TripAdvisor Traveler Rating based on
99 reviews
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Home of many hot natural artesian mineral springs, Summer Lake Hot Springs is a place for serenity, healing, and renewal in Oregon’s high desert.
Stayed here using one of their RV hook ups. Easy walk to hot springs. Inside pool was closed due to COVID-19 at the time. We left just as owner had to close the whole place down. Will definitely return when things are "normal" again. Would also love to spend a night or two in the concrete cabins.
Stayed in the Manzanita cabin, which was totally adequate. Bed was warm & comfortable. Cooking arrangements could stand some updating from the 2 hot plates and non-working oven, but were able to make due. The main pool house is nice & water warm, lots of dressing rooms & the 2 showers were more than enough to handle the amount of people present during our stay. The outdoor hot springs are accessible - one being warmer than the other. This is not a resort with all the amenities - it’s rustic & meant for simple relaxation.
My wife and I try to visit Summer Lake Hot Springs at least once a year. It's a magical place to us, far away from everything with unparalleled views of the night sky. You can sit outside in a soaking pool and listen to the gentle honking of thousands of migratory snow geese or watch the snow fall around you in the winter. We've stayed at the smaller cabins and the larger, more expensive Ranch House with its private pools, and enjoy whichever cabin we've stayed at. While we love it, based on other reviews, let me offer a warning, the "rustic" nature of the hot springs is not going to be for everyone. For one, I'd strongly advise bringing a large jug (at least 5 gallons) of drinking water when you visit; the water there is drinkable but very mineral-y; you're better off bringing your own. Many of the older cabins and the Ranch House do have a ramshackle feel to them; the doors "lock" in pretty much only the academic sense and they feel very put together from whatever they had around; however, the newer cabins are more well put together. Please note that I've never heard of any word of any break-ins or thefts. (Mind you, my wife and I enjoy the older cabins despite their drawbacks, but that's just the way we are; your mileage may vary) Also: it's dusty. And windy. Dust *will* get everywhere. It's part of the package. You just gotta roll with it. The private pools at the Ranch House are to die for but, yes, it's expensive, but worth it if you'd like a private experience with unparalleled views of the night sky and Summer Lake. In the big pools, the water temperature can fluctuate but we have noticed that with all the new cabins using the hot springs for geothermal heating, the big pool is not as hot as it was a few years ago. The current owner is continuing to improve the facility and it making the structure housing the big pool much less "feeling like it's about to fall down at any time." There are decent shower facilities and changing rooms in there now and it is far, far cleaner. While the resort is definitely much nicer than it was a few years ago, it might be getting closer to "loved to death" as it becomes more popular and expands. If you are expecting warm towel service and a professional concierge, this is not the place for you. But if you don't mind being in the middle of nowhere with possible crazy weather shifts but views you can't ever beat, I think you'll find this place as magical as we do.
We always wanted to try this place out but didn’t like the reviews we read prior, so this is our account of events. We rented the ranch house, and yes it is primitive. If you are more comfortable in the Hilton with 24hr room service and maids then don’t bother enjoying what this place has to offer, you probably won’t, and your reviews won’t help. The ranch house is as clean as you would expect in this remote setting, the stove doesn’t work well, the dishes are haphazardly organized, the cookware is frustrating and all that said it is expensive at 250 a night. There is compost inside the cabin under the sink to the right which is a huge rodent no no, kind of gross. The back door doesn’t lock and is hard to open but there isn’t a reason to feel unsafe. The residents on the property as well as guests make for a secure setting. The reason you rent this place is for the simplicity. It is simple, no tv, no internet, limited cell service. The ranch house has its own private grotto and soaking pools. While the main pool and side pools are clothing optional after 9pm, your private pool is only you and you may enjoy soaking at your pleasure. The privacy of the ranch pools isn’t stated in most reviews but it is private and the staff leaves you alone to enjoy. you are secluded from everyone and still have a great view. Some are annoyed that they have to fill up their own pool, the water is piped from the spring, by shutting down a gate valve and plugging the cool plunge pool (that’s what we did) with a churne plug. I liked this knowing our water was fresh and clean. We attached some pics. The pool closer to the pond and dry lake is a small one Pearson soak if you want to fill a pool fast, we used this as a cold plunge. The pool to the south is very well seated and comfortably intimate for four. Perfect for two and not too cool or hot,101-102 degrees. I hear it can be hotter but in Oct it was perfect. Sunday night we dined at the cowboy dinner tree. This was an unexpected surprise even though they have a great word of mouth reputation we were really surprised at how well everything tasted, this is not for city minded people and you should probably not enjoy what they have to offer. It was a country experience and well received. Bring cash, no atm or cards and no alcohol. BYOB, in the parking lot if you care to indulge. We had the steak and ate on our leftovers until Tuesday. A lot of food and really good people at a great price. It is out of the way which to me makes it that much more of an experience. What a great idea, and thank you for it. Nearby we hiked crack in the ground (nearby meaning an hours drive); then checked out the dunes in Christmas valley and finished off with fort rock state park. I’d recommend summer lake hot springs but you have to understand what you are getting into. Im a big fan of the vibe, few people and a lot of country to explore! The people were good and we thoroughly enjoyed our relaxing time together. The private soaking pools, grotto, view of pond and dry lake in the background is what sold me. We watched a coyote walk through at 2 AM with full moonlight while hunting, he didn’t even look in our direction. Happy Travels......and don’t stop traveling.
What a fantastic surprise this little gem is. We stayed in a clean, comfortable, wonderfully decorated and outfitted cabin. The soaking pool/tubs were calming, clean and magical. Would definitely recommend!