Barnes Warm Springs

## Overview Barnes Warm Springs is a free, natural warm spring tucked into the remote high desert landscape southeast of Frenchglen in Harney County, Oregon. The spring feeds a small soaking pool situated behind the atmospheric ruins of a former homestead, lending the site a quiet, almost ghostly character against the vast backdrop of the Steens Mountain region. With no fees or formal facilities, Barnes Warm Springs offers a rustic, off-the-beaten-path experience for hot spring enthusiasts and adventurers exploring one of Oregon's most sparsely populated corners. The spring sits at an elevation consistent with the western foothills of Steens Mountain, an enormous fault-block mountain that rises nearly a mile above the Alvord Desert to the east. Geothermal activity in the region is driven by deep faulting along the Steens Mountain escarpment, which allows heated groundwater to rise to the surface at several points — Barnes Warm Springs among them. The water temperature has been described as warm rather than hot, making it a pleasant soak rather than a scalding one. ## Directions 1. From the small community of Frenchglen, head south on the **Steens Mountain Loop Road**. 2. Drive approximately **one-quarter mile** from Frenchglen and look for a **signposted pullout and gate** on the left (east) side of the road. 3. Park at the pullout and pass through the gate. 4. Hike east along the access road for **just under one mile**. The trail leads to the ruins of an old homestead. 5. The warm spring pool is located **behind the ruins** of the former home. *Note: The terrain is open high desert with little shade. The Steens Mountain Loop Road is typically open from mid-July through October, depending on snowpack and road conditions. Confirm road status before your trip, especially in spring or early summer.* ## What to Expect The hike in is short — just under a mile on relatively flat, open ground — but the landscape feels immense. You'll cross sagebrush-dotted terrain with sweeping views of the surrounding high desert and the flanks of Steens Mountain. The old homestead ruins at the site add a layer of historical intrigue; the crumbling walls hint at the hardy settlers who once tried to make a life in this unforgiving but beautiful country. The soaking pool itself is small, fed directly by the warm spring. Water flow and temperature can vary seasonally. The pool is best suited for one or two people at a time. There are no developed facilities — no restrooms, no changing areas, and no trash receptacles — so plan to pack out everything you bring in. Frenchglen, the nearest community, is a tiny outpost with very limited services. The historic Frenchglen Hotel (a state heritage site) offers meals and lodging during its operating season, and the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters is a short drive to the north. Cell service in this area is essentially nonexistent, so come prepared with offline maps, plenty of water, and supplies for the day. GPS coordinates: **42.815167, -118.900472**