Bog Hot Springs is a remote hot oasis between the Pueblo and Steens Mountains
A remote destination, Bog Hot Springs is a great place to relax and rejuvenate in natural mineral water.
Located near the Nevada–Oregon border, about 270 miles northeast of Reno, this site features a series of hot spring pools along a deep ditch that extends for about one mile.
The hot springs can be visited year-round; however, in summer, it can be too hot for bathing.
Typically, all cars can make a trip on a dusty and sometimes rough road to Bog Hot Springs.
The springs are located on private land but are open to public use. Please help preserve the area by packing out all trash.
Bog Hot Springs Soaking Experience
The primary geothermal source emerges at the head of the creek, where the hottest water at about 130°F (54°C) rises from the ground and then flows across the brush-covered desert before collecting in an irrigation pond at Bog Hot Spring Ranch.
🔴 Do not use the main geothermal source for soaking.
The hot water feeds several hand-built pools along the shallow channel below the source.
Water temperatures vary depending on weather conditions and distance from the source. Bathers can adjust their preferred temperature by moving up or down the creek.
The pools are sand-bottomed, making them smooth and comfortable for soaking. Visitors can also create a small dam to form a more private soaking spot along the channel.
Thanks to the steady flow, the water in the channel is typically very clean.
🟡 Always check the water temperature before entering.
Things to Do at Bog Hot Springs
The area around Bog Hot Springs offers scenic desert drives, stargazing under dark skies, and opportunities to explore the rugged landscapes of southeastern Oregon and northern Nevada.
About 39 miles west, Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, photography, hunting, and fishing in a vast and peaceful natural setting.
Virgin Valley Hot Springs offers additional soaking opportunities in a similarly remote desert environment.
Virgin Valley is also well known for its opal mining sites, where visitors can search for precious opal, often including black fire opal, within the local volcanic tuff deposits. Some claim areas operate on a fee-dig basis, allowing visitors to dig through gravel and clay layers in search of collectible gemstones.
Bog Hot Springs Camping & Lodging
Camping is not prohibited at the hot springs but make sure to camp away from the water. There no amenities and the closest services are located approximately 40 miles away in Fields, Oregon.
The nearest lodging is found 110 miles southeast in Winnemucca, Nevada and 110 miles northwest in Lakeview, OR.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Winnemucca
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Lakeview
Sad Statistics
April 2016. A couple from Denio in Nevada, both 59 years old were found dead in Bog Hot Springs. The cause of death of both people has not been revealed but it was suggested that the high temperature might be a factor.
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Bog Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 110 miles northwest of Winnemucca • Northwestern Nevada • USA
Best time: Year-round
Development: Wild
Clothing: Optional
Amenities: None
Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: Most passenger vehicles during dry seasons
Day-use fees: None
Managed by: Private property
Elevation: 4,250 ft (1,295 m)
Water T° (source): 130°F (54°C)
Water T° (creek): 90-130°F (32-54°C)
More Adventures
Directions to Bog Hot Springs
From Winnemucca,
- Drive 31.5 miles north on US-95 to Highway NV-140
- Turn left onto NV-140 and follow 65.5 miles
- Turn left (Denio Junction) to stay on NV-140 and continue about 9 miles to Bog Hot Road (between milepost 74 and 75)
- Turn right onto unpaved Bog Hot Spring Road and drive 3.5 miles
- After the Bog Hot Springs Ranch and reservoir, continue 0.7 miles, keep left for 0.2 miles to the big parking area.
Please clarify . Your statement is contradicting. .
: Do not use the geothermal source for soaking!”
You also mentioning good for soaking . Like what ?
This is a hot creek. The source (the place where the creek begins) is extremely hot. The water cools down while flowing through the desert and you can find a place for soaking about 0.5 miles downstream but always check the temperature.