Willow Creek Hot Springs

## Overview Willow Creek Hot Springs is a free, natural hot spring located in the remote high desert of southeastern Oregon, near the Harney County–Malheur County border. Situated at approximately 42.276°N, 118.265°W, this geothermal soaking spot lies in the sparsely populated basin-and-range country south of Burns and east of Steens Mountain — a landscape defined by vast sagebrush flats, volcanic geology, and wide-open skies. Southeastern Oregon sits atop an active geothermal zone where deep faulting allows groundwater to circulate far below the surface, picking up heat from the earth's interior before rising back up along fractures in the volcanic rock. This geological activity is responsible for the numerous hot springs scattered across the region, and Willow Creek Hot Springs is one of the more secluded examples. The spring takes its name from the willow-lined creek drainage in which it is found — a common feature of desert hot springs, where the warm, mineral-rich water supports lush riparian vegetation in an otherwise arid environment. As a free and undeveloped hot spring, Willow Creek offers a rustic, back-country soaking experience with no facilities, fees, or crowds. Visitors should be prepared for primitive conditions and self-reliance, as this is a remote location far from services. ## Directions 1. From Burns, Oregon, head south on OR-205 toward Frenchglen and the Steens Mountain area. 2. Continue south and then east into the high desert, following signs and maps toward the general GPS coordinates: **42.2758, -118.2653**. 3. The spring is located in a remote area accessible via unpaved ranch and BLM roads. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, and 4WD may be necessary depending on road conditions and recent weather. 4. Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent in this area. Download offline maps and carry a printed map or GPS device before heading out. 5. Watch for cattle guards, unmarked junctions, and seasonal road closures. Conditions can change rapidly, especially during spring snowmelt or after heavy rain. *Note: Exact driving directions to this spring are difficult to confirm due to its remote location and the network of unnamed desert roads in the area. The GPS coordinates above should be used as your primary navigation tool.* ## What to Expect Willow Creek Hot Springs is a primitive, undeveloped geothermal soak in the Oregon high desert. Expect a natural pool or seep along a creek drainage, likely bordered by willows and desert grasses. Water temperatures at southeastern Oregon hot springs in this region can vary widely — from warm to very hot — depending on the specific source and time of year. Always test the water temperature carefully before entering. The surrounding landscape is classic Great Basin terrain: open sagebrush steppe, distant mountain ridges, and enormous skies. On a clear night, the stargazing here is exceptional due to the near-total absence of light pollution. There are no restrooms, trash cans, or other amenities. Pack out everything you bring in, and leave the site as you found it. The nearest services (fuel, food, lodging) are likely in Burns or Frenchglen, both of which are a significant drive away. Carry plenty of water, food, and fuel for the round trip. Because this is open rangeland, you may encounter livestock, wildlife, and insects. Be aware of your surroundings and respectful of any posted land-use signs. The area is managed primarily by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and dispersed camping is generally permitted on BLM land, though visitors should verify current regulations before their trip.