Luce Hot Springs

## Overview Luce Hot Springs is a remote, free natural hot spring located in the high desert of Malheur County in southeastern Oregon, near the small community of Riverside. Situated at approximately 43.469°N, 118.202°W, this geothermal feature lies within one of Oregon's most sparsely populated and geologically active regions. The hot springs of Malheur County owe their existence to deep fault lines and volcanic activity associated with the Basin and Range Province, where the Earth's crust has been stretched and thinned, allowing geothermally heated water to rise to the surface. Southeastern Oregon is home to a number of natural hot springs, and Luce Hot Springs is among the lesser-known and more secluded options in the area. Its remote location near the Owyhee Uplands contributes to a sense of solitude that many hot spring enthusiasts seek out. The surrounding landscape is characterized by sagebrush steppe, rugged canyon country, and wide-open skies — quintessential high desert terrain. Detailed visitor reports for Luce Hot Springs are limited, so if you've visited, your firsthand account would be a valuable contribution to the community. ## Directions 1. From Riverside, Oregon (the nearest named community), head toward the general coordinates of 43.469°N, 118.202°W. 2. The spring is located in a remote area of Malheur County. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, as access roads in this part of southeastern Oregon are often unpaved and can be rough, especially in wet conditions. 3. Use reliable GPS navigation loaded with the coordinates (43.469, -118.202) to locate the spring, as signage in this area is minimal to nonexistent. 4. Cell service is extremely limited throughout much of Malheur County — download offline maps before your trip. *Note: These directions are based on the GPS coordinates provided and general knowledge of the area. If you have visited Luce Hot Springs and can provide more specific route details, please share them to help future visitors.* ## What to Expect Luce Hot Springs sits in the remote high desert of southeastern Oregon, an area known for its stark beauty and extreme isolation. Visitors should come prepared for a backcountry experience — bring plenty of water, food, fuel, and supplies, as services are very scarce in this part of the state. As a free, undeveloped hot spring, expect a natural and unimproved soaking experience. Water temperatures at geothermal springs in this region can vary significantly, so test the water carefully before entering. Conditions may change seasonally, with cooler months often providing the most comfortable soaking temperatures relative to the ambient air. The nearest town of any size is Burns, Oregon, roughly 80 miles to the northwest, where you can find gas stations, groceries, and lodging. Riverside itself offers very limited services. Because so little visitor information is currently available for Luce Hot Springs, anyone who makes the journey is encouraged to share details about current conditions, water temperature, access road quality, and any other observations that could help fellow visitors.