• Antelope Hot Springs is a collection of hot springs in the middle of the refuge
Fantastic and unique Antelope Hot Springs, also known as Hart Mountain Hot Springs, is nestled in the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge at an elevation of 6,000 feet.
The 278-acre Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge was established in 1936 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to conserve the endangered pronghorn antelope, the fastest land mammals in North America.
Pronghorn antelope can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour (96 km/h); this is slightly less than the fastest mammal in the world, the African cheetah, which can run at 61 miles per hour (98 km/h).
Another 340 protected species of wildlife include 69 mammals (California bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, and rabbits) and 246 species of birds.
Hart Mountain offers a variety of activities, including hunting, fishing, rockhounding, wildlife observation, and, of course, soaking in the hot mineral-rich water. The hot springs are located ideally in the middle of the refuge.
Open year-round, Antelope Hot Springs are the perfect destination for camping during the warmer months of the year.
Since the hot springs are located in the high desert, conditions can be extreme, so be well prepared. Temperatures often fluctuate dramatically. You can expect 60–70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and below freezing at night.
Visiting Antelope Hot Springs during the cooler time of the year will make escaping the cold weather in hot mineral water even “cooler.”
Antelope Hot Springs Geothermal Water & Pools
The hot springs didn’t form naturally—local lore claims a rancher once blasted the rock with dynamite, creating the opening where hot water now rises and bubbles.
Enclosed by walls made from natural rocks, the main pool is 8 by 11 feet across and 4 feet deep. This pool features a concrete walkway, a small ladder, and two sitting benches. The walls provide some privacy and protection from chilly winds — the spring’s water bubbles up from the bottom at about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Located 100 yards away, the smaller, trapezoidal pool is a few degrees warmer. Though this pool is free from any improvements like walls, it offers a great view of the mountain ranges and meadows. This pool has a sand bottom, is 6 feet in diameter, and 1 foot deep. The spring’s water comes from the pool’s base.
Things to Do at Antelope Hot Springs:
You can visit multiple nearby attractions while in the hot spring area.
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is 270,000 acres of sagebrush plains, cliffs, and valleys. It is a fantastic spot for hiking, wildlife watching, camping, rockhounding, and other adventures.
Flook Lake is an ancient dry inland sea with dusty alkali soil, giving it an otherworldly appearance. You can find agate, jasper, and occasionally fire opal on the alkaline playa.
At the Oregon Sunstone Public Collection Area, you can dig for Oregon sunstones, a rare gemstone unique to the area. The public collection site is free to visit and fun for all ages.
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Antelope Hot Springs Camping & Lodging
Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground has 25 campsites for trailers up to 24 feet. It also has vault toilets and fire rings.
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge area has more camping available year-round for up to 14 days at designated campgrounds:
Camp Hart Mountain: Offers eight campsites suitable for trailers, with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Hot Springs Campground: Has 25 campsites for trailers up to 24 feet, with vault toilets and fire rings.
Post Meadows: Includes four campsites suitable for trailers, with vault toilets. It is a perfect spot for fishing and horseback riding.
Guano Creek: Open for camping from August 1 to December 1, with 10 campsites with vault toilets. It is also a perfect spot for fishing.
Backcountry Camping: Requires a self-issued permit, which you can obtain at the Refuge Headquarters or online.
However, if you prefer more comfortable accommodation, you can stay in Plush or Lakeview.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long-term stays in Plush
Antelope Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 67 miles northeast of Lakeview • Oregon • USA
Best time: Spring through Fall
Development: Semi-developed and primitive
Clothing: Optional
Amenities: Pit toilets
Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle on the maintained roads
Day-use fees: None
Managed by: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Elevation: 5,930 ft (1,807 m)
Water T°:
Semi-developed pool 95°F(35°C) - 100°F(38°C)
Undeveloped pool 98°F(37°C) - 104°F(40°C)
Water acidity level: Weak alkaline (pH=8.3)
Springs type: Sodium Silicate Bicarbonate
Flow rate: 30 gallon/min/ (114 l/min)
Average dissolved solids: 695 ppm
| Cations Sodium (Na) - 191 Mg/L Potassium (K) - 13 Mg/L Calcium (Ca) - 10 Mg/L Magnesium (Mg) - 2.5 Mg/L | Anions Carbonate (CO3) - 376 Mg/L Silica (SiO2) - 168 Mg/L Chloride (Cl) - 64 Mg/L Sulfate (SO4) - 57 Mg/L Fluoride (F) - 3.6 Mg/L |
More Adventures
Directions to Antelope Hot Springs
From Burns,
- Head OR-78 East to OR-205
- Turn right onto OR 205 South and drive about 67 miles to Rock Creek Road
- Turn right onto the gravel Rock Creek Road that becomes Frenchglen Road
- Drive on Frenchglen Road (41 miles from OR-205) to Refuge Headquarters
- Turn left onto Hot Springs Road and continue 4.4 miles to the Hart Mountain (Antelope) Hot Springs and campground.
From the north end of Plush,
- Take Lake County Road 3-12 or Hart Mountain Road toward Hart Lake and Mountains
- Continue 23 miles to Refuge Headquarters; the road is mostly gravel
- Bear slightly right onto Hot Springs Road and travel 4.4 miles to the Hart Mountain (Antelope) Hot Springs and campground.
Oregon Discovery
Edward A. Sammel and Robert W. Craig. "The Geothermal Hydrology of Warner Valley, Oregon: A Reconnaissance Study". Geological Survey Professional Paper. 1981.USGS.
"Geothermal Information Layer for Oregon". www.oregongeology.org