Swim Warm Springs

Clackamas County, Oregon · Near Mount Hood Village
45.2950°N, 121.7310°W · 4,063 ft
79°F 4,063 ft Open Roadside US Forest Service Camping nearby (0.4 mi)

Swim Warm Springs is a lukewarm spring in the Mt. Hood National Forest, Clackamas County, open to the public. The water is tepid, the temperature of a cool bath. It sits steps from the Whiteaway Trail at a bit over four thousand feet, with Still Creek campground under half a mile away. Mount Hood Village is the closest town listed, twenty-three miles out.

Location

This is the wet side of the Cascades. Nearly seventy inches of precipitation annually and something like two hundred inches of snow, which buries the area for a good part of the winter. The spring is on Forest Service land in the Mt. Hood National Forest, a few yards from the Whiteaway Trail. Still Creek campground is within walking distance.

The record names winter as the best season, which with two hundred inches of snow is a strange call; expect deep snow on the approach in those months. Public access is open, no fee listed. Still Creek campground is the obvious base. A water sample from 1980 shows mildly alkaline water with calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfate and chloride; the analysis is old.

Monthly Climate
31°
Jan
30°
Feb
34°
Mar
39°
Apr
47°
May
52°
Jun
60°
Jul
62°
Aug
55°
Sep
45°
Oct
35°
Nov
30°
Dec
Annual Precip: 69.3 in Annual Snow: 199.6 in
Best Time to Visit
February Air 30°F · Water 79°F · +49° contrast
December Air 30°F · Water 79°F · +49° contrast
January Air 31°F · Water 79°F · +48° contrast
February offers 32°F more contrast than August
Water Chemistry Sampled 1980-07-24

The water at Swim Warm Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 8.0) with 405 mg/L total dissolved solids.

pH 8.0 Slightly Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 29 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 23 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 58 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 120 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 50 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Still Creek 0.4 mi away

Overview Still Creek Campground lies in the shadows of majestic Mt. Hood, in Oregon's Mt. Hood National Forest. It is one of the closest campgrounds to the mountain, and offers access to a variety of recreational opportunities. The surrounding area contains hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails, as well as numerous mountain lakes, rivers and creeks.Recreation A variety of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails can be accessed from the campground, including the histo...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
79°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 79°F (26°C)
Avg Air Temp 43°F
Above Ambient +36°F
Mild soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Roadside
Nearest Road Whiteaway Trail
Distance to Road 23 ft
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Forest Service
Designation National Forest
Unit Mt. Hood National Forest
Manager US Forest Service
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Swim Warm Springs?
Swim Warm Springs has a water temperature of 79°F (26°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Swim Warm Springs located?
Swim Warm Springs is located in Clackamas County, Oregon at 4,063 feet elevation, near Mount Hood Village. Coordinates: 45.2950°N, 121.7310°W.
How do I get to Swim Warm Springs?
Swim Warm Springs has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Whiteaway Trail (23 ft from the road).
Is Swim Warm Springs free to visit?
Swim Warm Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Swim Warm Springs?
Yes, Still Creek is located nearby (0.4 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Swim Warm Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 8.0 (slightly alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 405 mg/L.
Sources: USGS NWIS, Wikipedia