Medical Hot Springs

Union County, Oregon · Near Union
45.0180°N, 117.6250°W · 3,523 ft
140°F 49°F air · Good soaking weather 3,523 ft Short Walk Camping nearby (9.4 mi)
Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution

At 140°F, the source water at Medical Hot Springs is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking. Always test the water temperature before entering.

Medical Hot Springs is a hot spring on the Medical Springs Highway in Union County, Oregon, about eighteen miles from Union. The water runs right at the line between hot and scalding. Neither ownership nor public access is recorded, so go in knowing that, and no USGS site number is attached to it.

Location

A fifth of a mile from the highway at middle elevation. Moderate snow, modest precipitation. Buck Creek Forest Camp and Trailhead is the nearest camping listed, nine miles or so away.

Winter is the season on file. The source water is hot enough to burn; let it cool and test before any contact. Access and ownership are blank in the record, so check before you go. Camp at Buck Creek. No fee listed, and no chemistry on file. Nothing is said about a pool or any structure.

Monthly Climate
27°
Jan
30°
Feb
37°
Mar
44°
Apr
53°
May
61°
Jun
71°
Jul
72°
Aug
62°
Sep
48°
Oct
35°
Nov
27°
Dec
Annual Precip: 24.7 in Annual Snow: 83.6 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 27°F · Water 140°F · +113° contrast
December Air 27°F · Water 140°F · +113° contrast
February Air 30°F · Water 140°F · +110° contrast
January offers 44°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
49°F
ENE 0.0 mph 77% Good soaking weather
Sunday 70° Low 50° Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 63% precip
Spring is +70° warmer
Labor Day 64° Low 49° Chance Rain Showers 52% precip
Spring is +76° warmer
Tuesday 72° Low 47° Sunny
Spring is +68° warmer
Wednesday 78° Low 52° Sunny
Spring is +62° warmer
Thursday 80° Low 57° Sunny 3% precip
Spring is +60° warmer
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Buck Creek Forest Camp And Trailhead 9.4 mi away

Located on the western side of the Eagle Cap Wilderness and very close to the wilderness boundary, the Buck Creek Campground/Trailhead was built to meet the needs of both wilderness trail users and overnight campers. After crossing the Buck Creek Bridge off the North Fork Catherine Creek Road, the narrow dirt road travels through isolated forest and towering rock cliffs to the combination campground and trailhead.The area is also very popular for mushrooming in the Spring and berry picking in...

Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
140°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 140°F (60°C)
Avg Air Temp 47°F
Above Ambient +93°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Short Walk
Nearest Road Medical Springs Highway
Distance to Road 0.2 mi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Medical Hot Springs?
Medical Hot Springs has a water temperature of 140°F (60°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Medical Hot Springs located?
Medical Hot Springs is located in Union County, Oregon at 3,523 feet elevation, near Union. Coordinates: 45.0180°N, 117.6250°W.
How do I get to Medical Hot Springs?
Medical Hot Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Medical Springs Highway (0.2 mi from the road).
Can I camp near Medical Hot Springs?
Yes, Buck Creek Forest Camp And Trailhead is located nearby (9.4 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Medical Hot Springs?
With care. At 140°F Medical Hot Springs is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.