Umpqua National Forest Goes Fully Cashless

If Umpqua Hot Springs is on your itinerary, make sure your phone is charged and your digital wallet is ready. The Forest Service has officially finalized its transition away from cash and checks at all developed recreation sites for the season.

Visitors are now required to use the Scan & Pay mobile features available via the Recreation.gov app to cover parking and day-use access fees at the trailhead. Because cellular service can be spotty to non-existent deep in the forest, it is highly recommended to set up your account and download the app before leaving home.

Minor Transit Delays Near Steamboat Road

For those exploring the Umpqua region, keep an eye out for minor traffic disruptions. A temporary geotechnical road-drilling project on nearby Steamboat Road (NFSR 38) is currently underway. The project is causing minor transit delays through May 28, so factor in a little extra drive time if you are routing through this area.

Hart Mountain: Post-Fire Recovery & Road Conditions

Over in the high desert, Hart Mountain Hot Springs remains a premier backcountry destination, but visitors need to exercise caution. The refuge is still navigating long-term recovery efforts following the severe 2024 Warner Peak Fire.

While the primary hot springs area is accessible, the interior and secondary refuge roads are rough. Current field updates emphasize that high-clearance vehicles are required for secondary routes. Always monitor active refuge advisories before making the long trek out to the refuge.

Early Wildfire Season Warnings

Perhaps the most critical update for dispersed camping and primitive soak seekers is the state of the forest itself. State fire officials and Governor Tina Kotek recently issued a joint warning that a combination of record-low winter snowpack and early spring drought conditions has pushed the 2026 wildfire season ahead of schedule, particularly east of the Cascades.

Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials are urging everyone to prepare for early seasonal fire restrictions. If you are visiting undeveloped, primitive hot springs, expect campfire bans to go into effect much earlier than usual this year. Pack a reliable camp stove, check local ranger district fire stages before you leave and strictly adhere to all regional fire bans.

Activism Spotlight: Chainsaws in the Frank Church Wilderness

A major conservation battle is currently boiling over next door in Idaho. The U.S. Forest Service recently bypassed public environmental reviews to grant a three-year, gas-powered chainsaw exemption across 542 miles of trails inside the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness for a group of outfitters.

The decision is a massive blow to the core spirit of the Wilderness Act of 1964, prioritizing commercial outfitter access over primitive ecosystem preservation. Traditional non-motorized trail crews have successfully maintained these corridors for decades using crosscut saws and pure muscle.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. – John Muir

Kitson Bathhouse: A Community-Focused Transition

The sale marks a successful pivot for the city of Oakridge. While the city was originally under contract to purchase the site, federal grant funding fell through. Instead of losing the opportunity, a public-private partnership was formed. The new owners have signed a memorandum of understanding with the city to ensure the land remains a “low-impact sanctuary” for the public.

Current plans for Kitson include:

• Day-use soaking and restoration of the springs.
• Hiking and biking trails through the 159-acre forest.
• Low-impact camping and environmental education programs.
• Wellness retreats designed to reconnect visitors with nature.

The Hot Springs Hub: Oakridge and Beyond

This acquisition solidifies the Highway 58 corridor as a premier destination for soak seekers and hikers alike. Kitson’s location near Oakridge places it in the heart of a region famous for its Oregon hot springs.

• McCredie Hot Springs: Located just a short drive further east on Highway 58, McCredie offers a more “wild” experience with pools situated right along Salt Creek.
• Wall Creek (Meditation Pool): Another nearby favorite for those looking to avoid the crowds, offering a serene, forest-soaked atmosphere.
• Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs: Situated in the neighboring McKenzie River Valley, this remains one of the most iconic soaking spots in the Pacific Northwest, though it often faces much higher traffic than the Oakridge sites.

Looking Ahead

While the new owners are currently navigating the rezoning process for the site’s four parcels, they have expressed a desire to open Kitson for activities like camping as soon as possible. The City of Oakridge remains a partner in this venture, assisting with research and pursuing grants to improve infrastructure and public access.

Source: Kitson Hot Springs sells for $2.1M, public access planned under new ownership

If you are planning a trip to Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs this month, you will need to adjust your route. A full closure of Forest Service Road 19 (Aufderheide Drive) is currently in effect to accommodate critical bridge construction.

Closure Details

• Dates: April 1 – April 30, 2026.
• Location: Milepost 55.5, approximately 2.5 miles south of Highway 126 near Rainbow, OR.
• Restriction: The road is closed to all traffic, including vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, 24 hours a day.

Impact on Hot Springs Access

This project involves installing a new 61-foot concrete bridge at Deathball Creek to replace a failing section of the road. Because the closure is located between Highway 126 and the springs, the traditional northern access point is completely blocked.

• Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs: While the springs themselves may not be “closed” by the Forest Service, they are inaccessible from the north (Hwy 126 side).
• Other Affected Sites: Access to Slide Creek, Cougar Crossing and several nearby campgrounds is also restricted by this construction.

