Quick FactsOverview
About Mickey Hot Springs
Mickey Hot Springs, Oregon is a free, undeveloped geothermal area on the northern edge of the Alvord Desert, managed by the Bureau of Land Management east of Steens Mountain in Harney County. The site features thermal pools, steam vents, mud pots, and Oregon's only known natural mini-geyser, which erupted to a height of 8 feet when first documented in 1992. Access is by a short walk from a parking area at the end of a 6-mile dirt road, with no entry fee.
The pools at Mickey are far too hot for soaking, with temperatures ranging from around 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the coolest pools to near boiling at the hottest vents. The largest pool is roughly 15 to 20 feet in diameter and over 10 feet deep, with clear water edged in vivid yellow and orange mineral deposits, giving it an appearance similar to well-known geothermal features at Yellowstone. Natural hot springs in this part of southeastern Oregon are scattered across the Alvord Basin, and Mickey stands out for its concentration of features in a compact and accessible area.
The BLM has designated Mickey Hot Springs an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and constructed a fence with a walk-through gate around the spring field to protect the fragile ground surface and limit cattle access. The hydrothermal system is driven by the same fault complex that formed Steens Mountain.
Location & Access
Getting to Mickey Hot Springs
Mickey Hot Springs is reached by driving south on East Steens Road from the junction with Oregon Highway 78 for approximately 21 miles, then turning left onto the Mickey Hot Springs access road and following it for about 6 miles to the parking area. From Burns, take Highway 78 southeast for roughly 33 miles to East Steens Road, then turn right and head south. The access road is unpaved and its surface varies from dry and dusty in summer to thick clay-like mud after rain, making it impassable for standard vehicles when wet. High-clearance vehicles are recommended outside the dry season.
Burns, the nearest town with fuel and services, is roughly 60 miles away. There is no cell service anywhere along the access route or at the springs, so navigation should be downloaded before departure. Visitors looking for hot springs near Burns will find Mickey the most geologically distinctive option in the region, though the drive requires advance preparation and awareness of road conditions. The parking area at the trailhead is basic, with no facilities and no fee station, as the springs are free to visit. From the parking area, the springs are visible within a short walk, and the BLM fence and gate mark the boundary of the protected geothermal zone.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Mickey Hot Springs Suits
Mickey Hot Springs suits visitors interested in geothermal geology, high-desert landscapes, and remote natural environments rather than soaking, as no soaking is possible at any pool on the site. The walk from the parking area to the spring field is short and flat, making it physically accessible to most adults and older children who can safely maintain distance from the pools. However, the BLM strongly advises that young children be kept well away from pool edges and steam vents due to the risk of ground collapse and contact with near-boiling water.
For those seeking free hot springs in Oregon that offer something unusual, Mickey provides an experience found nowhere else in the state. The combination of boiling pools, steam vents, mud pots, and a natural geyser makes it a genuinely rare geothermal site. Photographers, geology enthusiasts, and travelers crossing the Alvord Desert region regularly include it as a stop. The remoteness and unpaved road access make it unsuitable for visitors without a reliable, preferably high-clearance vehicle and sufficient fuel for the return drive.
Wheelchair access to the spring field is not possible. The dirt road and uneven ground near the thermal features present obstacles, and the fragile crust around the pools makes wheeled access dangerous. The site has no facilities including no toilets, no water, and no waste disposal. Visitors must carry everything they need and pack out all waste. Camping is not permitted within the area, though primitive options exist at nearby BLM sites including Mann Lake.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at Mickey Hot Springs
Mickey Hot Springs is a remote area with serious natural hazards, and the BLM warns that injuries and deaths have occurred here. The pools, vents, and mud pots reach temperatures between 120 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ground surface surrounding the thermal features is thin and fragile, with the risk of collapse exposing a person to boiling water. Soaking in any of the pools is not safe and should not be attempted under any circumstances.
Children must be kept at a safe distance from all pool edges, steam vents, and any ground showing signs of thermal activity. Pets must remain on a leash at all times, and dogs should be kept particularly close given that fatal incidents involving animals falling into pools have been documented at this site. Walking on or near the fenced perimeter beyond designated pathways is strongly discouraged.
The remoteness of the site adds an additional layer of risk. There is no cell service and no emergency assistance nearby. Visitors should inform someone of their plans before heading out, carry enough water for the full day, and ensure their vehicle has sufficient fuel to return to Burns or Fields. The access road can become impassable in wet weather, potentially stranding unprepared visitors far from help.
Leave No Trace principles are especially important in this fragile geothermal environment. Do not touch, collect, or disturb mineral deposits, microbial mats, or surface features in the thermal zone. All waste must be packed out. The BLM requests that visitors report significant changes to the spring field or access road conditions to the Burns District Office. Do not attempt to cross the fence into restricted thermal zones.
