Umpqua Hot Springs

Umpqua Hot springs are one of the scenic Hot springs. It is located on the terraces containing these turquoise geothermal pools with cascading steamy water fed from the source above the main pool. These cascading pools located at an elevation of 2640 feet offer stunning views of the North Umpqua River. Also the surrounding Famed Umpqua National Forest. These natural steamy pools are located on rocky cliffs in the canyons. Where the North Umpqua River flows which are often hidden by the Tall Alpine Tress surrounding the Ravine. 

The Umpqua Hot Springs of Oregon

The Umpqua Hot springs can be accessed only by a 1.3 km long Hiking Trail. Starting from the Dirt Parking Lot near the N Umpqua Road, which ventures deep into the surrounding wilderness and ascends an elevation of 305 feet as it reaches the Cliff faces contains steamy terrace pools.

Camping near Umpqua Hot Springs is strictly prohibited to ensure the safety of these Natural Hot springs. However, you can set up your camps/tents or Park your RV’s, Vans, Trailer, etc., on the Dirt Parking Lot containing the Trailheads. If you are looking for a popular campground with many necessary amenities. The Clearwater Falls Campground is just a mile from here.

Best Time to Visit Umpqua Hot Springs

Umpqua Hot springs are quite admired among the tourists visiting the State of Oregon as well as the locals. As a result, the steamy pools are often crowded on Weekends and Holidays. Moreover, the Hot Springs are open to people all year long. You can visit these Hot Springs in any season. However, to avoid the crowds it is advised to visit these steamy pools before sunrise on weekends and holidays or weekdays when the pools are less crowded.

Umpqua Hot Springs Directions

The Umpqua Hot springs are nearby the town of Clear Water in Umpqua National Forest. The Hot Springs are at a distance of 63.5 miles from the City of Roseburg, Oregon. 

From Roseburg, take the State Highway 138 heading east towards the town of Clearwater in the Umpqua National Forest. Follow this highway for 60.1 miles until you reach Clearwater Town. From Clearwater, head northeast, take a left onto the Toketee-Rigdon Road, and head straight for 1.4 miles. Now continue onto the Umpqua Road and follow the road for two miles. It will lead you to the Dirt Parking lot where the Trailheads leading to the Hot Springs are located.

Precautions to Take While Visiting Umpqua Hot Springs

Check Weather Forecast

It is highly advised to check the weather forecasts for extreme weather alerts before visiting the Hot Springs near Crater Lake. The Cascading Mountain Ranges and surrounding Umpqua National Forests create their own weather, and it can change abruptly here in a matter of minutes. 

Carry a Map of the Hiking Trail

The Umpqua Hot Springs are deep in the Umpqua National Forests and if you are not well aware of the trail routes you can get lost or get injured. Carrying a map helps you to predict the twists and turns of the trail leading to the Hot Springs accurately. 

Wash Yourselves Beforehand

It is suggested to wash your body before entering these mineral-rich steamy pools. This will help the pools from getting contaminated and keeping the Naturally heated pools safe for the next tourists visiting these Hot Springs.

Splash Yourselves

It is important to splash your body with the steamy water of the pools before soaking in it. This process will help your body to adjust to the high temperatures of the geothermal pools reducing the chances of getting dizziness.

Do Half Body Soaks

It is also important to half-body soaks in these steamy hot spring pools to adjust to the water temperature. And to avoid the risks of getting burnt or causing straining of muscles leading to severe muscle aches.

Don’t Overstay 

It is highly advised not to stay longer time in these high-temperature pools. These hot springs cause extreme sweating, which can cause dehydration. It is ideal to leave the pools once your face and neck start sweating.

Dry Yourselves

Instead of doing a Bath or Shower after soaking in these steamy pools, it is advised to dry yourselves with a towel. This process will help your body to experience the many medicinal benefits of soaking in the Mineral-rich pools.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking Plenty of Water after soaking in these steamy pools will help you to regain the water levels your body lost due to extreme sweating caused by the High-Temperature water of the Hot Springs, which in turn reduces the risk of dehydration which can be fatal.

