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Juntura Hot Springs, located outside the tiny town of Juntura in eastern Oregon, is a primitive hot spring idyllically set on a small island in the Malheur River. Also known as Horseshoe Bend Hot Springs, this set of two mineral water pools is located at a sharp bend in the Malheur River.

The undeveloped spring is located 2 hours west of Boise, ID, and 3 hours east of Bend, OR.

Natural Hot Spring Pools

Image of Juntura Hot Springs steaming in winter
Open year-round, Juntutra Hot Springs is comprised of two pools. Photo by: Bachman Bay Kennels German Wirehaired Pointers

Geothermally heated mineral water emerges from a source located on the island at 115°F. This remarkably hot water fills the large, fifteen-by-thirty-foot pool that can comfortably fit over fifteen people.

Due to its proximity to the source, the pool is often too hot for soaking during the summer but in the winter this pool is a welcome respite from the cold. Luckily, a smaller pool also exists on the island and is much closer to the Malheur River, making it cool enough for use during the summer months.

Nearby Camping

There are a few areas suitable for camping in close proximity to the island. However, there are no amenities of any kind in the vicinity, so visitors must be prepared to be self-sufficient. While Juntura Hot Springs is typically not very crowded, it can sometimes be busy during the peak of hunting season.

Getting There

While the area is easily accessible off Highway 20, its location grants Juntura Hot Springs significant isolation from the highway. Due to the two natural pools being situated on an island, Juntura Hot Springs is only accessible when water levels are low enough to ford the river. Otherwise, especially during spring runoff, high river levels can make the crossing too dangerous.

Similarly, access to the springs is provided by dirt roads and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. During wet conditions and during winter, these roads are often impassable.

Juntura Hot Springs may be primitive but the relaxation that comes from soaking in hot, natural spring water on an island surrounded by beautiful views definitely makes this trip worth it.

Details

Address: Central Oregon Hwy (US-20 W), Juntura, Malheur County, Oregon 97911

GPS: N 43°46.565′ W 118°2.869′ | 43.7761, -118.0478

Season: Year-round; check weather conditions and water levels before visiting

Camping: Free; bring everything you may need and pack everything out