Bingham Springs at Bar M Ranch - Warm Mineral Springs in Northeastern Oregon

Bingham Springs is a historic hot spring located on the 633-acre Bar M Ranch in Northeastern Oregonin a valley of the Blue Mountains along the Umatilla River.

Warm 93°F (34°C) water naturally emerges from the mountain at a flow rate of approximately 300 liters per minute, supplying the ranch's 40-by-60-foot swimming pool. The water naturally cools to about 85°F (29°C) in the pool, making it comfortable for swimming and soaking during the summer.

The pool area has showers, changing rooms, and a large deck with plenty of space for guests.

Guests can stay in cabins, the lodge, or the ranch house. The Bar M Ranch also offers playgrounds, meeting rooms, and a general store.

In addition to swimming and soaking in the warm mineral water, the ranch offers several other recreational activities. Hiking trails are available on the property, including those with views of the surrounding Blue Mountains and the Umatilla River Valley.

The ranch pond can be used for canoeing and kayaking, and catch-and-release fishing is available. Guests can also use the volleyball and basketball courts. The nearby Umatilla River provides opportunities for tubing and fishing.

The Bar M Ranch can be easily reached by a passenger vehicle, but visitors should make a reservation before planning a visit, as the property is a private ranch and retreat center.

The history of Bar M Ranch dates back to 1864, when a stage house was built along the historic route between Walla Walla and Boise. The site was known as Warm Springs before a post office named Purdy was established there in 1881. The name honored John Purdy, an early owner of the stage house and hotel.

In 1892, John Bingham purchased the property, and the springs became known as Bingham Springs. The property changed ownership several times over the following decades. Howard and Bonnie Baker purchased the resort in 1938 and renamed it Bar M Ranch. The Baker family operated the ranch as a dude ranch for more than six decades.

In 2011, Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities purchased the Bar M Ranch. Today, the ranch operates as a year-round conference, retreat, and event center as well as a vacation destination.