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A short uphill offshoot along the Hot Springs segment of the almost 80-mile-long North Umpqua Trail takes you to a cozy, bird's-eye perch above the river where you can soak in 108-degree water.
While the springs make a great resting spot for those hiking the North Umpqua Trail, the easiest access is from the day use parking area. From the parking area, you'll immediately cross a bridge, which was built in 2010, and continue your uphill hike.
After a few minutes on the trail you will see the roof of the wooden shelter that protects the main pool from the elements. Fed by a garden hose that sources hot water from the spring beneath the hillside, this tub is approximately 3 feet deep and will comfortably fit several people. Six smaller and shallower pools that have been carved out of the hillside sit just to the right of the main pool and are terraced down toward the river. The water from the upper pools flows through channels to the lower ones, which means that the higher pools are both warmer and cleaner.
As you relax atop the 150-foot high mineral deposit, you'll have an elevated view of the North Umpqua River as well as a glimpse of Surprise Falls across the way. You can also take a cooling dip in the river by scrambling down the orange hill or at numerous points along the return hike. Backcountry camping in the area along the river and near the bridge has been shut down by the Forest Service as of spring 2016 due, among many factors, to excessive amounts of refuse, including human waste left by campers.
Logistics + Planning
Congestion
Moderate
Parking Pass
General Day Use Fee
Pros
Great views of the North Umpqua River from a warm perch. Short access.
Overflowing trash cans at the parking area. Graffiti on the bridge across the river. I decided to hike the other section of trail towards Columnar Falls, but I could tell exactly where the hot springs were because I could hear a group of people yelling. Looking up, there was a crowd of people standing around the pools. I'm not sure why people like to come here. Hope the road is closed or the bridge goes out again.
From seeing the condition of the hot springs, I think having to hike the 2 miles gives the springs a chance to recover from the heavy usage during the warmer months. The covered pool is pretty dirty, with a low flow unable to keep the water clear. The other pools were cleaner as the water flowed quick enough to change the pools out every hour or so. We were by ourselves, so we had a great time.
There were also a lot of discarded trash and clothes from a lot of inconsiderate people who have never picked up after themselves. We carried out a bag of trash when we left.
Please practice LNT or TREAD Lightly when visiting these sites before they are closed to the public again.
the winter may be the best time to visit, the water in cleaner and the pools are significantly less crowded, plus the snow covered views are amazing. You will have a hike 2 miles out in the winter as the road is closed due to snow but it is totally worth it!
Comments
There were also a lot of discarded trash and clothes from a lot of inconsiderate people who have never picked up after themselves. We carried out a bag of trash when we left.
Please practice LNT or TREAD Lightly when visiting these sites before they are closed to the public again.
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