Juntura Hot Springs

## Overview Juntura Hot Springs is a free natural hot spring located near the small community of Juntura in Malheur County, eastern Oregon. Situated at approximately 43.776°N, 118.047°W, this remote geothermal feature lies in the high desert landscape of the Malheur River valley — a sparsely populated region known for its rugged beauty, wide-open sagebrush plains, and geothermal activity. The name "Juntura" itself derives from the Spanish word for "junction," referencing the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Malheur River near the town. Eastern Oregon sits along a geologically active zone where deep faulting allows groundwater to circulate to significant depths, picking up heat from the earth's interior before rising back to the surface. This process gives rise to numerous hot springs scattered across the region, and Juntura Hot Springs is one of the more accessible examples. Historically, the hot springs of eastern Oregon were valued by Indigenous peoples long before European settlement, and the broader Malheur region has deep ties to the Burns Paiute Tribe. While specific historical documentation for this particular spring is limited, geothermal features in the area have been used for soaking and bathing for generations. ## Directions 1. From Burns, Oregon, head southeast on US-20 East / US-395 South for approximately 60 miles toward the community of Juntura. 2. Juntura is a very small settlement located where the North Fork of the Malheur River meets the main stem, right along US-20. 3. The hot springs are located near GPS coordinates 43.7758, -118.0475. Use these coordinates in a GPS or mapping app to navigate to the precise location, as signage may be minimal or nonexistent. 4. Look for informal pulloffs or access points near the river. The area is remote, so ensure your vehicle has adequate fuel and supplies before making the trip. *Note: These directions are based on GPS coordinates and general geographic knowledge of the area. Road conditions and access points may vary seasonally — a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially in wet conditions.* ## What to Expect Juntura Hot Springs is a rustic, undeveloped soaking spot in the remote high desert of eastern Oregon. Visitors should expect a primitive experience with no facilities, signage, or maintained infrastructure. The surrounding landscape is classic Basin and Range terrain — dry sagebrush hills, volcanic rock formations, and the winding Malheur River corridor. Water temperatures at geothermal springs in this part of Oregon can vary, so it's wise to test the water carefully before entering. Some soaking pools may be naturally occurring, while others may have been shaped or improved informally by previous visitors. The area is extremely remote. The nearest services are in Juntura (very limited) or Burns, roughly 60 miles to the northwest. Cell phone service is unreliable to nonexistent in this part of Malheur County. Visitors should come prepared with water, food, a full tank of gas, and basic emergency supplies. The high desert climate means hot summers and cold winters, with significant temperature swings between day and night. Spring and fall tend to offer the most comfortable conditions for a soak, though the hot springs can be especially appealing during cooler months when the contrast between the warm water and crisp air is most dramatic. As with all undeveloped hot springs, practice Leave No Trace principles — pack out all trash and respect the natural setting so future visitors can enjoy it as well.