Hot Lake Hot Springs

## Overview Hot Lake Hot Springs is a geothermal spring located in the Grande Ronde Valley of northeastern Oregon, near the town of La Grande. Situated at approximately 45.2434°N, 117.9585°W, this historic hot spring has been a landmark in the region for well over a century. The site sits along the old Oregon Trail corridor, and the thermal waters here were long known to Indigenous peoples of the area before Euro-American settlers arrived in the mid-1800s. The name "Hot Lake" derives from the body of warm water that the springs feed into, creating a lake with notably elevated temperatures compared to surrounding waterways. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hot Lake became the site of a grand resort and sanitarium — sometimes called the "Mayo Clinic of the West" — where visitors came from across the Pacific Northwest seeking the reputed therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich thermal waters. The massive brick hotel built on the site in 1907 still stands today and has been restored as a cultural landmark, art center, and lodging destination known as Hot Lake Springs. The geothermal activity in this area is linked to the volcanic geology of the Blue Mountains region. The hot springs discharge water that has been historically reported at temperatures ranging from approximately 170°F to over 180°F (77–83°C) at the source, making it one of the hottest natural springs in Oregon. The mineral content has historically been noted to include sulfate, sodium, and other dissolved minerals, giving the water a distinctive character. Visitors should be aware that water at these temperatures is dangerously hot at the source and should never be touched or entered without confirming safe, cooled conditions. ## Directions 1. From La Grande, Oregon, head southeast on OR-203 (Medical Springs Highway) toward Union. 2. Travel approximately 8–10 miles southeast from La Grande. 3. Hot Lake Springs is located along OR-203 on the left (east) side of the road. The large historic brick building is visible from the highway. 4. GPS coordinates: 45.2434°N, 117.9585°W. *Note: These directions are based on the GPS coordinates provided and general geographic knowledge of the area. Visitors should confirm current access conditions before arriving, as the property has changed hands and access policies over the years.* ## What to Expect Hot Lake Hot Springs sits in the scenic Grande Ronde Valley, surrounded by rolling farmland and the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The area is visually striking, with steam often rising from the hot spring source and the adjacent lake, especially on cool mornings. The centerpiece of the site is the historic Hot Lake Hotel, a large brick structure that has undergone various phases of use and restoration. Depending on current ownership and operations, visitors may find lodging, art galleries, gardens, and interpretive displays about the site's rich history. Access to the actual hot spring source and thermal features may be limited or managed by the property owners — it is advisable to check ahead for current visiting hours, fees, and access policies. The thermal waters flow into Hot Lake itself, a shallow, warm body of water. Wildlife, including waterfowl, is often seen in and around the lake. The surrounding landscape offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere with views of the Wallowa and Blue Mountain ranges in the distance. Seasonally, the area can experience cold winters with snow, making the contrast of steaming hot springs against a snowy backdrop particularly dramatic. Summers are warm and dry, with long daylight hours ideal for exploring the valley. Visitors should exercise caution near the spring source due to extremely high water temperatures.