Quick FactsOverview
About Hart Mountain Hot Springs
Hart Mountain Hot Springs, Oregon, also known as Antelope Hot Springs, is a free, primitive geothermal spring inside Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge in Lake County, southeastern Oregon, approximately 23 miles north of Plush on Hart Mountain Road. The refuge covers 278,000 acres of high desert plateau at approximately 5,900 feet elevation, and the hot springs sit within one of the most remote and wildlife-rich corners of the state.
Two distinct pools are present. The main developed pool has a concrete deck and stone walls, measures roughly 9 by 12 feet, is about 5 feet deep, and holds approximately six people at temperatures of 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The source bubbles from a crack in the rocky floor. A smaller, warmer natural pool lies nearby with more open views of Hart Mountain. Both are free to use and clothing is optional.
The Hot Springs Campground adjacent to the pools offers 25 primitive first-come first-served sites with pit toilets and fire rings at no charge. The refuge is managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and hosts pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, mule deer, sage grouse, and over 350 bird species. It is one of the most remote natural hot springs in Oregon and receives comparatively low visitor numbers outside of hunting season.
Location & Access
Getting to Hart Mountain Hot Springs
Hart Mountain Hot Springs is most commonly reached from Plush, Oregon. From Plush, turn north onto Hart Mountain Road, also called Lake County Road 3-12, and drive approximately 23 miles to the Refuge Headquarters. Pass the headquarters buildings and follow the signs right onto Hot Springs Road. Continue approximately 4.4 miles to the Hot Springs Campground, where the pools are visible on the left shortly after entry. The drive from Plush takes approximately one hour on unpaved road.
From Lakeview, the nearest full-service town approximately 67 miles to the southwest, take Highway 140 east and then follow County Road 3-13 north through Plush before connecting to Hart Mountain Road. For those looking for natural hot springs near Lakeview, Hart Mountain is the most well-known free soaking destination in the broader region, though it requires a significant drive on unpaved road.
The access roads are dirt and gravel throughout. In dry conditions a standard SUV with some clearance is generally adequate. In winter or after heavy rain, roads can become impassable and four-wheel drive is advisable. There is no cell service anywhere on the refuge. Downloading maps before departure and checking current road and refuge status at fws.gov before visiting is strongly recommended, as closures due to fire, flooding, or road conditions occur periodically.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Hart Mountain Hot Springs Is Suitable For
Hart Mountain Hot Springs suits visitors who are comfortable with a remote, off-grid desert experience and prepared for a long drive on unpaved roads with no cell service. The main pool and the adjacent primitive campground make it a good destination for a one or two-night stay, combining soaking with wildlife viewing and stargazing in one of the darkest-sky areas in Oregon. Fall is widely considered the best season, with cooler air temperatures alongside warm soaking and low visitor numbers.
The site is free and clothing is optional. Families with older children comfortable with long drives and primitive conditions will find the pools accessible, as the walk from the campground to the springs is very short. For those seeking free hot springs near Lakeview in a high desert setting, Hart Mountain offers a different scale of wilderness than other southeastern Oregon springs, with pronghorn and bighorn sheep visible from the campground.
The site is not wheelchair accessible. The campground and pool area involve dirt paths and uneven terrain. No facilities beyond pit toilets are present. Winter visits are possible but roads can become impassable in snow. The refuge has a history of weather and fire-related closures, and checking the current conditions page at fws.gov before any visit in shoulder seasons is essential. The Hot Springs Campground was closed from August 2024 through June 2025 due to the Warner Peak Fire and is now open again.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Hart Mountain Hot Springs
Hart Mountain Hot Springs is generally safe for soaking, with the main pool at 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit fed by a geothermal source from the pool floor. Test the temperature before entry, as the vent can produce warmer pockets near the rock floor. The pool is approximately 5 feet deep in the center. The smaller natural pool can run warmer and should also be tested before entry.
The surrounding environment presents the more significant safety considerations. Hart Mountain is a remote high-desert plateau at approximately 5,900 feet elevation with no cell service, no potable water on site, and no emergency services within easy reach. The nearest services are in Plush, approximately 23 miles south, and the nearest full medical facilities are in Lakeview, roughly 67 miles away. Visitors should carry all water, food, and supplies for the full stay including the drive in and out.
Roads can become rapidly impassable in winter or after heavy rain. The refuge has experienced significant wildfire events, including the Warner Peak Fire in August 2024 that closed the Hot Springs Campground through June 2025. Before any visit, checking the current conditions page at fws.gov is strongly recommended to confirm that the hot springs and campground are open and roads are passable.
No facilities beyond pit toilets are available at the campground. Pack out all waste and leave no trace. Do not use soap or shampoo in the pools. Campfires are permitted in the fire rings when not under fire restrictions; check current conditions with the refuge before building a fire. Wildlife including pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and coyotes are present and should be observed from a safe distance at all times.
