road turns to gravel.
- When you come across the refuge headquarters, take a right
- Drive to the turnoff for the bathhouse at the hot springs, 4.1 miles down.
- Turn right and drive on a rough dirt road to the parking lot by the springs.
Details
Address: Plush, OR 97637
Season: Year-Round | Roads can be impassible during the winter due to snow
Admission: Free
GPS: N 42°30.103′, W 119°41.391′ | 42.501715, -119.689842
Umpqua Hot Springs – Idleyld Park, Oregon