Moffetts (Bonneville) Hot Springs
Moffetts Hot Springs, also called Bonneville Hot Springs, flows at 97 degrees in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest at just 75 feet elevation, emerging 44.6 degrees above ambient near Cascade Locks. The spring requires a 261-meter walk from the road through forest and riparian vegetation along the Columbia River Gorge.
The springs sit on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge at its lowest elevations, surrounded by dense Douglas fir, western red cedar, and bigleaf maple. Annual precipitation reaches 78.9 inches with 93.4 inches of snow, supporting lush understory vegetation. The Columbia River flows less than a mile south, with dramatic basalt cliffs rising on both sides of the gorge.
The springs take their name from early settler or developer associations with the nearby Bonneville Dam project, completed in 1938. The area saw significant CCC activity during the 1930s as infrastructure developed around dam construction. Historical documentation remains limited compared to more extensively developed thermal features in the region.
Access the springs from spring through fall when forest roads remain passable. Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site, 3 kilometers away, offers reservable camping with Columbia Gorge views. The area's low elevation means mild winters but hot summers. Combine with hiking at Eagle Creek or visiting historic Cascade Locks.
Is Moffetts (Bonneville) Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
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Overview Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site is set on a forested bluff above the Columbia River, providing an ideal setting for family gatherings and group events. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s as a place to view construction of the Bonneville Dam, this site features CCC masonry and offers expansive views of the Columbia River and mountains rising from the gorge.Recreation The Eagle Recreation Area, just a short walk or bike ride away, provides visitors with op...