Hot Lake Springs | Eastern Oregon

The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs is located 9 miles southeast of La Grande in the southern part of the Grande Ronde Valley of Union County. An example of the Colonial Revival style, a historic hotel on a shore of the one of the largest hot springs in the world was built at the early 1900s.

The lodge is nestled towards the northern base of a small treeless hill. In the northern direction, the view encompasses a massive sweep of a complete mountain lined the valley. The Blue Mountains are situated towards the west with the Wallowa to the east.

Previously, a large hot lake was divided by the road and parking area into two smaller lakes. Public pools and showers are located at the west lake.

The hot water at Hot Lake Springs is sourced from an artesian well that produces nearly 3 million gallons of 200°F geothermal water per day. This water is mixed with cold water before being pumped into the hot tubs. Free from any unpleasant smell or taste, the mineral water is safe to drink and is available throughout the hotel.

Overnight guests can enjoy unlimited bathing access 24 hours a day. Additionally, day-use options are available with soaking pass reservations, which can be made through the Lodge at Hot Lake Springs website.

The main focus of the Lodge at Hot Lake Springs is not only to "take in the waters" but also to enjoy the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere while absorbing the rich history of the region.

The hotel has a long and fascinated history of prosperity and decline.

The lake was called Ea-Kesh-Pa by the Native American tribe Nez Perce. Before European settlers arrived, this area was a sacred place for nursing sick or injured people. The man from the Hunt-Price expedition discovered the large steaming lake in 1812.

Hot Lake Springs became a popular destination for the early fur traders and slowly grew to be a rest spot for those traveling along the Oregon Trail.

In 1864, Newhard with his partner built the first wooden structure. The 'Town Under One Roof’ progressed into a covered shopping mall and later, by the end of 1908, into a grand three-story brick hotel.

In 1917 Dr. Phy purchased the Hot Lake Hotel and made a hospital on the third floor known by the name of 'Mayo Clinic of the West’. The crowds flocking towards the Hot Lake continued to grow until a sudden Sunday fire that destroyed the eastern part of the resort.

Over the next 70 years, the property was the beneficiary of multiple grants as well as changed owners several times. However, Hot Lake Springs never returned to its former grandeur. During World War II, the property was turned into a Pilot’s School and Nurses Training Center.

As time progressed, multiple business models were adopted to restore Hot Lake Springs and all were unsuccessful. In 1994, the Hot Lake property was parceled out and Hot Lake Springs and the RV Resort became separated units with different owners.

In 2003, David and Lee Manuel bought the Hot Lake property and started a long restoration process. In 2010, Hot Lake Springs opened its doors for overnight guests. In 2020, the owners of Grande Hot Springs, located a mile away, purchased the property and continued the restoration.

Hot Lake Hotel is reputedly haunted, according to numerous ghost stories. In 2001, the American paranormal reality show on ABC Family reported the hotel as one of the "Scariest Places on Earth." While the truth of these scary stories remains uncertain, the historic hotel attracts thrill-seekers looking for paranormal adventures.

In 1979, Hot Lake Hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its historical significance.

The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs provides a cozy accommodations in one of of elegant furnishing rooms; some of them complete with soaking tubs and shower. The reservation is available through Airbnb.

The closest RV and tent campground is located just one mile away at Grande Hot Springs RV Resort.

Also the lodging is available in La Grande, 9 miles northwest.

Lodging in La Grande

Location: 9 miles southeast of La Grande  • Northeastern Oregon • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Historical hotel, hot tubs
Clothing: Required
Amenities: A restaurant, movie theater, kitchen and daily breakfast for overnight guests

Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle
Day-use: For overnight guests only; walk-ins option $25/hour for a person

Elevation: 2,800 ft (853 m)