Where To Get Your Soak On In Oregon

By Joseph Friedrichs, 7-13-08

	Caption: Springs at Paulina Lake

Although scorching summer days may not seem as the perfect opportunity to soak in one of Oregon’s many natural hot springs, truth is this time of year can provide some of the best soaking settings there are.

The trick to enjoying a summertime soak is to wait until darkness blankets the earth. Evening temperatures are typically perfect soaking weather throughout Oregon. Clear summertime skies offer optimal views of the lands beyond this planet. Then there’s the added feature of not having to go through a mad scramble when exiting the warm waters of a hot spring. Granted, soaking in the winter can be immaculate, but using a stiff towel crusted with ice chunks to dry off is not. It’s also terrible having to put on frozen socks and boots.

In the summer it feels glorious occasionally hopping out of a hot spring and feeling the cool night air. Feel free to do some bending exercises. Enjoy being alive on the planet!

Although there have been several books published about Oregon’s numerous hot springs, a guide to what Sean Patrick Hill from the Oregonian feels are the ten finest such pools in the state is right on. Several of the springs on Hill’s list are an easy drive from Bend, including Paulina, Terwilliger, Bagby and Umpqua Hot Springs.

Take a look at Hill’s list and form your next hot spring adventure today.