Jamieson Hot Springs
Jamieson Hot Springs carries only a temperature notation of 'H' for hot, lacking numerical data in historical records. The roadside spring sits 29 meters from Hill Road at 2,555 feet elevation in Malheur County's high desert near Vale, representing an incompletely documented thermal feature.
The spring emerges in Oregon's basin and range country where sagebrush flats extend between low ridges. Elevations in this zone support sparse desert vegetation adapted to just 11 inches of annual precipitation and 25 inches of snow. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter nights drop well below freezing. The Malheur River drainage lies several miles northeast.
The Jamieson name likely derives from early ranching families in Malheur County, though specific documentation remains elusive. The spring appears in federal thermal inventories from the 1970s but without the chemical analysis or precise temperature data collected at most sites. Limited field work here left gaps in the historical record.
Access from Vale via county roads heading south. Spring and fall provide moderate temperatures for exploration. Carry water as the surrounding desert offers no reliable sources. The spring's position near Hill Road suggests easy vehicle access though the road classification and condition vary seasonally.
Is Jamieson Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips