Medical Springs

## Overview Medical Springs is a natural hot spring located in Union County, Oregon, near the small community that shares its name along Medical Springs Highway outside Baker City. The springs have a long history in the region — the community of Medical Springs was named for the hot mineral waters that early settlers believed had medicinal and therapeutic properties. The springs rise from the ground at approximately 140°F and are piped into a soaking pool, where the water cools to a more comfortable 104°F, making it ideal for a relaxing soak. As a free, publicly accessible hot spring, Medical Springs offers a rustic and authentic geothermal soaking experience in the scenic foothills of the Wallowa Mountains in northeastern Oregon. ## Directions 1. From Baker City, OR, head east on OR-203 (Medical Springs Highway). 2. Continue along Medical Springs Highway for approximately 30 miles through the Eagle Valley toward the community of Medical Springs. 3. The springs are located near 50536 Medical Springs Highway. Watch for the small community and signs indicating the spring area. 4. GPS coordinates: 45.018, -117.625 — use these for precise navigation, as the area is rural and cell service may be limited. ## What to Expect Visitors will find a geothermally heated pool fed by piped spring water. The source water emerges from the ground at around 140°F — quite hot — and is channeled into the pool where it cools to roughly 104°F, a temperature well-suited for soaking. The setting is rural northeastern Oregon, surrounded by open rangeland and the rolling terrain of the Eagle Valley with views toward the Wallowa and Elkhorn mountain ranges. This is a free, no-frills hot spring — expect a rustic experience without developed amenities. The area is remote, so plan accordingly: bring water, supplies, and be prepared for limited or no cell phone reception. Conditions may vary seasonally, and the pool temperature can fluctuate depending on weather and water flow. As with all natural hot springs, use caution when entering the water, as temperatures near the source can be scalding.