Austin Hot Springs is located 60 miles away from Portland and is accessible via Highway 224. With flowing waters that are heated due to volcanic activities deep below the ground, these mineral springs flow alongside the Clackamas River through the MT Hood National Forest.
Austin Hot Springs in Oregon is officially closed because the water is scalding hot in some of the pools. The surrounding area isn’t developed, so there are hardly any facilities at all. Nonetheless, the springs are often visited by locals and tourists, particularly on the weekends and during the holidays.
General Information
Austin Hot Springs in Oregon features a number of pools, separated by rocks and stones, right alongside the Clackamas River. Some of these pools have a temperature of 200oF+ or 93oC+ and are definitely not suitable for soaking. The pools that are too hot are marked by signs and enclosed within wires. Generally, these lie away from the river, whereas the colder pools are closer to the river. Still, dip in the pool with extreme caution because boiling hot water may often flow out suddenly from the bottom.
The springs are located at a height of 1750 ft. Clothing is optional in the area. No toilet facilities are available on site.
The springs can be accessed from Estacada by traveling around 30 miles in the southeast direction on Highway 224, which eventually emerges into the Clackamas River Road. Stay on the road until you reach the River Ford Campground. The pools are located just a short distance from here and are nestled along the Clackamas River.
Accommodation
You can camp overnight at the River Ford Campground, which is close by.
What Else Should You Know
• Summer is the best season to visit Austin Hot Springs in Oregon.
• The roads may be closed down in winter, especially in case of heavy rain or snow. So be careful if you plan to visit the springs.
• Some of the pools can be extremely hot. It is best that you take a digital waterproof thermometer and measure the temperature before you step into the waters.
• Sometimes, sudden water bursts may be of high temperatures, so be extremely careful when soaking.
• The safest site is probably a secluded area further up the river. Hot water flows out from a cliff and can be combined with the cold river water at a temperature that you’re comfortable with.
• Take your own drinking water and snacks with you.
• Remember the garbage policy: you take back everything you bring.
• Austin Hot Springs is privately owned for more than a hundred years now. If you visit the springs without the owner’s permission, you may be trespassing. But despite that, the area is often occupied, especially in the summer season.
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