Quick FactsOverview
About Alvord Hot Springs
Alvord Hot Springs, Oregon is a privately owned geothermal resort on the eastern edge of the Steens Mountains in Harney County, southeastern Oregon, consisting of two adjacent concrete soaking pools fed by a geothermal source that emerges at around 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The pools sit at roughly 4,080 feet elevation at the base of Steens Mountain, overlooking the Alvord Desert playa to the east. It is the most developed commercial hot springs near Burns.
The twin pools are each approximately 10 by 10 feet wide and 3 feet deep. One is fully open to the sky, while the other has partial walls that provide some wind protection. Both are fed by pipes from the geothermal source with adjustable inflow, allowing the temperature to be tuned to a comfortable soaking range. The concrete pools have been in use since the 1940s, though the current facilities date from a full rebuild completed in 2013.
On-site amenities include a small general store, restrooms, showers, campsites, and bunkhouses. A day-use fee is charged. Overnight guests receive extended pool access. The site is clothing optional.
Location & Access
Getting to Alvord Hot Springs
Alvord Hot Springs is reached via the Fields-Denio Road, also called East Steens Road, a mostly unpaved county gravel road on the eastern side of Steens Mountain in Harney County. From Burns, take Highway 78 east to Folly Farm Road, then drive south for approximately 39 to 41 miles along Fields-Denio Road until the signed entrance appears on the right. From the south, the site is about 23 miles north of Fields along the same road, with the final 12 miles paved. Burns is the closest full-service town for fuel and supplies, roughly 87 to 100 miles from the springs and about two hours by road.
The official address is 46008 Alvord Ranch Lane in Princeton, Oregon. Most passenger vehicles handle the gravel sections in dry conditions, but the road can become difficult in wet or snowy weather, and a vehicle with reasonable ground clearance is practical given the distance and the surface conditions in the final stretch. For those looking for hot springs near Burns, Alvord is the only commercial soaking option in the eastern Oregon desert.
Day-use visitors should check in at the office before accessing the pools. Overnight guests can book campsites or bunkhouses by calling 541-589-2282 or through the official website. Cell service is limited throughout the area, so confirming hours and availability before departure is a practical step, as the drive is long and services are minimal en route.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Alvord Hot Springs Is Suitable For
Alvord Hot Springs suits adults and families comfortable with a rustic, remote desert setting, as the pools are small and the drive to reach the site is long and largely unpaved. The pools each hold between two and six soakers comfortably, which means the experience is intimate but also means waiting may be necessary during peak periods. Clothing is optional, which is worth considering when visiting with children. The site caters to visitors who value solitude, natural scenery, and a genuine high-desert soaking experience over polished amenities.
For visitors seeking natural hot springs near Burns, Alvord is the only commercial soaking option in the region and combines pool access with the opportunity to camp on-site or explore the Alvord Desert playa. Spring and fall are popular seasons because temperatures are milder, though the site is open year-round. Summer brings intense heat in the surrounding desert, while winter offers cold clear nights and potential snow on Steens Mountain visible from the pools.
The site is not wheelchair accessible. The access road is unpaved gravel, the terrain around the pools is uneven, and there are no ADA-compliant facilities. Visitors who need accessible infrastructure should plan elsewhere. For those able to make the drive and navigate the short walk from parking to pools, the experience of soaking while overlooking the Alvord Desert is unlike most other hot springs in Oregon, and the remote setting is a draw in itself.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Alvord Hot Springs
Alvord Hot Springs is generally safe for soaking, as the pools have adjustable inflow pipes and an on-site caretaker is available during operating hours. Water at the geothermal source reaches approximately 170 degrees Fahrenheit, so allowing the pools to mix and cool before entering, and testing the temperature before settling in, is important. The pools are around three feet deep and do not require swimming ability, making them usable for most visitors including older children who can follow simple safety instructions.
Published geochemical data for the Alvord Basin documents an arsenic level in the spring water above safe drinking standards. The water is safe for soaking but should not be swallowed, which is worth keeping in mind especially with children present. No chemical treatment is applied to the pool water.
The site sits at 4,080 feet in a region with significant weather variability. Summer daytime temperatures in the Alvord Desert can be extreme, and nights at any time of year drop sharply. Visitors should carry adequate water, food, and layered clothing for the drive and the stay. Cell service is unreliable throughout the area, and the nearest full-service town is about two hours away, which means vehicle reliability and preparation matter more than at more accessible hot springs destinations.
The Alvord Desert playa becomes soft mud when wet and can trap vehicles quickly with little visible warning. Visitors intending to drive on the playa should check current conditions with on-site staff first and avoid the northwest section near the spring drainage area. Dogs are welcome on leash. Current fire and camping rules should be confirmed with staff on arrival, as conditions and regulations can vary seasonally.
