Summer Lake Hot Spring
Summer Lake Hot Springs flows at 109°F from four artesian sources at the south end of Summer Lake in Lake County. The springs emerge with complex water chemistry driven by artesian pressure, creating a 59.2-degree temperature differential above the 49.8°F ambient air temperature. Located 58.6 meters from the nearest road, the thermal waters discharge at the edge of the ancient playa lake system.
The springs occupy the southern terminus of Summer Lake, a shallow playa that alternately floods and dries in Oregon's high desert country at approximately 4,200 feet elevation. The setting combines wetland habitat fed by thermal water with surrounding sagebrush uplands that receive 17.9 inches of annual precipitation and 51.8 inches of snow. The ancient lake bed reflects the region's pluvial history, when Pleistocene lakes filled the basin to much greater depths.
Visit year-round, though winter brings heavy snow averaging 51.8 inches annually. The resort operates soaking pools filled with the artesian mineral water, eliminating the need to soak in undeveloped sources. Road access remains good except during major winter storms. Bald Butte Lookout lies 17 km away for overnight camping in the Fremont-Winema National Forest.
The springs have long attracted human use due to their accessible location and comfortable temperature. Artesian flow from four surface sources has remained consistent through recorded history. Development for public bathing occurred in the 20th century, with the site now operating as a commercial hot springs resort with pools and lodging.
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Overview Bald Butte Lookout is perched atop the windy summit of Bald Butte in the Fremont-Winema National Forest in south-central Oregon. It is surrounded by forested hillsides and expansive views. The lookout was built in 1931 and served as a Forest Service fire detection site for over 50 years. It was constructed from an Aladdin L4 ground-mounted lookout kit in which all of the pieces were pre-cut in six-foot lengths or less so the entire kit could be packed by horses into the remote site....
Summer Lake Hot Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.