Looking Ahead

The Forest Service expects to transition to single-lane traffic with potential delays starting in May 2026. If you are looking for a soak in the meantime, consider exploring other Oregon Hot Springs that are not impacted by the Willamette National Forest spring roadwork.

Contact Information

For the latest updates on road conditions or to verify if the project is finishing on schedule, contact the McKenzie River Ranger Station at (541) 822-3381.

Cashless Parking Coming April 1

One change to be aware of before you go: starting April 1, the trailhead will go fully cashless. Here’s what that means for you:

• America the Beautiful pass holders — just display your pass on the dashboard as usual, no change needed.
• Everyone else — you’ll need to pay the $5/vehicle day-use fee through the Recreation.gov app. You can set up your account and add a payment method ahead of time, so there’s no fumbling at the trailhead.

Cash is still accepted on-site until April 1.

Official Forest Service notice

Day-Use Only: Rules Unchanged

Umpqua remains a day-use only area. No camping, and no being in the area after dark or before sunrise. Check current road conditions before heading out.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, who own and operate the resort, have been diligently working on transforming Kah-Nee-Tah into a modern oasis while staying true to its cultural heritage. Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits:

• Revamped Soaking Pools: The iconic hot springs are the heart of Kah-Nee-Tah, and they’re getting a refresh! Expect a renewed bathing experience to soothe your mind, body and soul.
• Aquatic Fun for All Ages: New additions like a lazy river and a children’s wading pool promise endless entertainment for families.
• Poolside Paradise: Imagine lounging poolside in style with private cabanas for ultimate relaxation.

The exact reopening date is yet to be announced, but stay tuned! The resort has been sharing exciting updates on its Facebook page, including glimpses of remodeled hotel rooms, hand-painted teepees and of course, the inviting soaking tubs.

Located on the Warm Springs Reservation in Central Oregon, just a few hours from Portland, the resort offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the Warm Springs tribes.

Mark your calendars for mid-July!

Snively is currently closed from sunset to sunrise, and camping is not allowed. However, the BLM has seen a staggering increase in violations of these rules over the past few months, which has led to damage to natural resources and increased criminal activity. Anyone caught violating the rules at Snively Hot Springs could face citations, fines or even arrest.

Historically, there have always been problems with bad behavior at Snively, but not to this extent. If this trend continues we risk losing management of this special place to a private organization or could even see it closed.

Here are some tips for protecting Snively Hot Springs:

• Stay on maintained roads
• Respect the nighttime closure (dusk to dawn) and no camping rules
• Leave no trace – pack out all of your trash and all other trash encountered (even if it’s not yours)
• Read our guide to hot springing
• Check the pools for needles or other sharp objects, food and human waste before getting in
• Report any violations to the BLM Vale District or Malheur Sheriff’s Office

Thank you for your help in keeping Snively Hot Springs a clean and safe place for everyone to enjoy.

In regard to Summer 2021, most natural hot springs in Oregon are now readily accessible except for the following.

Hot Springs Closed Summer 2021

• Bagby Hot Springs – Closed until 2022, under forest service closure order due to access road and area wildfire damage.
• Umpqua Hot Springs – Closed until 2022, under forest service closure order due to access road and area wildfire damage.

Hot Springs with Access Restrictions

• Cougar Hot Springs – While open, the primary access road is currently closed due to a rockslide (again). However, the longer, southern access route via Westfir is open.

If this summer is anything like the last, expect wildfire closures to hit many national forest areas and hot springs mid to late Summer. Stay safe out there and remember to always check the latest conditions before heading out.

Resources

• Oregon wildfire information
• Find hot springs in Oregon by region or view on a statewide map
• Check Oregon road conditions

Public Hot Springs on National Forest and BLM Land:

• ALL PUBLIC HOT SPRINGS are closed until September 30th unless otherwise noted, or until Governor Brown lifts the closure. This applies to BLM, Forest Service, and State Park areas.
• Cougar Hot Springs opened July 6th with the following restrictions: Up to 15 people allowed in at a time. Max soak time is 2 hours. Day use fee is $7. Access is first come, first serve.
• McCredie – open for day use only

Individual, Commercial Hot Springs:

• Alvord – open with restrictions
• Belknap – open with restrictions
• Breitenbush – open with restrictions
• Cove – closed until further notice
• Crystal Crane – open with restrictions
• Jackson Wellsprings – closed until further notice
• Summer Lake – closed until further notice
• Hot Lake and Hunters – unknown/not posted

We will keep this as up to date as possible. Love goes out to our fellow community of strong, caring hot springers. Please comment if you have updates to share!

Watch the “Only Slightly (more) Exaggerated” video sequel:

Watch the original video “Only Slightly Exaggerated”:

A gate located one and a half miles from the hot springs trailhead was recently locked due weather conditions and to prevent hot potters from getting stuck in the mud.

Please note, Umpqua Hot Springs is not closed and remains accessible with a 1.5 mile extension hike.

Contact the Toketee Ranger Station for additional information by calling 541-498-2531 or 541-496-4020.

Source