Soak in Alvord Hot Springs

Alvord Hot Springs at the base of Steens Mountain deep in the heart of the eastern Oregon Wilderness is a hidden gem, known mostly to climbing enthusiasts and the ambitious adventurer willing to drive the nearly 4 hours from Boise, Bend, or 2.5 hours from the nearest town of any size, Winnemucca in Nevada. The final hour and change, regardless of direction, requires traversing the sporadically maintained Fields-Denio gravel road.

The hot spring itself, while surrounded by public land, is technically private and charges $5 per person for 24 hours of access, though depending on the time of day you arrive it's a bit of a honor system. Overnight camping with access can be had for $20 or you can drive down to the Alvord Desert playa and camp for free on public lands. There is a shower on site.

The spring itself surfaces at roughly 185 degrees but the clever piping system allows visitors to control the flow of water into the two pools, one which is open to the outdoors and the other largely enclosed. There is a changing area and a private shower. It is clothing optional.

Easy access to the Steens Mountain trail system can be had from the Springs or you can take the epic Steens Mountain Loop to the summit.

Be sure to fill up on gas in Fields or Denio, as either stations can be without fuel and the springs are quite remote.