Warm Springs

Harney County, Oregon · Near Hines
43.9500°N, 119.6340°W · 5,341 ft
84°F 5,341 ft Open Short Walk US Forest Service Camping nearby (4.2 mi)

Warm Springs flows at 84°F at 5,341 feet in Ochoco National Forest on US Forest Service land open to public access, creating a 41.7-degree differential above the 42.3°F ambient temperature. The springs sit approximately 928 meters from the nearest road, requiring a short walk through high-elevation forest.

Location

High ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests characterize this site in Harney County within Ochoco National Forest, where the landscape transitions between Oregon's central Cascades and high desert basin. Elevation exceeding 5,300 feet places the springs in country receiving 20.3 inches annual precipitation and 67.7 inches of snowfall, creating deep winter snowpack and extended spring runoff. Delintment Lake Campground lies 6.7 kilometers away, offering 29 sites and fishing access at a natural mountain lake.

Access requires driving forest roads followed by a 928-meter walk; verify road conditions before attempting, as seasonal closures affect high-elevation routes from November through June due to heavy snowfall. The 84°F temperature falls below comfortable soaking range. Delintment Lake Campground 6.7 kilometers away offers developed facilities with reservable sites, boat launch, and fishing pier, accessible via paved road from Burns. Visit July through September for best conditions.

History of Warm Springs

The springs' generic name provides no historical context. The area falls within Ochoco National Forest boundaries established in the early 20th century from former timber and grazing lands. Indigenous groups including Northern Paiute peoples would have known these thermal features during seasonal movements, though specific documentation remains limited. Modern recreational use appears minimal given remote location.

Monthly Climate
25°
Jan
26°
Feb
31°
Mar
37°
Apr
46°
May
55°
Jun
65°
Jul
65°
Aug
56°
Sep
43°
Oct
32°
Nov
24°
Dec
Annual Precip: 20.3 in Annual Snow: 67.7 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 24°F · Water 84°F · +60° contrast
January Air 25°F · Water 84°F · +59° contrast
February Air 26°F · Water 84°F · +58° contrast
December offers 41°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
W 24.6 mph
Thursday 68° Low 39° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +16° warmer
Friday 67° Low 38° Partly Sunny
Spring is +17° warmer
Saturday 71° Low 35° Sunny
Spring is +13° warmer
Sunday 75° Low 42° Mostly Sunny
Spring is +9° warmer
Monday 73° Low 40° Sunny
Spring is +11° warmer
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Delintment Lake Campground 4.2 mi away

Overview Delintment Lake Campground provides a wide variety of recreation facilities and activities for the whole family.  The campground has 29 campsites, a group camping area, a natural non-motorized boat launch, beach area, fishing pier, and 12 picnic sites.  Hike the trail along the banks or fish from the dam or pier.The two loop campground offers camping sites near the shore as well as higher on the bank.  The road access is paved up to the campground from Burns, Oregon.  Please pack out...

Fee $10/night single site$5/vehicle per day
Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 5,341 ft

Warm Springs sits at 5,341 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 21% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
84°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 84°F (29°C)
Avg Air Temp 42°F
Above Ambient +42°F
Good soaking conditions May
Access
Open
Road Access Short Walk
Distance to Road 0.6 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Forest Service
Designation National Forest
Unit Ochoco National Forest
Manager US Forest Service
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Warm Springs?
Warm Springs has a water temperature of 84°F (29°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Warm Springs located?
Warm Springs is located in Harney County, Oregon at 5,341 feet elevation, near Hines. Coordinates: 43.9500°N, 119.6340°W.
How do I get to Warm Springs?
Warm Springs has Short Walk road access (0.6 mi from the road).
Is Warm Springs free to visit?
Warm Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Warm Springs?
Yes, Delintment Lake Campground is located nearby (4.2 miles away). $10/night single site$5/vehicle per day.
Is it safe to soak at Warm Springs?
Warm Springs is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Warm Springs crowded?
Warm Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Warm Springs?
Essentials for Warm Springs: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.
Sources: USGS NWIS, Wikipedia