# Borax Lake (Hot Lake), Oregon

Borax Lake (Hot Lake) in Oregon. 97°F (36°C). Short Walk · Public Land. Harney County.

- Page: https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/oregon/borax-lake-hot-lake
- Source: Soaking Springs, researched and maintained by Armen Suny
- Updated: 2026-09-14

## Can you soak at Borax Lake (Hot Lake)?

The water leaves the ground at 97°F, a comfortable soaking temperature. It's a short walk from the road. We haven't confirmed whether it has a pool or charges a fee.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Source water temperature | 97°F (36°C) (USGS record; developed pools are often cooled) |
| Elevation | 4,083 ft |
| Access | Short Walk · Public Land, 0.5 mi from the nearest road (Borax Lake Road) |
| Land | Borax Lake, NGO |
| County | Harney County |
| Nearest town | Hines |
| Coordinates | 42.32700, -118.60200 |
| Best months to soak | January, December, February (largest gap between water and average air temperature) |
| Nearest campground | South Steens Campground, 23.7 mi |

## About Borax Lake (Hot Lake)

Borax Lake, also called Hot Lake, is in Harney County, Oregon, about eighty eight miles from Hines. The water measured 97 degrees, soaking warm. The land is held by a nongovernmental organization as a conservation property, and public access is listed as unknown. A photograph is on file. The USGS has it in its list of thermal waters.

Borax Lake Road passes within about half a mile, so reaching the lake is a short walk across conservation land at around forty one hundred feet. A desert basin: little rain, a light dusting of snow. South Steens Campground, about twenty four miles off, is the nearest camping listed.

The rankings favor January, with December and February close behind. The water is soaking warm. Access is unknown and the land is a private conservation holding, so contact the owner before visiting. South Steens is the camping option.

## Nearby

- Nearest city page: [Hot springs near Hines](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/near/oregon/hines), 15 mi away
- State page: [Hot springs in Oregon](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/oregon)
- [Hot Springs, OR](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/oregon/hot-springs-harney-county): 207°F source, Short Walk, near Hines, Harney County
- [Unnamed thermal spring, OR](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/oregon/unnamed-spring-harney-county-3): 90°F source, Short Walk, near Hines, Harney County
- [Flagstaff Butte Hot Spring, OR](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/oregon/flagstaff-butte-hot-spring): 126°F source, Roadside, near Winnemucca, Humboldt County
- [Alvord Hot Springs, OR](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/oregon/alvord-hot-springs): 174°F source, Short Walk, near Hines, Harney County
- [Unnamed thermal spring, OR](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/oregon/unnamed-spring-humboldt-county-4): 100°F source, Short Walk, near Winnemucca, Humboldt County
- [Mickey Springs, OR](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/oregon/mickey-springs): 187°F source, Short Walk, near Hines, Harney County

## Questions

**What is the water temperature at Borax Lake (Hot Lake)?**
Borax Lake (Hot Lake) has a water temperature of 97°F (36°C). This is a warm thermal spring.

**Where is Borax Lake (Hot Lake) located?**
Borax Lake (Hot Lake) is located in Harney County, Oregon at 4,083 feet elevation, near Hines. Coordinates: 42.3270°N, 118.6020°W.

**How do I get to Borax Lake (Hot Lake)?**
Borax Lake (Hot Lake) has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Borax Lake Road (0.5 mi from the road).

**Is Borax Lake (Hot Lake) free to visit?**
Borax Lake (Hot Lake) has Unknown access. It is managed by NGO.

**Can I camp near Borax Lake (Hot Lake)?**
Yes, South Steens Campground is located nearby (23.7 miles away).

## Sources

- USGS thermal springs records, Water Quality Portal lab analyses, OpenStreetMap, Wikipedia/Wikidata, NOAA climate normals