Umpqua Hot Springs, Natural hot springs in Umpqua National Forest, Oregon, United States
Umpqua Hot Springs are a series of warm pools arranged in a natural staircase formation descending a travertine terrace beside the North Umpqua River. Each pool maintains a different temperature, with the hottest water at the uppermost location.
Native American tribes used these mineral-rich waters for hundreds of years, valuing them for their healing properties. This long history of use reflects the importance these people placed on natural thermal resources in their daily life.
The name Umpqua comes from Native American languages and means flowing water, reflecting the character of these natural springs. Visitors can sense this connection to the land as they move between the different pools and hear the river nearby.
A short walk of about 0.4 km (1/4 mile) from the parking area leads to the pools. Visitors should arrive early since access is limited to daylight hours, and trails can become slippery when wet.
The pools decrease in temperature as you descend each step, letting visitors choose the warmth level that suits them best. This natural temperature gradient is a rare feature found in few other thermal spring locations.
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