Belknap Hot Springs: Historic Hot Pools in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest

Belknap Hot Springs Lodge is located in the beautiful Willamette National Forest, about 58 miles east of Eugene and 6 miles east of McKenzie Bridge.

Numerous archaeological artifacts discovered along the banks of the McKenzie River indicate that Native Americans used the hot mineral waters for thousands of years for medical practices and religious rituals.

In 1854, a group of settlers living nearby explored and described the hot springs. They named them “Pools of Salome” and “Siloam Springs.”

In 1869, Rollin S. Belknap claimed the springs for commercial use. In 1874, the health and spa resort was opened to the public. At that time, it was known as Salt Springs.

In 1891, the property was sold, and under new ownership, the name was changed to Belknap Springs.

For nearly 150 years, the hot springs resort has undergone several ownership changes and numerous improvements and renovations. Since the resort’s opening, it has operated almost continuously, except for a period between 1968 and 1978.

Today, the historic hot springs resort offers a variety of accommodations, including cabins, lodge rooms, and camp and RV sites. During your stay, in addition to bathing in the mineral-rich water, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, and fishing.

The main geothermal source is located on the north bank of the McKenzie River.

Extremely hot water at about 196°F is piped across the river to a heat exchanger that supplies heat to the lodge and hot water to the resort facilities. After cooling, the water flows into the swimming pools, where the temperature is maintained at about 92°F in summer and 102°F in winter.

The lower pool near the riverbank is available for day use daily between 9 am and 9 pm. The upper pool is reserved for overnight guests and is open until 10 pm. Four lodge rooms also feature private indoor Jacuzzi tubs.

This riverside resort is also known for its exotic Secret Garden at Belknap Hot Springs hidden in the forest. Begin your walk to the garden from the lodge and main office, cross the bridge, and follow a scenic trail through lush woodland. The trail connects with the 27-mile McKenzie River hiking and biking trail that passes beautiful sites such as Tamolich Blue Pool, Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls, old lava flows, and Clear Lake.

Check the Belknap Hot Springs website for reservations and current prices.