UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic Views, Hot Springs Soaking

>1 mile, 250′ elevation gain, >1hour duration, rated Moderate

Date: September 19, 2025

Umpqua Hot Springs can be found in Umpqua National Forest not far off of the High Way of Falls, Hwy 138 also know as the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway.

This was part of my Epic Road Trip that I took from SoCal to Washington adventuring my way there and back. The night before I found a great dispersed camping spot off of the old logging road not far from the Hot Springs. I was a little apprehensive about driving back on this lonely road, seemingly in the middle of the wilderness that evening. It was evident by the debris that things can tumble down the adjacent steep wooded hillside such as limbs, rocks and even trees and boulders. Many of which could block me in. I suppose that all adds to the adventure.

I arrived at the trailhead for Umpqua Hot Springs which is a fee area and my America the Beautiful Pass suited me just fine for that. It is a short hike to the Hot Springs. A portion of the trail is a bit steep and can be slippery depending on the weather. There is a little bridge that crosses the scenic North Umpqua River.

The Umpqua Hot Springs is in a idlic location. Old growth forest to gaze out upon the hot pools are just above the river. There are multiple pools and the water temperature varies somewhat in each one.

I have read some bad reports about trash, but there was none of that when I was there.

You should be forewarned that this Oregon Hot Springs is clothing optional. When I was there it was about 50-50.

The pools were a melting pot of sorts, with all age groups, shapes, sizes, genders and colors represented in the option of birthday suits. The pools were a melting pot of sorts, It wasn’t crowded, but certainly well stocked.

There is an abrupt decline down to the river and even a hot springs pool down next to the water which is not as warm as the ones above. So if you are over heated from the hot springs you can do a Cold Plunge in the river for maximum health benefits.

Umpqua Hot Springs is set in a magical environment. Nature provided the state of zen: hot water and the pools, the rugged, but beautiful forest scenery, and the calming sounds of a lovely river. All you have to do is bring your suit… or not. Very relaxing to be ‘Pursuing Balance Thru Adventure’ in this enchanting spot. So that you can be informed of more adventures please do this: FOLLOW, SHARE, COMMENT, and LIKE.  If you are ready to find an adventure there are plenty to inspire in the menu above. Each of the locations is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED Independently. Be sure to visit SHOP APPAREL for all your Adventure Wear needs because although the hot springs maybe clothing optional most of the rest of the world in not, so cover yourself with PBTA hats, beanies and shirts.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure