Warm Spring
Warm Spring flows at 85°F at 2,953 feet in Union County near the town of Union, creating a 36.7-degree differential above ambient air temperature. Located just 16.6 meters from Hill Street, the spring offers roadside access in what appears to be a developed setting given proximity to named municipal roads.
The spring emerges in the Grande Ronde Valley, a broad agricultural basin surrounded by mountain ranges in northeastern Oregon. Elevation of 2,953 feet places the site on the valley floor where irrigation and ranching dominate land use. The area receives substantial precipitation at 30.3 inches annually with 51.8 inches of snowfall, creating green summer landscapes that contrast with much of eastern Oregon's high desert. Moss Springs Campground sits 10.1 kilometers away on ridgelines offering views toward Eagle Cap Wilderness.
The spring's name simply describes its thermal character. Union developed as a 1860s ranching and agricultural center in the fertile Grande Ronde Valley, with the town serving farming communities rather than resource extraction. The spring's location on a named street suggests long-term development has incorporated or surrounded the thermal feature, though specific historical documentation remains sparse.
Roadside access from Hill Street provides immediate convenience. The 85°F temperature falls below ideal soaking range for most visitors. The site's apparent proximity to developed areas may indicate private property or municipal ownership; verify access status before visiting. Moss Springs Campground 10.1 kilometers away offers 3 accessible sites and packstock facilities serving Eagle Cap Wilderness trails. Visit May through October when high-country access opens.
Is Warm Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- 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.