Crane Hot Springs, Oregon

What it is

Crane Hot Springs is a privately run hot springs property in Harney County, roughly 20 miles outside Burns. The main feature is a large soaking pond fed by geothermal water, with additional private bathhouse options depending on your stay and what is available. It is a managed, rules-forward place, which makes it easier for many travelers than an undeveloped spring.

What stands out

Unlike many Oregon springs, Crane states that clothing is required at all times in the pond and bathhouse areas. The property also lays out clear day-use and safety expectations, including no lifeguard on duty and restrictions on food, glass, and smoking near the water.

Setting

You are in Oregon high desert country here. Nights can be cold even when days are warm, and wind is a real factor, especially if you are walking back to lodging or camping after a soak.

Where it is

Crane Hot Springs is in rural Harney County with vehicle access from the Burns area. Because weather can shift quickly in the high desert, check road conditions in winter and bring warm layers for transitions between water and air.

Arrival and on-site flow

The property uses an office check-in and requires vehicles to display a valid parking permit. Day use has its own rules and time limits, including an expectation that day-use guests leave the property by 10 p.m. Policies can change, so review the current rules page before you arrive.

What to bring

Bring a swimsuit, sandals with traction, a towel or robe, and drinking water. Leave glass containers at home. If you plan to use lotions or oils, skip them before soaking, the property prohibits lotions and ointments in the pond.

Best for

Crane is a practical choice if you want a straightforward soak with clear rules and on-site facilities. It works well for couples and groups, and it can also be family-friendly because clothing is required and there are defined expectations for children in the water.

Families

Children are allowed with supervision, and the rules stress that kids must be accompanied by an adult. The pond is hot and deep enough to require real attention, so treat it like open water, not a shallow pool.

Accessibility notes

Crane offers a range of lodging types, and the property lists at least one ADA-oriented lodging option. That does not automatically mean the pond edge or bathhouse entries are step-free. If accessibility matters, call ahead and ask exactly what routes, entries, and surfaces are realistic.

Heat and water safety

The property warns that the water can be significantly hotter than typical hot tubs. Ease in slowly, avoid sudden full-body immersion in very hot water, and take breaks on the edge if you feel dizzy. There is no lifeguard, and hot water plus fatigue is a bad combination, especially after dark.

Rules that protect the pond

Crane prohibits food and glass near the pond, along with soaps, shampoos, oils, lotions, and smoking or vaping in or near the pond and bathhouses. Clothing is required at all times. Pets are not allowed in the pond area. These are not suggestions, the rules state violations can result in removal.

Quiet and courtesy

Keep noise down, avoid bringing speakers, and respect quiet time windows posted by the property. Give others personal space in the pond, especially around the warmest inflow zones.

Is clothing required at Crane Hot Springs?

Yes. Crane’s policies state that clothing is required at all times in the pond and bathhouse areas.

Can I bring drinks or snacks to the pond?

Food and glass are prohibited near the pond. The rules also restrict beverages at the pond edge, use designated tables instead and keep the water area clear.

When do day-use guests have to leave?

The policies state that day-use guests must leave the property by 10 p.m. Check the current rules page before you go, since policies can be updated.

Are kids allowed?

Yes, with supervision. Crane’s policies specify that children need an accompanying guardian, and the property also lists additional age-related restrictions for certain soaking areas.