At 142°F, the source water at Bigelow Hot Springs is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
File:Carmen Smith Hydroelectric (1668836883).jpg — cc by 2.0
Bigelow Hot Springs, also called Deer Creek Hot Springs, emerges at 142°F just 400 feet from Deer Creek Road in the Willamette National Forest at 2,350 feet elevation. The springs feed rock-lined pools measuring roughly 8 by 13 feet, though McKenzie River flooding during high water combines and cools the pools. Forest Service land with open public access surrounds this popular thermal feature flowing 91 degrees above ambient temperature.
The springs sit along the McKenzie River in the western Cascade Range, where the river carves through volcanic geology beneath towering Douglas fir and western hemlock. At 2,350 feet elevation, the site occupies the transition zone between low-elevation old-growth forests and higher montane vegetation. Annual precipitation reaches 64.2 inches, with winter snowfall totaling 156.9 inches, creating a wet temperate climate. The McKenzie flows clear and cold except during spring runoff, when snowmelt raises water levels enough to inundate the thermal pools with frigid river water, typically from winter through early summer.
History of Bigelow Hot Springs
The springs bear the name of John Bigelow, though documentation of when and how the name was applied remains unclear in published sources. Local use as Deer Creek Hot Springs persists, reflecting the nearby tributary. The thermal feature appears on early Forest Service maps of the McKenzie drainage. Indigenous peoples including the Molalla used the McKenzie corridor before Euro-American settlement in the 1800s. The springs have served as an informal bathing site for generations, with visitor-maintained rock pools.
Visit July through October after spring runoff subsides and before winter flooding begins. Early summer high water inundates and cools the pools. Winter access remains possible on Deer Creek Road unless snow closes the route. The 400-foot walk from the parking area requires crossing uneven terrain. Water temperature demands caution to avoid scalding. Olallie Campground lies 1.4 miles distant on the McKenzie with reservable sites. Expect company on summer weekends; weekdays and shoulder seasons offer more solitude.
Is Bigelow Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Bigelow Hot Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
38°Jan
37°Feb
41°Mar
46°Apr
54°May
60°Jun
68°Jul
70°Aug
62°Sep
52°Oct
42°Nov
37°Dec
Annual Precip: 64.2 inAnnual Snow: 156.9 in
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryAir 37°F · Water 142°F · +105° contrast
DecemberAir 37°F · Water 142°F · +105° contrast
JanuaryAir 38°F · Water 142°F · +104° contrast
February offers 32°F more contrast than August
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
39.9°F
(4.4°C)Measured Jul 07, 2004
Water ChemistrySampled 2004-07-07
The water at Bigelow Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.6) with 49 mg/L total dissolved solids.
Olallie On Mc Kenzie Highway Willamette (Or)1.4 mi away
Overview
Nestled on the banks of the McKenzie River and Olallie Creek, Olallie Campground provides a superb setting for a getaway into nature. The lower loop offers mesmerizing views of both the river and the creek while the upper loop is set further in the trees with many sites facing the creek. The McKenzie River is a tributary of the Willamette River that runs for 90 miles, flowing into the southernmost end of the Willamette Valley.
There are 16 campsites, for which 15 are reservable. Si...
What is the water temperature at Bigelow Hot Springs?
Bigelow Hot Springs has a water temperature of 142°F (61°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Bigelow Hot Springs located?
Bigelow Hot Springs is located in Deschutes County, Oregon at 2,350 feet elevation, near Sisters. Coordinates: 44.2410°N, 122.0580°W.
How do I get to Bigelow Hot Springs?
Bigelow Hot Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Deer Creek Road (400 ft from the road).
Is Bigelow Hot Springs free to visit?
Bigelow Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Bigelow Hot Springs?
Yes, Olallie On Mc Kenzie Highway Willamette (Or) is located nearby (1.4 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Bigelow Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 7.6 (slightly alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 49 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Bigelow Hot Springs?
The water at Bigelow Hot Springs reaches 142°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Bigelow Hot Springs crowded?
Bigelow Hot Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Bigelow Hot Springs?
Essentials for Bigelow Hot Springs: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.
Temperature
142°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp142°F (61°C)
Avg Air Temp51°F
Above Ambient+91°F
Great soaking conditionsMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessShort Walk
Nearest RoadDeer Creek Road
Distance to Road400 ft
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyUS Forest Service
DesignationNational Forest
UnitWillamette National Forest
ManagerUS Forest Service
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
