Quick FactsOverview
About Belknap Hot Springs
Belknap Hot Springs, Oregon is a privately owned geothermal resort on the bank of the McKenzie River in the Willamette National Forest, approximately 58 miles east of Eugene and 6 miles east of McKenzie Bridge. The resort features two outdoor mineral pools maintained at 92 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and 102 degrees in winter, fed by a geothermal source that emerges at between 185 and 196 degrees Fahrenheit. It is one of the most established hot springs near Eugene open to day visitors.
The lower pool, located by the main lodge along the McKenzie River, is open to walk-in day visitors at an hourly rate of $12 per person. The upper pool is reserved for overnight guests. Both pools are chlorine-treated. Swimwear is required in all pool areas, and children must be at least 5 years old to enter. Pool towel rentals are available for $2. The pools are closed to walk-in visitors on federal holidays.
The resort has operated since 1874, making it one of the oldest continuously operating hot springs resorts in Oregon. Amenities include lodge rooms, cabins, mountain homes, tent sites, RV hookups, a small store, and extensive landscaped gardens including a Secret Garden across the McKenzie River. The property connects to the 27-mile McKenzie River Trail.
Location & Access
Getting to Belknap Hot Springs
Belknap Hot Springs is reached from Eugene by taking Highway 126 east through Springfield and continuing along the McKenzie River for approximately 55 miles past Walterville, Leaburg, Vida, Blue River, and McKenzie Bridge. Shortly after the Lost Creek Bridge and past mile marker 19, turn left onto Belknap Hot Springs Road and follow it approximately a quarter mile to the resort entrance. The official address is 59296 N Belknap Springs Rd, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413. Motorhomes and travel trailers are not recommended on this winding mountain highway.
From the east, the resort is accessible via Highway 20 over Santiam Pass, then south on Highway 126 toward McKenzie Bridge, turning onto Belknap Springs Road approximately half a mile past mile marker 18. For those looking for hot springs near Eugene, Belknap is the closest full-service resort with day-use pool access in the western Cascades, approximately one hour from Eugene under normal driving conditions.
Walk-in day visitors do not need reservations for the lower pool. Overnight accommodations require advance booking, and weekend and holiday stays often require a two-night minimum. The resort is open 365 days a year. Walk-in pool access runs from 9 am to 5 pm, with the last entry at 5 pm and all walk-in guests required to clear the pool area by 6 pm. Reservations and enquiries: 541-822-3961.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Belknap Hot Springs Is Suitable For
Belknap Hot Springs suits a wide range of visitors including families, couples, and groups looking for a developed resort experience with geothermal pool access in a forested Cascade Mountains setting. The lower pool is accessible to day visitors without a reservation, no hiking is required, and the grounds are well maintained and easy to navigate. Children must be at least 5 years old to enter the pool areas and must be fully potty trained. Swim diapers are not permitted.
For those seeking family hot springs near Eugene with full resort amenities, Belknap fills a distinctive niche in the western Cascades, combining mineral pool access with gardens, river views, and the option to extend a visit overnight in a lodge room, cabin, or campsite. The seasonal pool temperatures of 92 degrees in summer and 102 degrees in winter make the resort comfortable year-round, and the lower pool can accommodate up to 50 people at one time.
The resort grounds are broadly accessible for visitors with moderate mobility, as the main pool area, lodge, and parking are all at river level and connected by short, level paths. The upper pool and RV sites involve a hillside walk. Visitors with specific mobility requirements should contact the resort at 541-822-3961 before visiting to confirm current arrangements. The resort is open 365 days a year including winter, when the pools are at their warmest seasonal temperatures.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Belknap Hot Springs
Belknap Hot Springs is generally safe to visit, as the pools are managed by resort staff, the water is treated with chlorine, and temperatures are maintained at 92 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit throughout operating hours. The geothermal source emerges at up to 196 degrees Fahrenheit but is piped to a cooling reservoir before entering the pools, so visitors encounter water well within a safe soaking range. Staff are present during all operating hours.
Standard pool safety rules apply. Children must be at least 5 years old and fully potty trained. Swim diapers are not permitted. Pets are not allowed in or near the pool areas. Bathing suits are required at all times. The lower pool has a capacity limit of 50 people. The last walk-in entry is accepted at 5 pm, and all walk-in guests must exit the pool area by 6 pm. The facility is closed to walk-in visitors on federal holidays.
Highway 126 is a winding mountain road through the Willamette National Forest. Road conditions can be affected by winter weather, fallen trees, and landslides, so driving time from Eugene can vary in poor conditions. Motorhomes and travel trailers are not recommended on this road. Checking road conditions before a winter visit is practical after significant storms.
The McKenzie River flows directly alongside the lower pool area. The river itself is not part of the pool system, and swimming in it involves independent hazards including fast current and cold water temperatures. Visitors accessing the McKenzie River Trail or the Secret Garden across the footbridge should note that trail conditions can be wet and uneven in wet seasons. No cell service is available at the resort. The resort phone is 541-822-3961.
