Union Station Hot Springs
Union Station Hot Springs emerges near the town of Union in the Grande Ronde Valley at 2,728 feet elevation, 44 meters from Hot Lake-Union Road. Specific temperature data shows only a hot classification without numerical measurement recorded in historical surveys. The accessible location in agricultural valley terrain contrasts with most Oregon thermal features that occupy mountain or high desert settings.
The springs sit in the agricultural Grande Ronde Valley of Union County, a broad lowland surrounded by the Blue Mountains at 2,728 feet elevation. The valley receives 28.9 inches of annual precipitation and 74.6 inches of snow, supporting farming and ranching activities. Hot Lake-Union Road connects the thermal feature to the historic town of Union, with the valley's settled character differing from wilderness thermal springs elsewhere in the state.
The name references Union Station, though the connection between the railroad terminology and the thermal spring remains unclear. Hot Lake, several miles north, developed as a major thermal resort in the early 20th century, suggesting this spring may have attracted similar commercial interest. Documentation of specific development history remains limited.
The roadside location allows year-round access, though winter snow averaging 74.6 inches may complicate travel. Moss Springs Campground lies 19.7 km away in the Blue Mountains for overnight camping. The valley's settled character means nearby Union provides services and supplies. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures for visiting the agriculturally developed valley.
Is Union Station Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Located above Cove, Oregon, the Moss Springs Campground lies on a ridgeline within view of the Eagle Cap Wilderness and is next to Moss Springs Trailhead. This popular campground was constructed to accommodate visitors with packstock, riding stock and campers bound for the wilderness. The site also has 3 accessible campsites and toilets. Trails from the campground drop steeply into the Minam River drainage or follow Grande Ronde Ridge.