Don’t Leave Trash

It is very important to take out all your trash back to your vehicles after visiting these Hot springs. This will help the Hot springs and the surrounding environment to be in pristine condition for the next visitor.

More About Umpqua Hot Springs

Umpqua Hot Springs was first discovered by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians thousands of years ago. These cascade mountain tribes considered the Umpqua Hot Springs sacred and used the mineral-rich steamy pools for warmth, cleaning, and healing injuries. The sites were later rediscovered in the 19th Century and have been popular ever since. A Protected National Forest was established around Hot Springs to conserve and protect the Flora and Fauna of these forests from extinction. 

The Umpqua Hot springs have 7 geothermal pools on the terraces of the Cliff Face along the Umpqua River. The pools are rock bottom and coarse sand-bottomed, and they vary slightly in size and temperatures. The pools also offer magnificent views of the Hidden “Surprise Waterfalls” located a few hundred meters from the Hot Springs along the Ravine. The first four pools are located on the upper cliff, whereas the three bottom pools flow further down the cliff towards the North Umpqua River. The steamy pools have a water temperature of 108-110 degrees Fahrenheit, but the upper main pool has a slightly higher temperature ranging from 108-115 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, the Hot springs and the trail are shut right now due to a raging wildfire that recently damaged the Hiking Trail and the surrounding forests until 2022. For more information about the wildfires and reopening of hot springs please visit the Umpqua National Forest Official Website. 

Natural Attractions Near the Umpqua Hot Springs

Umpqua National Forest Hot Springs

The pristine national forests are located on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountain Ranges. The Forests are spread across an area of 983,129 acres featuring many natural attractions like the mighty North Umpqua River, many hidden waterfalls like Mist Grotto and Watson waterfalls, Cascade Mountain Ranges, River Canyons, Natural Hot springs like Umpqua Hot springs, Stunning Lakes, and many more. The forest shares its borders with the famed Crater Lake National Forest. The National Forest is the ideal location to witness wildlife in their natural habitats, as many wild animals like Elk, Cougar, Black bear, Deer, peregrine falcons, owls, squirrels, raccoons, and osprey, etc., call this forest their home. 

Umpqua National Forest is also a major fishing habitat due to the North Umpqua River and the Hidden lakes which shelters many species of fish like Coho Salmon, Winter Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Brown and many more. The forest is also home to many hiking trails offering picturesque scenery and also many widely known campsites with various essential features where you can set up your camps or Park your RV’s, and other vehicles.

North Umpqua River

One of the largest tributaries of the Umpqua River travels a long distance of 106 miles before draining into it. The River starts from the slopes of the Cascade Mountain Ranges, snaking its way through the Dense Umpqua national forest full of steep gorges or canyons surrounded by the Douglas Fir Trees of the forest. The clear water river travels at high speeds during the raging currents as it travels through the canyons with sudden twists and turns. Due to this, the river is a popular spot for White Water Rafting/Kayaking.

There are many facilities nearby providing guided rafting tours, rental of kayaks, protective gear, etc. Tourists from all over the country visit this river to participate in this Adventurous White Water Rafting sport. There are also guided boating tours with scenic landscapes of the river by the nearby Boating Facilities for affordable rates. The River is also a major habitat of various fish species in the Umpqua National Forest. Summer Steelhead, Winter Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Sea-run Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout, Etc. If you are looking to sharpen your fishing skills or to learn/catch fish using new techniques, this river is the best suited for you.

Watson WaterFalls

One of the tallest waterfalls, cascading down from a height of 272 feet in the State of Oregon. The waterfalls offer stunning views of the North Umpqua River falling from great heights. This Tallest Umpqua River basin Falls are popular among tourists coming from all over the country. Witnessing the waterfall falling from the top is a unique experience you will never forget. The Falls are usually posted every day across multiple social media sites. You can participate in many activities near this popular waterfall-like plunging or diving into the pool, soaking in the nearby natural hot springs, trekking through the many hiking trails offering amazing views of the falls, Camping, or Backpacking in Popular Campgrounds nearby, fishing in the mighty North Umpqua River, Kayaking/White Water Rafting through the rapids of the North Umpqua River and many more. 

