Deer Creek aka Bigelow Hot Springs

## Overview Bigelow Hot Springs — also known as Deer Creek Hot Springs — is a free, natural hot spring tucked along the McKenzie River in the Willamette National Forest near Blue River, Oregon. Open to the public around the clock with no fees or permits required, this rustic soaking spot draws visitors looking for a wild, off-grid hot spring experience in the heart of the Oregon Cascades. However, Bigelow Hot Springs is not a reliable year-round destination. The hot spring sits at river level, and when the McKenzie River runs high — particularly during the rainy season, spring snowmelt, or after heavy storms — cold river water floods the soaking area and overwhelms the thermal flow. During these periods, the spring is effectively inaccessible or too cool to enjoy. The best window for a warm soak is typically during the drier summer and early fall months when river levels drop enough to expose the hot spring pools. Even then, whether you'll find usable hot water depends on current conditions and a bit of luck. The thermal water emerges from the ground along the riverbank and mixes with the cooler river water in shallow, user-built rock pools. Some visitors have reported a sulfurous smell to the water, which is common with geothermally heated springs in volcanic regions like the Cascades. The temperature of the pools can vary significantly depending on how much river water is mixing in at any given time. ## Directions The hot spring is located near Blue River, OR 97413. GPS coordinates: **44.23894, -122.05759** (note: these differ from the pin coordinates and reflect the user-submitted location for the spring itself). 1. **From the Blue River community**, take the route heading south on **NF-15 (National Forest Road 15)**. This is the longer route at approximately 25 miles, but it is significantly faster than the shorter alternative, which follows slower, rougher forest roads. 2. Continue south on NF-15, passing **Lookout Campground** and the community of **Mona**. 3. When you reach the highway (Oregon Route 126 / McKenzie Highway), **turn left (east)**. 4. Drive east on the highway for several miles. Watch for the **McKenzie River View Point** pullout on your left. 5. Just past the viewpoint, look for the intersection with **NF-2654 (National Forest Road 2654)** on your left. **Turn left** onto NF-2654. 6. Cross the bridge over the McKenzie River and find a place to park along the road nearby. 7. From your parking spot, walk toward the river and **follow the riverbank** to reach the hot spring soaking area. *Tip: The final approach is on foot along the river — wear sturdy shoes with good traction, as the terrain can be uneven and slippery, especially near the water.* ## What to Expect Bigelow Hot Springs is a primitive, undeveloped hot spring with no facilities, restrooms, or signage. You're visiting a wild spot in the national forest, so come prepared. - **Soaking pools:** The pools are informal and shaped by rocks and river flow. They shift and change with water levels, so the experience can vary from visit to visit. - **Water temperature:** Highly variable. When the river is low, the thermal water can create pleasantly warm pools. When the river is high, the hot water is diluted or submerged entirely. - **Smell:** Some visitors have noted a sulfurous or mineral odor, which is typical of volcanic hot springs in the region. - **Best time to visit:** Late summer through early fall generally offers the lowest river levels and the best chance of finding warm, accessible pools. Avoid periods of heavy rain or snowmelt. - **Current conditions:** There are no reliable online sources that track the real-time status of this hot spring. Checking recent trip reports on hiking forums or local outdoor groups before your visit can help set expectations. - **Safety:** Exercise caution, particularly after dark — the riverbank terrain is uneven and there is no lighting. The area is remote, so let someone know your plans and bring a headlamp if you'll be there near dusk. - **No guarantees:** This is a weather-dependent, luck-of-the-draw destination. If conditions aren't right, the McKenzie River corridor still offers beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and other points of interest to make the trip worthwhile.