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Set directly on the bank of the Owyhee River, just nineteen miles outside of Nyssa, Oregon, Snively Hot Springs is a large but quaint man-made hot spring pool boasting 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.

Hot Springs

Water emerges from the source located three hundred feet away at a shocking temperature of nearly 190° F before cascading through a ditch towards the man-made pool.

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.

Image of the Lower Owyhee Canyon, home to the Snively Hot Springs in Oregon
Visit the Lower Owyhee Canyon, in Oregon to soak in the Snively Hot Springs. Photo by: BLM Oregon and Washington

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.

Image of the Snively Hot Springs in the Lower Owyhee Canyon in Oregon
Visitors can choose the spot in the river that they think feels the best temperature-wise. Photo by: BLM Oregon and Washington

The pool is located on the Bureau of Land Management’s, 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. In order to have the best chance of solitude at the springs, it is best to avoid visiting on the weekend and on 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 | 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