Lemolo Lake

One of the most picturesque lakes is located nearby the Umpqua Hot springs in the State of Oregon. The Lemolo Lake was popularly used by the Indigenous Tribes or Native Americans until 1880. These people depend on the Lake for Food and Cleansing, and they are the ones who named the lake Lemolo which means “Wild” or “Untamed” in Chinook Jargon Tribal or Sea Traders’ language. This isolated lake is managed by the National Forest Department and can be accessed only through hiking trails and forest roads.

The Lemolo Lake offers alluring views of the Cinnamon Butte, Mt. Bailey, and Mt.Thielsen peaks being reflected on the surface of the lake. The Lake is a popular recreational site for nature lovers, and it is often frequented by numerous people every year. The lake is also home to some popular fish species like Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Steelhead, Trophy Brown trouts, Kokanee Salmon, and many more. The Lake offers many activities like Bird watching, Boating Tours, Fishing, Swimming, Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Nature Trips, and encountering wildlife in their natural habitat.

Mount Bailey

One of the popular volcanic mountain peaks is located near Diamond Lake in the Umpqua National Forest. The Volcanic Mountain is believed to be inactive, and its shape resembles the warrior shields, which is being referred to as Shield Volcano. The Mountain Peak is at an elevation of 8375 feet which is much shorter than the nearby Diamond Peak. But is the most popular due to its unique cone design extending 2000 feet. This Popular volcanic mountain peak is one of Oregon’s Matterhorn group of volcanoes. Klamath people discovered this mighty mountain peak and often referred to it as “Youxlokes” meaning Medicine Mountain.

It is popularly believed and recently revealed that there are unique and rare medicinal herbs and plants on this mountain peak and the surrounding forests, it may be the reason why these indigenous tribes called this Medicine Mountain. Now the site is popular among snowboarders, skiers, and rock climbers. The Mountain has become a popular winter getaway and hosts many people every year during winter. There is a Ski Resort atop the mountain offering rental of snowboards, skis, gear, and other protective equipment for reasonable rates. The Facility also offers training for Beginners by certified skiers and snowboarders. Skiing/snowboarding to this winter magic land and witnessing the beautiful diamond lake and the surrounding forest is an amazing experience

Accommodations Nearby Umpqua Hot Springs

The Umpqua Hot springs are a popular destination among the tourists visiting the state of Oregon. As a result, there are many famous hotels located nearby for you to spend your time in. 

Riverfront Inn

One of the top-rated hotels is located in the W Harvard Avenue of Roseburg City. The Hotel is only 60 miles from the Umpqua Hot Springs of Oregon. The Lodge offers Non-smoking rooms as well as Smoking Friendly Rooms. These Rooms have many features like Air-Conditioning, Blackout Curtains, Air purifiers, Private Balcony, Cable/Satellite TV, Safe, Coffee/Tea Maker, Refrigerator, Telephone, Walk-in Shower, Hair Dryer, Radio, Microwave Oven, Complimentary Toiletries, Wake-up Service, and many more. The Riverfront Inn offers various luxury amenities like Free Parking, Free High-Speed Internet Connection, Free Breakfast, a Large Swimming Pool, High chairs seating, Children’s Television Networks, Outdoor Dining Area, Complimentary Instant Coffee, Stroller friendly, Vending Machine, Patio, Sun Deck, taxi service, Photo Copier/Fax in Business Centers, BBQ Facilities, Newspaper, Picnic Area, 24-hour front desk and, etc. 

