Austin Hot Springs | Oregon Cascades

Austin Hot Springs is an extremely popular destination in close proximity to Portland, the largest city in Oregon. The thermal water emerges from several spots on both river banks and directly from the river bottom.

Visitors build the main Austin soaking area with a few pools along the roadside of the Clackamas River near and above the hot springs sources. The pools have different sizes and different water temperatures. The hot springs can be extremely hot, over 190 degrees Fahrenheit. So, always check the water if you decide to soak.

Austin Hot Springs is highly unpredictable. The volcano-heated water at a high temperature can emerge anytime from the pool's bottom. One moment, you may be feeling good and relaxed in the warm water, and the next few minutes, you may find yourself being rushed to the hospital because of an injury that you have succumbed to from boiling water.

Reports have shown that each year there are people who gain access to this locally heated water that percolates near the Clackamas River end up suffering from severe burns.

The hot springs pool nestled on the opposite side of the river, a few yards upstream, is considered safer because the hot water flows out of a cliff and can be easily mixed with cold water.

Austin Hot Springs is privately owned, and technically, it is illegal to use this area without the owner's permission. However, for decades, many visitors have found this site attractive because of the hot mineral water and the fact that it is located just 37 miles southeast of Estacada. Despite Austin Hot Springs being a private property, hundreds of people annually visit this site, construct soaking pools, and bring concrete, old rugs, and dirty carpets.

According to Jan Barkley, Schmidt trustee, the many signs on the property warning people that it is private property have not helped much. All gates and signs that warn people from accessing this site have been brought down by determined people who want to access the spring at all costs.