Hot Springs
Hot Springs emerges at 207°F in Harney County's Alvord Desert, creating Oregon's hottest documented thermal feature at 4,083 feet elevation. The spring sits 1,507 meters from Borax Lake Road on non-profit conservation lands with permanent protection status, though public access status remains unknown. Water arrives 154 degrees above the region's 53°F average air temperature, feeding the ecologically significant Borax Lake ecosystem.
The spring emerges in the remote Alvord Desert basin at 4,083 feet elevation, where shadscale, greasewood, and sparse sagebrush characterize the arid valley floor. Annual precipitation totals only 9.4 inches with 21 inches of snow. Steens Mountain rises abruptly west of the site, reaching above 9,700 feet and creating a dramatic rain shadow. The thermal feature feeds Borax Lake, which supports the endemic Borax Lake chub found nowhere else on Earth. South Steens Campground lies 37 kilometers away at higher elevation in juniper and sage country.
Borax Lake's thermal springs supported Indigenous use long before Euro-American exploration. The area's unique ecology led to conservation acquisition by The Nature Conservancy, which manages the property with permanent protection status to preserve the endemic chub population. Scientific access continues, but public visitation remains restricted to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Public access to Borax Lake is restricted; contact managing organizations before attempting visits. The 207°F water is dangerously hot and not suitable for soaking. The site's primary significance is ecological rather than recreational. The 1.5-kilometer walk from Borax Lake Road crosses open desert requiring sun protection and ample water. South Steens Campground 37 kilometers west provides camping access to Steens Mountain recreation. Respect all closure signs protecting the endemic chub habitat.
Is Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Viewing dramatic geothermal features
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Swimming or soaking
Overview:South Steens Campground is located in the heart of Steens Mountain. Visitors will find picnic tables and grills at 36 family campsites amid juniper and sage. The equestrian site, designed specifically for horse users, is directly adjacent to the family campground. Recreational stock (horses, mules, llamas, goats, etc.) are not allowed in the family portion of South Steens Campground, but are welcome and comfortable at 15 equestrian sites complete with tie posts and small corrals.Know...