Hot Springs

Harney County, Oregon · Near Hines
42.3380°N, 118.6020°W · 4,083 ft
207°F 46°F air · Good soaking weather 4,083 ft Unknown Short Walk NGO Camping nearby (22.9 mi)
Dangerously Hot, Not Safe for Soaking

Hot Springs reaches 207°F, far above safe soaking levels. Contact with this water will cause severe burns. Look for cooled downstream pools or view from a safe distance only.

Listed only as Hot Springs, this is thermal water at Borax Lake in Harney County, far from anywhere; Hines, the nearest town on file, is close to ninety miles off. The water is scalding, near boiling, and the ground is held by a nonprofit under a private conservation designation. Public access is recorded as unknown. Nobody should plan a soak here.

Location

Borax Lake Road ends about nine tenths of a mile short, so there is a walk across flat desert at roughly four thousand feet. Snow is light, under two feet, and rain is scarce. The land owner is listed as an NGO and the unit as Borax Lake, with a conservation designation attached.

Winter months are listed best, December through February. South Steens Campground, twenty-three miles away, is the closest camping on record. The water is hot enough to kill, so keep to firm ground and away from any pool edge. Since access is unknown and the land is private conservation ground, find out from the owner before visiting. A photo exists on the record.

Monthly Climate
31°
Jan
35°
Feb
42°
Mar
49°
Apr
58°
May
68°
Jun
79°
Jul
78°
Aug
67°
Sep
53°
Oct
40°
Nov
30°
Dec
Annual Precip: 9.4 in Annual Snow: 21.0 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 30°F · Water 207°F · +177° contrast
January Air 31°F · Water 207°F · +176° contrast
February Air 35°F · Water 207°F · +172° contrast
December offers 49°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
46°F
SW 29.0 mph 96% Good soaking weather
Labor Day 71° Low 40° Sunny
Spring is +136° warmer
Tuesday 78° Low 44° Sunny
Spring is +129° warmer
Wednesday 82° Low 51° Mostly Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +125° warmer
Thursday 87° Low 55° Mostly Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +120° warmer
Friday 84° Low 55° Sunny 5% precip
Spring is +123° warmer
Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Camping
South Steens Campground 22.9 mi away

Overview:South Steens Campground is located in the heart of Steens Mountain. Visitors will find picnic tables and grills at 36 family campsites amid juniper and sage. The equestrian site, designed specifically for horse users, is directly adjacent to the family campground. Recreational stock (horses, mules, llamas, goats, etc.) are not allowed in the family portion of South Steens Campground, but are welcome and comfortable at 15 equestrian sites complete with tie posts and small corrals.Know...

Stay limit 14 Days
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
207°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 207°F (97°C)
Avg Air Temp 53°F
Above Ambient +154°F
Access
Unknown
Road Access Short Walk
Nearest Road Borax Lake Road
Distance to Road 0.9 mi
Land
Ownership Non-Profit
Agency NGO
Designation PCON
Unit Borax Lake
Manager NGO
Protection 1 - Permanent protection, natural state
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Hot Springs?
Hot Springs has a water temperature of 207°F (97°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hot Springs located?
Hot Springs is located in Harney County, Oregon at 4,083 feet elevation, near Hines. Coordinates: 42.3380°N, 118.6020°W.
How do I get to Hot Springs?
Hot Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Borax Lake Road (0.9 mi from the road).
Is Hot Springs free to visit?
Hot Springs has Unknown access. It is managed by NGO.
Can I camp near Hot Springs?
Yes, South Steens Campground is located nearby (22.9 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Hot Springs?
No, not at the source. The water at Hot Springs reaches 207°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.
Sources: USGS NWIS