Juntura Warm Spring 1
Juntura Warm Spring 1 emerges at 77°F with pH 9.0 in sodium-rich waters containing 59 mg/L sodium, 24 mg/L sulfate, and minimal calcium at 1.3 mg/L. The roadside spring sits 72 meters from pavement at 2,960 feet on BLM land near Vale with open public access.
The spring flows in basin and range country where sagebrush flats extend between low ridges under Vale Malheur Field Office management. This zone averages 53°F annually with just 11 inches of precipitation and 23 inches of snow, supporting sparse desert vegetation. Chukar Park lies 9 kilometers north where the North Fork Malheur River creates riparian habitat contrasting with surrounding arid uplands.
Federal surveys in the 1970s documented this spring as part of systematic thermal resource inventories across Oregon. The Juntura name references the nearby community that served as a supply point for ranching operations. The spring has remained undeveloped on public land, with BLM management maintaining open access under protection status 3 allowing extractive uses.
Access year-round from roads near Juntura, though winter conditions may complicate travel. The spring's roadside position eliminates hiking requirements. BLM land allows dispersed use; observe leave-no-trace principles. Chukar Park Campground provides primitive camping 9 kilometers north with 19 sites and 14-day limits. Bring all water for extended stays in this desert environment.
Is Juntura Warm Spring 1 worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Juntura Warm Spring 1 is alkaline (pH 9.0).
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Let the sounds of the babbling North Fork of the Malheur River lull you to sleep at one of the riverside campsites of Chukar Park Campground. This primitive facility offers 19 campsites, seven of which are situated along the shady, lush riparian vegetation. Popular as a base camp with birders, hunters and fishers as well as those venturing through along nearby highway 20, Chukar Park has campsites with partial shade and in full sun. Note that the high-standard, graded county road leading to t...