Bully Creek Spring
Bully Creek Spring flows at 99 degrees Fahrenheit with roadside access requiring just 30 feet from Bully Creek Road. Recent USGS monitoring recorded subsurface temperatures of 93 degrees Celsius, confirming a high-temperature geothermal reservoir despite the cooler surface discharge. The spring emerges at 2,560 feet elevation, flowing 44.7 degrees above ambient temperature.
The spring issues from volcanic rocks along Bully Creek in Malheur County's arid interior, where elevation drops to 2,560 feet. The surrounding landscape features basalt outcrops and sage-covered slopes, with the creek cutting through layers of Columbia River Basalt. Annual precipitation totals just 9.6 inches with 16.4 inches of snow, creating high desert conditions. Vale lies to the southwest, and the creek drains northward toward the Malheur River through a canyon carved by periodic flooding.
Bully Creek takes its name from an 1860s incident when emigrants lost cattle in the gorge. The thermal spring served ranchers as a year-round water source, with its consistent warm flow preventing ice formation in winter. USGS installed monitoring equipment to track the geothermal system's behavior.
The roadside location allows access year-round, though summer heat exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit makes spring and fall more comfortable. Winter visits avoid crowds but require checking road conditions after storms. The 93-degree Celsius subsurface temperature indicates potential scalding hazards if disturbed ground releases deeper water. Bring plenty of drinking water, as the arid climate and 2,560-foot elevation create dehydrating conditions.
Is Bully Creek Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Easy day trips