Borax Lake Hot Springs – Unique Geothermal Area | Eastern Oregon

Remnants of the extensive pluvial lake ecosystem, Borax Lake Hot Springs is a unique geothermal area located in a flat high desert of the Alvord Basin. Majestic views of the vast terrain and mountains, steamy hot springs, and white borax soil makes this site very attractive for photographers.

Thermal waters are typically a result of volcanic activity and Borax Lake Hot Springs is no exception. The entire area of the Alvord Basin lies on the 30-mile long fault line between the Steens and Pueblo Mountains on the west and the Sheepshead and Trout Creek Mountains on the east. Steens Mountain was formed from this uplifted fault block. It is said to be millions of years old with eruptions dating back 17 million years. Though the fault's center is relatively far from Borax Lake, it still manages to heat its deepest waters to an impressive 300-degree Fahrenheit. Alvord Hot Springs and Mickey Hot Springs occur within the same fault zone.

The Borax Lake Hot Springs area includes the 10-acre Borax Lake (previously known as Hot Lake), ten to twelve hot springs, and a few dozen vents. The southernmost hot springs, located in the center of the lake, 100 feet below the surface, nurture Borax Lake with geothermal water that ranges from 104 to 300°F (40-140°C). The temperature of the water near the lake's shore can be between 61°F during cooler months and 100°F in the middle of summer. The overflow of Borax Lake feeds Little (Lower) Borax Lake.

Borax Lake Hot Springs gain unprecedented attention today for its unusual environmental profile and unique ecosystem. For these reasons, it makes the area very attractive to many scientific types of research.

The interesting fact: Borax Lake is home to only one type of fish, — the rare and endangered Borax Lake Chub. This fascinating cyprinid fish can only be found here. The chub is a miracle creature of nature, which survived, endured such a difficult habitat, and evolved within about 10,000 years. This fish prefers the lake's outflows due to their cooler temperatures - around 85°F. The temperature 93°F (34°C) is critical for the species. The chub is also found in Little Borax Lake but the fish population dies when this small lake is dry. To protect the exceptional Borax Lake chub, a restoration of Little Borax is extremely important.

Currently, the 640-acre area around Borax Lake is designated as a critical habitat and managed by The Nature Conservancy, BLM, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. In 1993 The Nature Conservancy purchased 160-acre private land around Borax Lake and Borax Lake itself to save the endangered chub species and the unique environment.

Because Borax Lake is a biological preserve and the lake's shoreline is highly fragile which may be damaged by off-road vehicles, only foot traffic is allowed from the second gate to the Borax Lake (0.5 miles) and the hot springs (1 mile).

Soaking in the hot springs and swimming in the lake is not allowed. Often Borax Lake tempts visitors to take a quick dip in its warm water. The Nature Conservancy absolutely prohibits it to keep both humans and the fragile ecosystem safe.

Cautions. The extremely hot temperatures, steam, and fragile surface make grounds unstable, especially near the pools' edges. The posted signs warn about the dangers of this area. Watch your step, the thin ground surface could break under your weight and expose you to scalding water.