Juntura Hot Springs
Also known as Horseshoe Bend Hot Springs
105–115°F
Pool temperatures
Short walk
Moderate access
Free
No fee reported
Juntura Hot Springs sits on a gravel island in the Malheur River just off US-20 near Juntura, Oregon. Reaching it means fording the river, which is easy in low water and not possible in spring runoff. The main pool is large and hot, and a cooler pool near the river is easier to soak in during warm months.
01 · Before you go
Plan your visit
What to expect on the ground: rules, facilities and when to go.
- Camping nearbyFree dispersed camping on BLM land along the access road near the river. There are fire rings and no other amenities.
- PoolsOne large main pool plus a couple of smaller pools nearer the river
- ModerateFall through winter, when the river is low and the water is not too hot.
- SeasonThe river ford is impassable or dangerous during spring runoff and high water. The dirt access road gets muddy in rain and is snow and ice covered in winter.
- Free to soakNo fee to visit. Dispersed camping on nearby BLM land is also free.
Best time to go. Fall through winter, when the river is low and the water is not too hot. Summer is too hot in the main pool, though the riverside pool is cooler. Avoid spring runoff. Hunting season in fall brings many visitors.
02 · Live
Conditions
Access status, weather and hazards. Closure feeds are checked automatically every morning.
Access
Check before you go
This spring is inside the 2026 Coleman Creek Fire burn area. Post-fire closures and hazards are common, so check with the land manager.
Checked 14 Oct · updated daily
The BLM Vale District emergency wildfire closure covering nearby public lands was rescinded on 17 August 2026, and the Coleman Creek Fire was reported 100 percent contained by mid-September. Burn-area hazards such as falling trees and flash flooding may remain, and river crossings can be dangerous at high water. Check with the BLM Vale District (541-473-3144) before visiting.
Fording the Malheur River is required, and the water rises quickly when the upstream Warm Springs Reservoir dam releases water. The source pool is very hot. The access road is rough and muddy when wet. Insects can be bad in summer.
03 · Route
Getting there
Nearest town: Juntura.
- 1
The spring is just off US-20 near Juntura, Oregon. A gravel road leaves the highway near the Malheur River bridge.
- 2
Reviewers describe following it until it reaches the river, then wading across to the island, where the pools are about 50 meters away. The old road bridge on the west approach is closed, so some visitors park there and walk about 0.5 mile.
- 3
One guide gives different directions (Highway 205 west, 14 miles), which conflict with the other sources and were not used.
43.7570, −118.0920 · nearest town Juntura, OR
04 · Where to stay
Stay nearby
Start early and stay close. Places to stay near Juntura, from campgrounds to cabins.
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