Hot Lake Springs – La Grande, Oregon | Mineral Pools and Hotel Accommodations

Known for its simplicity, the Lodge at Hot Lake Springs is a historic hotel located on Hot Lake Reservoir just outside of La Grande, Oregon. Purchased in 2020 by Michael and Tamarah Rysavy, the property has been fully renovated. Boasting stone, concrete, and brick pools as well as AC, a pub, and a movie theater, Hot Lake Springs has become a destination once more.

History

The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs opened as an expansive hotel featuring 105 guest rooms, a barbershop, a drug store, and a ballroom at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1917, the property was purchased and converted into the Hot Lake Sanitorium.

Original Photo of the Hot Lake Sanitarium — Original photo of the Hot Lake Sanitarium in La Grande, OR. Photo by: RoadSidePictures

The healing mineral water was used as a method of treatment for the hospital’s patients, making Hot Lake Sanitorium a leader in early western experimental medicine.

After the death of the property owner in 1931, the hospital faced a sharp decline spurred on by a fire in 1934 that destroyed a large portion of the building. Home to a variety of ventures before being officially abandoned in 1991, the hotel was featured on The Scariest Places on Earth, an ABC documentary series that features famously haunted locales in 2001.

Purchased in 2003 by David Manuel and slowly resorted to a bed and breakfast before once again being sold and renovated in 2020, the hotel features new amenities, updated pools, redesigned rooms, and the addition of AC.

Hot Spring Pools

Image of a hot spring pool at the Lodge at Hot Lake Springs in Oregon — Renovated hot spring pool. Photo: The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs

Hot Lake Springs features a wide variety of hot spring pools and soaking tubs situated around the edge of Hot Lake. There are 5 lakeside pools made of brick, concrete, and stone that are filled with geothermally-heated water. Interestingly enough, the position of the hotel allows it to be heated geothermally by the same water that is pumped into the pools.

Accommodations

Recently renovated, the rooms at Hot Lake Springs are simple and clean. Each room features a bed large enough for two people and a bathroom with a bathtub or shower. Linens and basic toiletries are provided, as well. Those staying overnight t the hotel do not need to purchase a soaking pass as it’s already included in your purchase.

New additions to the hotel include a movie theater, pub, geothermally heated pathway, and patio at the soaking area. Moreover, the owners have a goal to keep expanding, with a goal of adding multiple restaurants, another pub, conference space, spa services, a concert venue, and more soaking tubs.