Quick FactsOverview
About Summer Lake Hot Springs
Summer Lake Hot Springs, Oregon is a year-round private resort on Highway 31 six miles west of Paisley, featuring ancient artesian mineral springs that rise from nearly a mile underground along the Slide Mountain fault. The water enters the resort at 106 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit and feeds a historic barn-like bathhouse with a large indoor pool and several outdoor rock-walled soaking tubs. A paid stay is required to access the pools, and the resort offers cabins, guest houses, tent camping, and full-hookup RV sites on 145 acres.
The resort sits in the Summer Lake Basin in Lake County, southern Oregon, bounded by Winter Ridge to the west and the alkali Summer Lake to the north. The elevation of around 4,265 feet produces clear skies and exceptional stargazing. A hot spring resort of this character is rare in southern Oregon, and Summer Lake Hot Springs is widely regarded as one of the more distinctive soaking destinations in the state.
The springs have long been known as Medicine Springs, a name rooted in their use by Native Americans over many thousands of years. The Woodward family homesteaded the site in 1902, and the bathhouse has been in use for roughly a century. The resort occasionally hosts yoga workshops and has historically held music festivals on the property.
Location & Access
Getting to Summer Lake Hot Springs
Summer Lake Hot Springs is located directly on Highway 31, the Outback Scenic Byway, at mile marker 92, approximately six miles west of Paisley. The resort entrance is a short turn off the highway, and any standard vehicle can make the drive with no unpaved roads required. From Bend, drive south on US-97 for approximately 32 miles to La Pine, then turn left onto Highway 31 and continue for 92 miles. From Eugene, take Interstate 5 south to Highway 58, cross Willamette Pass, connect to Highway 97 north, and then turn onto Highway 31. The drive from Bend takes approximately two hours and the drive from Eugene takes around four hours.
The nearest town is Paisley, six miles to the east, which has a small store and saloon. Lakeview and Burns are the nearest towns with full services and fuel. Cell service is limited in the Summer Lake Valley, so planning routes and downloading maps in advance is advisable. The resort is open year-round and accessible in most weather, though winter driving on Highway 31 can be challenging in snow. For anyone looking for a hot springs near Paisley in the Oregon Outback, Summer Lake Hot Springs is the only developed resort option in the area and is accessible directly from the highway.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Summer Lake Hot Springs Suits
Summer Lake Hot Springs suits a wide range of visitors, from couples seeking a quiet retreat to families and solo travelers looking for a rustic high-desert experience with reliable soaking facilities. The resort is fully accessible by vehicle, the pools are developed and maintained, and the indoor bathhouse provides a sheltered soaking option year-round regardless of weather. Children under six are admitted free, and families are welcome throughout the property. The resort environment is relaxed and informal rather than a luxury spa.
For those seeking a hot spring resort in Oregon that combines genuine artesian mineral water with open desert scenery and dark skies, Summer Lake Hot Springs occupies a rare niche. The outdoor rock tubs are clothing optional after 9pm, which appeals to some visitors. Before 9pm, swimwear is required in all soaking areas. The resort does not offer massage or wellness treatments as standard, though workshops and events are occasionally hosted.
The indoor pool and main resort pathways have some accessibility, and the site requires no hiking. Visitors with limited mobility should contact the resort directly to confirm current accessibility features before booking. RV campers with full-size rigs have been accommodated on the property. The remote location means visitors should arrive self-sufficient with food, as no meals are served on site and grocery options in Paisley are limited.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at Summer Lake Hot Springs
Summer Lake Hot Springs is generally safe for soaking, with water delivered to the pools at temperatures suitable for bathing. The indoor pool runs at approximately 98 degrees Fahrenheit and the outdoor rock tubs are kept around 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors should always test temperature before entering and be careful with children, who are more sensitive to heat. No lifeguard is on duty, and bathers soak at their own risk.
The resort operates on a paid-access model and all guests are expected to have a current reservation or day-use arrangement. Fees should be settled with resort staff on arrival. Pools close on rotating schedules for overnight cleaning, and guests should check current hours when booking. Clothing is required in all pool areas before 9pm and is optional after. Disruptive behavior is not permitted on the property.
Leave No Trace principles apply to the surrounding natural areas. Visitors camping on the grounds should pack out all waste and respect the high-desert environment. The resort sits in a windy valley and conditions can shift quickly, particularly in winter. Nights at 4,265 feet can be cold even in summer, so warm layers are advisable for evening soaking. Pets are welcome in camping areas, but resort-specific rules near the pools should be confirmed with staff on arrival.
The remote location means emergency services are not immediately accessible. Visitors with medical conditions should carry necessary medications and know that the nearest hospital is a significant distance away. Water on site is very hard mineral water, and many guests bring their own drinking water. The resort has noted this, and visitors should plan accordingly before making the drive out.