Best Western Garden Villa Inn

This popular hotel or lodge is at NW Garden Valley Blvd in Roseburg City, Oregon. The hotel is located nearby Exit #125 on the I-5 State Highway. The Lodge only offers Non-Smoking rooms with many features like Air-conditioning, Desk, Interconnected Rooms, Coffee/Tea Maker, Hair Dryer, Iron, Microwave, Flat-screen TV, Wake up Service, and Refrigerator. The Lodge also has many luxury amenities like Free Parking Space, Free Breakfast, Free High-Speed Internet Access, a Large Pool, Bicycle Rental, Free Kids Stay, Business Center with Internet Access, snack bar, heated tubs, Breakfast Buffet, BBQ Facilities, Vending Machine, Express Check-in/Check-out, 24 hours Front Desk, and many more.

Restaurants Nearby Umpqua Hot Springs

There are also many famous restaurants offering multiple cuisines, tasty food, friendly services, and the best value near the Umpqua Hot Springs of Oregon.

Burrito Vaquero Mexican Restaurant

This popular Mexican restaurant is in the Garden Valley Blvd of Roseburg City which is 60 miles from the Hot Springs near Crater Lake.

This restaurant offers multiple cuisines like Mexican, Southwestern, Latin, and Spanish. If you want to try new cuisines, this restaurant may be the best suited for you. The Restaurant also has special diets with Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan, Gluten-Free Options. It has meal plans for only Lunch and Dinner. It also has many features like Takeout, Drive-Thru, Indoor Seating, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchairs Accessible, Free Parking Space, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, and much more.

Alexander’s Greek Cuisine

This European cuisine-themed restaurant is located on Jackson Street in Roseburg City, Oregon. The restaurant offers cuisines for Mediterranean and Greek Dishes. They also have meal plans only for Lunch and Dinner. They have special diets with Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Vegetarian-Friendly Options. Alexander’s Greek Cuisine has many features like Reservations, High Chair seating, Takeout, Indoor Seating, Wheelchairs Accessibility, Serves Alcohol and Table Service. Gyros, Spanikopita, Dolmades, and Pita. Hummus, Greek fries, Moussaka, and Gyro meat are some famous dishes here in this restaurant.

Umpqua Hot Springs Trails

Hiking is a popular activity here in the Umpqua National Forests for all those tourists visiting the Hot Springs nearby. There are different types of Hiking Trails for you to choose from based on your hiking skills, and they often offer spectacular views of the hidden natural wonders and the surrounding forests. 

Brice Creek Trail

Brice Creek Trail is one of the picturesque hiking trails located near the Town of Doren, in the Umpqua National Forest. The hiking trail features a stunning waterfall and is 13.0 km long. It is considered best suited for Hikers with Medium to Advanced Skills. The hiking trail is often visited by tourists all year long, and it offers many activities like Hiking, Walking, Running, Waterfall Views, Soaking, Swimming, Camping, Bird Watching, Nature Trips, etc.

Pets are permitted into this Hiking trail but must be kept on a leash.

Trestle Creek Falls Loop

The only Hiking Trail featuring two waterfalls known as the Upper and Lower waterfalls is located near the Town of Dorena, in the Umpqua National Forest. The hiking trail is looped, and it is 7.7 km long. It is considered moderate and only ideal for Hikers with Medium and Advanced Hiking Skills. Tourists visiting the waterfalls often stick to these trails. The Hiking Trail is open from April to November every year. Dogs are also allowed but must be kept on a leash. The popular trails offer many activities like Hiking, Bird Watching, Walking, Diving and Swimming in Waterfalls, Nature Trips and, etc. 

Mount Thielsen Trail

One of the hardest hiking trails with rugged terrains and rocky surfaces is located near the Idleyld Park in the Umpqua National Forest. The Hiking trail is 14.8 km long, and it is suitable only for Hikers with Advanced Skills. The Trail offers stunning views of the lush green forests below from the Thielsen Mountain peak. The Hiking Trail is densely populated from June to December for participating in various activities like Snowshoeing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Camping, Backpacking, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Running, Nature trips, etc.

