Unnamed Thermal Spring
A 104°F hot spring at 4,091 feet elevation within Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, running 54 degrees above the 50°F ambient air temperature. The spring requires a 6,680-foot hike from South Harney Lake Lane, making it one of the more remote thermal features in the refuge. US Fish and Wildlife Service restricts access to protect the surrounding wetland ecosystem.
The spring emerges deep within the Harney Basin wetland complex, surrounded by extensive marshes, alkali meadows, and sage steppe at 4,091 feet elevation. The area receives 12.1 inches of annual precipitation and 24.1 inches of snow, typical of the northern Great Basin's arid climate. The thermal feature creates critical winter habitat where open water persists when surrounding wetlands freeze. Landscape consists of protected federal lands managed primarily for migratory waterfowl and wildlife conservation.
The 1.3-mile hike requires refuge authorization. Contact Malheur NWR headquarters well in advance, as access is typically denied during spring and summer breeding seasons. The trek crosses unimproved wetland terrain that can be muddy or flooded depending on season. Winter access may be impossible due to snow and extreme cold. The spring's 104°F temperature makes it unsuitable for bathing, and such use is prohibited on refuge lands. Bring adequate water, navigation tools, and desert hiking gear.
Established in 1908 as one of America's first national wildlife refuges, Malheur protects crucial Pacific Flyway habitat used by millions of migratory birds. The refuge's thermal springs have supported wildlife populations for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence documenting Indigenous use throughout the Harney Basin. Current protection status 2 ensures permanent conservation under US Fish and Wildlife Service management, though public access remains restricted to preserve sensitive breeding and migration habitat.
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this spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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