Soak It In: 8 Scenic Hot Springs Near Portland to Unwind

There’s nothing quite like a good soak to reset your mind and body—especially when it comes with a side of forest air or river views. Whether you're looking for a day trip from the city or a peaceful overnight escape, these hot springs near Portland offer the perfect blend of nature and relaxation.

1. Bagby Hot Springs

Tucked deep in the Mount Hood National Forest, Bagby is one of the most popular hot springs near Portland. You'll find rustic wooden bathhouses, hollowed-out log tubs, and a short 1.5-mile hike through towering trees.

📍 Mount Hood National Forest⏱️ About 2 hours from Portland🌐 fs.usda.gov

2. Cougar (Terwilliger) Hot Springs

Just outside Eugene, these terraced pools fill with steaming mineral water and sit surrounded by ferns and moss-covered trees. The vibe is clothing-optional and peaceful—perfect for an extended soak.

📍 Willamette National Forest⏱️ 3-hour drive🌐 fs.usda.gov

3. Breitenbush Hot Springs

A beloved wellness retreat with geothermal pools, forest trails, and optional lodging. While pricier than some primitive springs, the serenity and facilities make it worth it.

📍 Detroit, OR⏱️ 2.5 hours from Portland🌐 breitenbush.com

4. Austin Hot Springs

Located along the Clackamas River, these springs are roadside and unpredictable—sometimes too hot for safe soaking. Use caution if you go, and check current access rules.

📍 Mount Hood National Forest⏱️ 1.5-hour drive🌐 No official site – check road and access conditions beforehand.

5. Umpqua Hot Springs

A multi-pool, cliffside setup above the North Umpqua River. It’s known for dreamy views and a slightly rugged hike in. Like many Oregon springs, it’s clothing-optional.

📍 Umpqua National Forest⏱️ About 4 hours from Portland🌐 fs.usda.gov

6. Carson Hot Springs Resort

For a low-key spa experience, Carson Hot Springs offers private mineral soaking rooms and a historic hotel on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge.

📍 Carson, WA⏱️ 1.5 hours from Portland🌐 carsonhotspringresort.com

7. Belknap Hot Springs

This lodge along the McKenzie River features landscaped gardens, cabins, and two large hot spring-fed pools. It’s a peaceful, family-friendly spot.

📍 McKenzie Bridge, OR⏱️ Just under 3 hours🌐 belknaphotsprings.com

8. Alvord Hot Springs (Bonus: Worth the Trek)

Though not exactly near Portland, this Eastern Oregon spot is legendary for its high desert views and rustic charm. If you’re up for the drive, it’s a one-of-a-kind soak.

📍 Alvord Desert, OR⏱️ 7-hour drive🌐 alvordhotsprings.com

Whether you're craving a peaceful forest soak or a full-on resort experience, these hot springs near Portland offer a perfect escape from the daily grind. Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find everything from rustic tubs tucked in the trees to scenic riverside pools that make the journey well worth it. Pack a towel, check conditions before you go, and treat yourself to the kind of relaxation only nature can provide.