Oregon’s Naturally Heated Outdoor Pool Is All You Need This Winter

When temperatures drop, there's nothing in the world like soaking in a hot spring pool. You'll find the perfect winter getaway in eastern Oregon - just head for the Alvord Desert.

Alvord Hot Springs is an oasis in eastern Oregon that you'll certainly want to add to your adventure plans this winter.

The springs are located on private land, but the owners have allowed people to visit for years. If you grew up in eastern Oregon, you might have fond memories of this place!

Unfortunately, in recent years people began trashing this beautiful place, leaving broken bottles, trash, and other junk behind after soaking. The owners debated about whether to stop allowing people to soak, or to place a caretaker on site to make sure that the springs were kept nice for everyone to enjoy.

Luckily, the owners opted to keep this place open! Visitors must now pay to soak, but in return, they can just enjoy the wild beauty of this place, and not be surrounded by the garbage of irresponsible visitors.

And oh what a beauty it is! The mountains are just beautiful...

...and sunrises and sunsets here are jaw-dropping.

The springs that feed these pools maintain temperatures of 170 to 179 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cost to soak is just $8 per person, and members of the military (currently serving or veterans) soak for free. Children 12 and younger can also enjoy the hot springs for free, but do keep in mind that the water may be too hot for little ones.

There are two soaking pools here. One is completely outdoors, so you can enjoy the fresh air.

The other is enclosed in a metal structure. If it's too windy or you don't want to be outside in the snow, you can soak here.

You might even want to stay overnight here at Alvord Hot Springs, and you can camp for just $30 per vehicle.

The rate includes one vehicle and two people; add $10 per person for each additional guest.

When the weather's cold, you might choose to stay in a MASH (Mobile Alvord Sleeping Hut).

They're equipped with beds, so you don't have to sleep on the ground.

These bunkers rent for $60 per night for the first two guests and $10 extra for each additional guest (with a maximum of four people per unit).

If you've forgotten something important, the little general store has what you need. You'll find bottled water, ice, bath towels, and more. You'll also enjoy hanging out by the campfire outside!

To reach the springs, head north on Fields-Denio Road from the little town of Fields. It's about 25 miles from town to the hot springs. The road is maintained all year, but make sure to gas up first - this place is pretty remote.

It should go without saying, but please be respectful of the property. We nearly lost the opportunity to continue to soak here, but the owners were generous enough to give us a second chance - don't ruin it!

Are you already itching to get out there and soak in that warm water? Check out Alvord Springs' website and Facebook page, then make plans to go soon!

On your way to the hot springs, you'll want to stop at Fields Station Cafe, where you'll find the best milkshake in the state!