Set directly on the bank of the Owyhee River, nineteen miles outside of Nyssa, Oregon, Snively Hot Springs is a large but quaint man-made hot spring pool. It boasts beautiful views of the picturesque Owyhee River Canyon.
Snively Hot Springs is open year-round, but the pool can sometimes become submerged during the spring. Water emerges from the source located three hundred feet away at a shocking temperature of nearly 190° F before cascading through a ditch toward the man-made pool.
Mineral Hot Springs
The pool is sizeable, and it is composed of big river stones built up to hold back the flow of the river and create a large, stagnant pool. The man-made pool measures nearly twenty feet across and is over three feet deep in some locations.
Due to this impressively large size, the water temperature varies greatly throughout the pool. This interesting feature of Snively Hot Springs allows soakers to find an area with the perfect temperature.
To find a cooler temperature, simply move closer to the river. Likewise, warmer temperatures can be found closer to the source.
Similarly, visitors can make use of the nearby river for an invigorating session of hot/cold soaking therapy. Unlike the slimy, jagged bottom of most hot spring pools, Snively Hot Springs features smooth river stones, which promotes a much more comfortable experience.
Snively Hot Springs is readily accessible as there are two parking areas at the site as well as a basic pit toilet. Additionally, there is a small picnic area for lounging.
The pool is located on Bureau of Land Management property, and the area is closed from dusk to dawn, and camping and fires are prohibited.
Due to its accessible nature, Snively Hot Springs is very well-known and often crowded. To prevent the accumulation of dangerous litter that inevitably follows large crowds, the BLM has banned the use of glass bottles in the area within thirty feet of the pool. To have the best chance of solitude at the springs, it is best to avoid visiting on the weekends and holidays.
Take a trip to the Snively Hot Springs to enjoy Oregon’s stunning scenic views while taking a nice relaxing soak.
Details
Address: Nyssa, Oregon 97913
Season: Year-round; however, pools submerge during the spring
Hours: Sunrise- Sunset | No camping allowed in the area
GPS: N 43°43.811′ W 117°12.208′ | 43.7302,-117.2035