Mickey Hot Springs

## Overview Mickey Hot Springs is a striking geothermal area located in the remote high desert of Harney County, Oregon, near the small community of Princeton. Situated at the western edge of the Alvord Desert and in the rain shadow of Steens Mountain, this free-to-visit site features a collection of hot springs, boiling pools, mud pots, and numerous steam vents — making it one of the most geothermally active areas in Oregon. The springs are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and sit at an elevation of roughly 4,100 feet. A distinctive yellow mineral hue is visible around the pools and vents year-round, likely caused by sulfur deposits associated with the geothermal activity. Water temperatures at some of the pools can reach boiling or near-boiling levels, so extreme caution is warranted — Mickey Hot Springs is primarily a geothermal viewing area rather than a soaking destination. A few smaller, cooler pools on the periphery have historically been used for soaking by visitors, but conditions vary and the ground around vents can be dangerously thin. The landscape here is dramatic and otherworldly: the vast white playa of the Alvord Desert stretches to the east, while the imposing fault-block escarpment of Steens Mountain rises nearly a mile above the desert floor to the west. The best time to visit is often after the rainy season or following recent rain, when the surrounding desert terrain is more accessible and the contrast between the geothermal features and the landscape is especially vivid. ## Directions Mickey Hot Springs is located in a very remote part of southeastern Oregon. There are no services, food, or water available nearby — come fully prepared with supplies, fuel, food, and plenty of drinking water. 1. From Burns, Oregon, head south on **OR-205** (also known as the Steens Highway) for approximately 60 miles. 2. Continue south past Frenchglen and eventually reach the junction with **Fields-Denio Road** (also called Steens South Loop Road / County Road 201). 3. Turn left (east/south) onto Fields-Denio Road and continue north. You will pass **Alvord Lake** (a seasonal playa) on your right and **Steens Mountain** on your left. 4. After several miles, watch for a signed or unsigned dirt turnoff to your **right** (east). This spur road leads a short distance to the Mickey Hot Springs area. 5. The GPS coordinates are approximately **42.677, -118.345**. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially in wet conditions, as the access roads are unpaved. *Note: Cell service is virtually nonexistent in this area. Download offline maps and let someone know your travel plans before heading out.* ## What to Expect Mickey Hot Springs is a raw, undeveloped geothermal site — there are no facilities, restrooms, boardwalks, or signage. Visitors will find a cluster of steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and mineral-encrusted hot pools spread across a relatively small area of open desert. The sulfurous smell is noticeable, and the yellow and white mineral deposits create an almost lunar landscape. **Important safety notes:** - Several of the pools are at or near boiling temperature. The ground crust around vents can be thin and unstable — stay on solid ground and keep a safe distance from active features. - This is not a typical soaking hot spring. While some visitors have found small peripheral pools cool enough to soak in, conditions change and there is real risk of severe burns. - Keep children and pets under close supervision at all times. The site sees a modest number of visitors, and you may have the area entirely to yourself, especially on weekdays. The surrounding Alvord Desert and Steens Mountain offer additional exploration opportunities — the Alvord Desert playa is a popular destination for camping, stargazing, and photography, and Steens Mountain features one of the most scenic loop drives in Oregon. Because of the extreme remoteness, ensure you carry all necessary food, water, and emergency supplies. Plan to visit during daylight hours, as navigating the unmarked roads after dark can be very difficult.