Quick FactsOverview
Overview
Fisher Hot Springs is a primitive soaking spot in the Crump Lake area of Lake County, Oregon, known for two simple tubs that are filled from very hot spring water. Because the source water can be extremely hot, most visits involve waiting for the tub to cool or mixing in cooler water to reach a comfortable soaking temperature.
The setup is basic: a small parking area, a short walk, and tubs set into soft ground. Conditions vary with season and recent use. After wet weather, the area can be muddy and boards or paths may shift. Space is limited, so you may need to share or return later if both tubs are occupied.
The main appeal is a quiet soak in open high desert country with little development. The tradeoff is that you must be self sufficient. Do not expect restrooms, drinking water, bins, or staff. Because some access areas are described as near private holdings, it is important to stay where public access is allowed and to be respectful of boundaries.
If you arrive prepared to manage temperature carefully and to leave no trace, Fisher can be a useful stop for experienced hot spring visitors who want a simple soak near the Crump Lake corridor.
Location & Access
Location & Access
Fisher Hot Springs is in the Crump Lake geothermal area of southeastern Oregon, north of Lakeview and near the community of Adel. Access is by rural roads that may include gravel or dirt segments. In wet seasons these roads can become rutted or muddy, and high clearance can be helpful. Check the forecast, and be ready to turn around if the road surface is soft or saturated.
From parking, the tubs are usually reached by a short walk across flat but uneven ground. Expect mud around the tubs, especially after rain or snowmelt. Bring footwear that can handle soft soil, and consider a small mat or extra towel for changing. Cell service can be limited, so save maps offline and let someone know your plan, especially if you are visiting alone.
The site is not a developed facility. Do not count on potable water, toilets, or trash service. Pack in drinking water and pack out all waste. If you use a mixing bucket to cool the tub, bring your own and do not leave it behind. Be careful where you park and where you walk. Some sources note nearby private property, so stay on obvious public use areas, respect any signs, and avoid cutting across fences or closed gates.
Because cooling time can be part of the visit, plan extra time in your schedule and consider arriving earlier in the day when you have daylight for the drive out.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability & Accessibility
Fisher is best for visitors who are comfortable with a primitive setup and who can manage hot water safely. The tubs are small and often used by a few people at a time, so the experience can involve waiting, sharing, and adjusting the water. If you want predictable temperatures, multiple pools, or facilities, a developed spring or spa is a better option.
Mobility and access: the walk from parking is short, but the ground can be muddy and uneven, and there are no ramps, handrails, or stable steps. The tubs can be awkward to enter and exit, especially when boards are shifted or the bank is slick. For these reasons, it is not wheelchair accessible and can be challenging for anyone with limited balance. Water shoes and a steadying stick can help.
Families: because source water can be very hot and the tubs have limited space, this is not an easy family soak. If you bring older children, supervise closely, test water carefully before anyone enters, and keep soak times short. Have warm, dry layers ready for the walk back, and bring enough drinking water because services are far away.
Comfort planning: shade is limited and wind can be strong. Bring sun protection, a wind layer, and a way to keep your clothes clean and dry. If the tubs are full or the temperature is not manageable, treat the soak as optional and return another day.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety & Etiquette
The main safety issue at Fisher is water temperature. Treat source water as potentially scalding. Do not step into a tub without testing first, and avoid rapid mixing that can create hot pockets. If you are using a bucket, add small amounts of cooler water and stir gently until the temperature is comfortable. Never put your face under water, and do not allow children to approach the tubs without an adult controlling entry.
Remote travel is the second concern. Roads can be muddy and impassable after rain, and help may be far away. Carry extra water, a basic first aid kit, and enough fuel to return to Lakeview or your next stop. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Drive slowly on gravel and watch for open range livestock and wildlife, especially near dawn and dusk.
At the tubs, watch footing and personal items. Mud can be slick, boards may shift, and the ground can be soft at the edge. Step carefully and keep valuables in a dry bag. Avoid alcohol or anything that reduces balance and judgment. If you have heart conditions, are pregnant, or are sensitive to heat, consult a clinician and soak conservatively with frequent breaks.
Etiquette matters because space is limited. Keep voices low, share the tubs, and rotate so others can soak. Do not use soap, shampoo, or detergents in the tubs or nearby water. Pack out all trash, including small scraps. Respect boundaries and any signage, since nearby areas may include private land. Keep photos focused on the landscape and avoid capturing other visitors. Leave any boards, rocks, and flow paths as you found them so the site remains stable.
%2520Hot%2520Springs%252C%2520California%25201.jpeg)
%2520Hot%2520Spring%252C%2520California%25201.jpeg)
