Blue Mountain Hot Springs
Blue Mountain Hot Springs flows at 136°F in Grant County at 4,259 feet elevation, requiring a 670-foot walk from Summit Prairie Road near Canyon City. The springs emerge 90 degrees above the ambient air temperature of 45.8°F in mountainous terrain receiving 23.8 inches of precipitation and 84.8 inches of annual snow. This thermal feature appears to be associated with the Lehman Hot Springs resort area documented in historical sources.
The springs sit in the forested high country of the Blue Mountains, where ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine cover slopes between mountain meadows. Elevation above 4,200 feet creates a cooler mountain climate compared to the valleys below, with mean annual temperature of just 45.8°F. The terrain shows typical Blue Mountain topography with timbered ridges separated by open parks and grasslands. Summit Prairie Road accesses this high country where logging and grazing have historically occurred on national forest lands. Winter snowpack persists into late spring at these elevations.
The spring's association with Lehman Hot Springs, established as a resort in 1871 by Richard Lehman, suggests this may be part of that thermal system. Native Americans including the Northern Paiute used the springs before Euro-American settlement. The resort served travelers and local residents through the late 1800s and early 1900s, with bathhouses and lodging built around the thermal springs. The property changed hands multiple times through the 20th century, with varying levels of commercial operation.
Plan visits from July through September when snow has melted and forest roads remain passable. Winter snowfall approaching 85 inches closes routes and buries the area from November through May. The 670-foot walk crosses mountain terrain that may be steep or uneven. Water temperature of 136°F requires mixing with cold water for bathing. Short Creek Guard Station lies 10.7 miles distant, offering a rentable Forest Service cabin through Recreation.gov. Verify current land ownership and public access status before visiting.
Is Blue Mountain Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Overnight camping trips
Overview Short Creek Guard Station is a great place to stay to enjoy the nearby Monument Rock and Strawberry Mountain wilderness areas, as well as the North Fork of the Malheur Scenic River. The cabin offers access to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, hunting, fishing and viewing wildlife. The cabin provides all the comforts of a home, including drinking water during the summer months. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring...