Imagine sitting in warm water while the sun sets over a huge, flat desert. Behind you, a tall mountain turns pink and orange. Above you, thousands of stars start to shine. This is what a visit to Alvord Hot Springs feels like, and it is one of the most special soaking spots in Oregon.
Alvord Hot Springs sits in the far southeast corner of Oregon, in Harney County. It is next to the Alvord Desert, a giant dry lakebed, and at the foot of Steens Mountain. The spot is private, quiet, and far from big cities. That is why people love it, and it is also why you need a little planning before you go.
In this guide, you will learn everything about Alvord Hot Springs in simple words. We cover the cost, the road, camping, the best season, safety rules, and fun places nearby. We checked many sources, including owner details, travel guides, and visitor reviews, so you can plan with confidence. Prices and rules can change, so always check before you leave.
Facts About Alvord Hot Springs
Here is a fast look before we go deeper.
| Detail | What to Know |
| Place | Alvord Hot Springs, Harney County, Oregon |
| Address | 46008 Alvord Ranch Lane, Princeton, OR |
| Phone | 541-589-2282 |
| Type | Private hot springs with two concrete pools |
| Pool water temperature | About 100°F to 110°F (38°C to 43°C) |
| Height above sea level | About 4,080 feet |
| Open | Year-round |
| Day-use soak fee | Reports range from about $10 to $30 per adult, so confirm before you go |
| Overnight stay | Camping and bunkhouses with soaking included |
| Nearest big towns | Burns (Oregon), Boise (Idaho), Bend (Oregon), Winnemucca (Nevada) |
What Is Alvord Hot Springs?
Alvord Hot Springs is a privately owned geothermal hot spring. Geothermal means the heat comes from deep inside the earth. Hot water rises through cracks in the ground and comes out of the earth at around 170°F. That is far too hot to sit in, so the owners use pipes to mix in cooler water. This brings the pool to a comfortable soaking temperature.
The site has two concrete pools next to each other. One pool is partly covered by a metal roof. The other is open to the sky, so you can look at the desert and the mountains while you soak. You can also change the water flow in the pools, which helps you make them cooler or hotter.
Besides the pools, you will find:
- Restrooms and showers
- A small general store with basic supplies
- Campsites
- Bunkhouses (small cabins with beds)
- A caretaker on site during open hours
The place is simple and rustic. It is not a fancy spa. Think of it as a friendly desert camp with great hot water.
A Short History of Alvord Hot Springs
For many years, Alvord Hot Springs was free and open to everyone. People would drive out, soak, and leave. Around 2013, the family that owns the land, the Davis family, built a new structure. They added a parking area, a store, bathrooms, showers, campsites, and bunkhouses, and they hired a caretaker.
Because of these changes, there is now a fee. Some visitors miss the free days. Still, the fee pays for cleaning, repairs, and staff. It also helps keep the pools safe in a very remote place.
Where Is Alvord Hot Springs Located?
Alvord Hot Springs is on the east side of Steens Mountain, near the small community of Andrews and the town of Fields. The closest towns with services are far away. Here is a simple look at travel times, based on trip reports from travel writers.
| Starting Point | Approximate Drive Time |
| Boise, Idaho | About 3.5 to 4 hours |
| Bend, Oregon | About 4 hours |
| Winnemucca, Nevada | About 2.5 hours |
| Portland, Oregon | About 7 hours |
| Burns, Oregon | About 1.5 to 2 hours |
The distance from Burns is often listed as 87 to 107 miles depending on the route. Use this as a rough idea and check your map app.
How to Get to Alvord Hot Springs
Most people reach the springs by the Fields-Denio Road, also called East Steens Road. You can come from the north (from Burns) or from the south (from Fields). From the south, the springs are about 23 miles north of Fields, and the first part of the road is paved.
The last stretch is gravel. In dry weather, most regular cars can handle it slowly. After rain or snow, the road can turn muddy and rough. A car with higher ground clearance is a smart choice in those times.
Important road tips:
- Fill your gas tank in Fields or Denio. Gas stations out here can run out of fuel.
- Cell phone signal is weak or missing. Download offline maps first.
- Bring a spare tire and a jack.
- Pack extra water and snacks in your car.
- Check Oregon road conditions before you travel, especially in winter and spring.
How Much Does Alvord Hot Springs Cost?
This is the question people ask the most, and it is also the hardest to answer. Different websites list different prices, because the fees have changed over the years. Older guides mention $5 or $8 for day use. Newer travel reports mention about $20 per adult.
Here is a clear summary of what recent sources say:
| Item | Reported Cost (Approximate) |
| Day-use soak | About $10 to $30 per adult |
| Children under 12 | Often reported as free (confirm first) |
| Camping | Around $30 to $50 per site, with soaking included |
| Bunkhouses | Around $50 to $110 per night, with soaking included |
| Drive onto the playa through their private road | Extra fee, reported at $10 to $20 |
Our advice: Treat these numbers as a rough guide only. Call 541-589-2282 or check the official website before you go. Also bring a card and some cash, because remote places sometimes have payment problems.
Some visitors feel the prices are high for a simple place. Others feel the view and the 24-hour soaking make it worth every dollar. If you camp overnight, the soaking is included, so you get more value for your money.
Opening Hours and Reservations
Alvord Hot Springs is open all year. Day visitors usually soak during set hours, which have been reported as about 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Overnight guests can soak around the clock, which means you can enjoy the stars at midnight.
Here is what you should know about booking:
- Day use: Older guides say you should call ahead. Do this so you do not drive hours and find the pools full or closed.
- Camping and bunkhouses: Book early, especially on weekends and in summer. Space is limited.
- Pools are small: Each pool fits roughly two to six people comfortably. At busy times, you may need to wait.
Best Time to Visit Alvord Hot Springs
You can visit in any season, but each one feels different.
visit in any season, but each one feels different.
| Season | What It Is Like |
| Spring (March to May) | Mild days, but roads and the playa can be muddy |
| Summer (June to August) | Hot days, so soak in the morning or at night; great for stars |
| Fall (September to November) | Many travelers say this is the best time: dry weather and clear views |
| Winter (December to February) | Cold air makes the hot water feel amazing, but roads may be icy or snowy |
If you want the safest road and the nicest weather, plan your trip from July to November. If you love the “hot water, cold air” feeling, winter can be magical, but you must watch the weather closely.
What to Expect at the Pools
The pools are about three feet deep. The water is clear, and the pool floor is concrete, so it is easy to walk on. The temperature usually stays between 100°F and 110°F, but it changes with the season and the water flow.
Test the water first. Some visitors have found one pool very hot when they arrived. You can turn the hot water flow down and wait a little before getting in. Never jump in without checking.
People describe the experience in similar ways:
- Wide-open views of the Alvord Desert on one side and Steens Mountain on the other
- Almost no light pollution, so the night sky is full of stars
- A calm, quiet feeling, especially early in the morning
- A simple setup that feels like a real desert adventure
A few visitors say the place feels rough around the edges or too expensive. That is fair. The best way to enjoy it is to expect a simple desert camp, not a luxury spa.
Camping and Places to Stay
There are a few ways to sleep near Alvord Hot Springs.
1. Camp at Alvord Hot Springs
Camping on the property gives you 24-hour soaking and access to restrooms, showers, and a small kitchen area. It is the easiest way to enjoy sunset and sunrise from the water.
2. Rent a bunkhouse
Bunkhouses are small cabins with beds. Reports say they fit up to four people. They are a great choice if you do not want to set up a tent, or if the weather is cold.
3. Camp on the Alvord Desert playa
The playa is public land, and many people camp there for free. You can then drive or walk to the hot springs and pay for day use. This can save money, but remember: there are no bathrooms, no water, and no shade. You must carry everything in and take all your trash out.
4. Try Pike Creek Primitive Camp
This simple camp sits just north of the springs. It is a quieter and more basic choice.
Is Alvord Hot Springs Safe? Simple Rules to Follow
Hot springs are fun, but they can also be risky if you are not careful. Follow these simple rules:
- Check the temperature with your hand or foot before you enter.
- Limit your soak time. Take breaks every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drink plenty of water. Hot water and desert air can make you dehydrated fast.
- Skip alcohol while soaking. It raises the risk of fainting and heat problems.
- Take care with children. Do not let them soak for long, and stay close.
- Talk to your doctor first if you are pregnant or have heart problems or high blood pressure.
- Do not soak alone at night if you can avoid it.
- Leave the pools if you feel dizzy, sick, or very tired.
The pools have adjustable inflow pipes, and a caretaker is on site during operating hours. This adds a layer of safety, but you are still responsible for your own care.
Rules and Etiquette at Alvord Hot Springs
Good manners help everyone enjoy the place. Here is a simple list:
- Shower before you enter the pools if a shower is offered.
- Keep your voice low, especially at night.
- Do not bring glass items near the pools.
- Keep dogs on a leash. Dogs are generally not allowed in the water.
- Take all your trash with you.
- Respect other soakers and wait your turn when pools are full.
- Wear a swimsuit unless the staff clearly tells you otherwise. Different websites say different things about clothing rules, so ask when you arrive.
What to Pack for Alvord Hot Springs
Because the area is remote, packing well matters. Here is a handy checklist:
- Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel
- Flip-flops or water shoes
- Warm jacket and hat for after your soak (desert nights get cold)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the day
- Refillable water bottles and extra drinking water
- Snacks and meals, since food options are limited
- Cash and a card
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Full tank of gas, spare tire, and offline maps
- Plastic bag for wet clothes and trash
- Camera for the sunset and stars
Things to Do Near Alvord Hot Springs
Do not only soak and leave. The area has some of the most unusual places in Oregon.
Alvord Desert
The Alvord Desert is a dry lakebed that stretches for miles. It is flat, white, and wide. Many people walk, camp, or drive on it when it is dry. Always check the ground first, because mud can trap vehicles after rain. Public access is free at Frog Springs. Alvord Hot Springs also offers a paid private road onto the playa.
Steens Mountain Loop
This scenic drive climbs high into the mountains and gives you huge views of the desert below. It is popular for hiking, wildflowers in season, and photos. Check if the upper road is open, because snow can block it for much of the year.
Borax Lake and Mickey Hot Springs
These are other hot springs in the same area. Check the current access rules first, as some sites are on private or protected land.
Stargazing
There is almost no light pollution here. On a clear, moonless night, you can see the Milky Way with your own eyes. Soaking while looking up is a top memory for many visitors.
Fields Station
Fields is a tiny town with a gas station and a small cafe. It is a handy stop for fuel and a meal, though hours can change, so call ahead if you can.
Simple Sample Plan for a 2-Day Trip
| Time | Plan |
| Day 1 morning | Drive in, fill gas in Fields or Denio |
| Day 1 afternoon | Check in, set up camp or bunkhouse, explore the playa |
| Day 1 evening | Soak at sunset, make dinner, enjoy the stars |
| Day 2 morning | Soak at sunrise, then pack up |
| Day 2 midday | Drive part of the Steens Mountain Loop if the road is open |
Is Alvord Hot Springs Worth It?
It depends on what you want.
Alvord Hot Springs is a good choice if you:
- Love quiet, remote places
- Want a big sky and star views
- Enjoy camping or simple cabins
- Are happy with a rustic setup
It may not be right for you if you:
- Want fancy spa services
- Do not like long drives or gravel roads
- Need big pools for large groups
- Are on a very tight budget
For many travelers, the view makes it worth the drive. Just go with the right expectations and a good plan.
Tips From Our Research to Make Your Trip Better
We read many visitor reviews and travel reports while writing this guide. These tips come up again and again:
- Go on a weekday if you can. The pools are small and weekends fill up.
- Soak at sunrise. It is quiet, and the light on the mountain is beautiful.
- Check the weather and road the day before you leave.
- Camp on the playa and soak by day if you want to save money.
- Call before you go. Fees and rules can change.
- Leave no trace. The area is fragile and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Alvord Hot Springs is not the biggest or the fanciest hot spring in the world. But it may be one of the most memorable. You get warm water, a huge desert, a tall mountain, and a sky full of stars, all in one place.
To enjoy your visit, remember the key points: confirm the fees by phone, fill your gas tank, check the road, test the water, drink plenty of water, and respect the land. With a little planning, a trip to Alvord Hot Springs can be one of the best outdoor adventures you will ever have in Oregon.
Alvord Hot Springs FAQs
1. Is Alvord Hot Springs free?
No. Alvord Hot Springs was free before the family built the new facility around 2013. Today there is a fee for day use, and overnight guests pay for camping or a bunkhouse, which includes soaking.
2. How hot is the water at Alvord Hot Springs?
The water comes out of the ground at about 170°F, but pipes cool it. The pools are usually between 100°F and 110°F. Always test the water before you get in.
3. Can you camp at Alvord Hot Springs?
Yes. There are campsites and bunkhouses on the property. Overnight guests get soaking included. You can also camp for free on the nearby Alvord Desert playa, which is public land.
4. Do I need a reservation for Alvord Hot Springs?
Overnight stays are best booked ahead. For day use, calling ahead is a smart move, since the pools are small and open hours can change.
5. Is Alvord Hot Springs open in winter?
Yes, it is open year-round. Winter soaking feels great, but roads can be icy or snowy, so check conditions first.
6. Are dogs allowed at Alvord Hot Springs?
Dogs are generally allowed on a leash on the property but not in the pools. Ask the staff when you arrive.
7. Is Alvord Hot Springs clothing optional?
Sources do not agree on this. The safest choice is to wear a swimsuit and ask the caretaker about the current rule.
8. How far is Alvord Hot Springs from Burns, Oregon?
It is roughly 87 to 107 miles, depending on the route, and takes around one and a half to two hours.
9. Is the road to Alvord Hot Springs paved?
Part of it is paved, but the last stretch is gravel. A regular car can often manage in dry weather, but a higher car is better after rain or snow.
10. What is the best time to visit Alvord Hot Springs?
Many travelers like July to November for dry roads and clear skies. Winter is also lovely if the weather is calm.
