By

Unfortunately, Ritter Hot Springs has closed. It’s under construction for structural/safety repairs for an expected 2 years. Please visit some of Oregon’s other hot springs instead.

Previously only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year, Ritter Hot Springs in Long Creek, Oregon was a basic, seasonal hot spring resort characterized by a rich history dating back to the nineteenth century. It was not an upscale, fancy resort, but offered simple accommodations, beautiful views, and, most importantly, a variety of pools and tubs filled with healing mineral water.

History

Located in the middle of northeastern Oregon off U.S. Highway 395 in Grant County, Ritter Hot Springs was decidedly remote. The source that gives Ritter Hot Springs its natural mineral water was discovered by settlers in 1850.

Image of US highway 395 sign going towards John Day River in Oregon
Ritter Hot Springs is located off US Highway 395 in Oregon. Photo by: Ken Lund

In the decades after, the area flourished into a small community. The General Store, which was constructed in 1894, still stands, serving as evidence of the rich history of the site.

Natural Hot Spring Pools

Naturally heated mineral water continually flowed from a source located across the John Day River. A suspension bridge led guests across the river and towards the source and four old cement tubs. Water emerged from the source at 109°F before being piped to the four tubs and across the river to the main resort area.

The main pool of the resort was approximately forty feet by sixty feet, and it had a maximum depth of six feet. The constant 85° F water that flowed to this pool maintained sanitation requirements, so no water treatment was needed.

Image of the property at Ritter Hot Springs in Oregon
Take a soak or explore the property while visiting Ritter Hot Springs in eastern Oregon. Photo by: Eaglecap Backpack

Besides the tubs and large pool, Ritter Hot Springs also offered a primitive, riverside shower. Here, water streamed from a showerhead at high pressure, providing a relaxing back and neck massage. Additionally, there were conventional showers and restrooms in the changing area of the resort.

Day passes were available for the pool and tubs for visitors for a small fee who were not staying on the resort property.

Accommodations

The accommodations at Ritter Hot Springs followed suit with the rest of the resort: simple but comfortable. The on-site hotel contained eight rooms with a variety of different bed arrangements that shared a common bathroom.

For those hoping for more privacy, Ritter Hot Springs also offered two cabins. These accommodations featured two bedrooms and a sleeping loft, with a max occupancy of seven people. The cabins contained a full kitchen, and a private bathroom, and as a bonus, one of the cabins came with a private hot tub.

Finally, Ritter Hot Springs provided basic campsites for both tent and RV campers. There was no food available anywhere on the property, but there was a small kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator, freezer, and gas grill available for the resort’s guests.

Details

Address: Ritter Hot Spur Rd, Long Creek, Oregon 97856

Season: Closed indefinitely