Cleetwood Clove Trail

Cleetwood Clove Hiking trail is one of the most popular hiking trails located in the famed Crater lake National Park. The Hiking Trails features a beautiful lake, and it is the pathway that travels mostly through the banks of the Lake, offering alluring views. This Hiking Trail is 3.2 km long, and it is suitable for only Hikers with Medium and Advanced Skills. The hiking trail remains open from July to October, and it offers many activities like Hiking, Boating, Canoeing, Fishing, Backpacking, Camping, Nature Trips, etc.

Best Hiking Backpacks You Can Buy Right Now

Backpacks are very important for all types of Hikers as they store all the necessary items like Food, Snacks, Water, maps, Phone, Sun Protection, Swiss knives, camping gear, tents, Matchsticks, Cooking equipment, and many more.

There are some of the popular hiking backpacks available on the market right now which are perfectly suited for your Hiking Trips.

HMG 2400 & 3400 Southwest

Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a popular company widely known for its stylish, ultra-light, and waterproof Hiking Backpacks. HMG 2400 and 3400 Southwest are two of the most famous models which occupy large shares of the sold backpacks. This backpack is exceptional in its lightweight, waterproofing capabilities, multiple storage spaces. Moreover, the backpacks have a minimal design and a sturdier frame, which helps you to carry the backpack through rough trails easily. The HMG 2400 Backpack weighs 1 lb 14 oz, it has a volume of 40 L, and its price is $310. This backpack is best suited for lightweight backpacking trips. While the HMG 3400 weighs 2 lbs with a volume of 55 L, and it is priced at 345$, and so it is suitable for heavy hiking during winter backpacking trips.

Pros

• Ultra-Light
• Superior Waterproofing Capabilities
• Minimal Stylish Design
• Perfect Frame

Cons

• Expensive
• Not Cushy or Padded

Osprey Atmos and Aura AG 65

There are some of the best overall Backpacks on the market right now. Osprey Atmos and Aura AG 65 BackPack weighs 4 lbs 6 oz, and it has a volume of 65 L. However, it is best suited for Hikers carrying 35+ pounds. This modern minimalistic backpack is perfectly suited for carrying heavyweights as it has padded straps, comfy spaces, an adjustable torso, Spacious storage spaces, Organised spaces, Multiple straps to help the bag hug your body effectively reducing the unwanted movements of the Backpack. Both Asprey and Atmos AG 65 are priced at a range of 260-270 $.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Capable of carrying heavyweights
• Adjustable torso
• Organized Spaces

Cons

• Expensive
• Multiple straps can be uncomfortable
• Heavier compared to other packs

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 is the most comfortable ultra-weight backpack you can buy right now. This lightweight backpack is only 1 lb 14 oz, and it has a volume of 50 L. The simplistic design of this backpack and its long durability makes it best suited for long-term use. The design of this backpack is quite attractive, and it has well-padded strips. Due to this, it is comfortable for even strenuous hiking trips. It also has a unique feature known as Unisex Ergonomic Hip Belt which helps you carry the backpack weight comfortably on Hiking Trips. This feature can be removed to reduce the weight furthermore. The Backpack is competitively priced at 240 $.

Pros

• Durability
• Ultra Lightweight
• Attractive Design
• Unisex Ergonomic Hip Belt
• Well Padded Strips

Cons

• Expensive
• No waterproof
• Front Pocket is not Durable

Conclusion

We highly recommend you to visit these natural terrace hot spring pools offering gorgeous views of the North Umpqua River, Rocky Canyon, and the surrounding Alpine Fir forests. The Hot Springs are easily accessible from the nearby Roseburg City and also the Hiking Trail leading to the hot springs is easy. The site also features a hidden, stunning waterfall nearby. There are many popular natural attractions here for you to visit, and these sites offer many interesting activities for you to take part in. However, please be aware of the hiking trail and hot springs closure until next year due to the raging wildfire that swept through this area recently. More information is available on the Umpqua National Forests official website.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)