TripAdvisor Traveler Rating based on
102 reviews
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.
TripAdvisor
Unfortunately, over the past few years, the ownership has built several new cabins that utilize the geothermal heat of the hot springs to heat them; as a result, the temperature of the waters has dipped to the point you can't even call them "hot" springs anymore. During out last visit, the waters were so cold that the best heat we got in the private pools was maybe equivalent with lukewarm bathwater. They can only fill the communal pool -- which is one of the selling points of the resort -- for only a few months a year now because they've siphoned off so much of the hot water to heat the new expansions. Why they didn't go with passive solar or some other heating method, that's a major blunder in my eyes. And to top it off, we still needed to bring our own bedding and towels -- I understand that staffing is still an issue in these post-Covid times and especially in a place as isolated as Summer Lake -- but continuing to charge more than they did prior to the pandemic; that's a tough pill to swallow. Summer Lake Hot Springs used to be one of our favorite places to visit, and the views are still amazing, but if you are coming to soak in actual "hot" springs; well, that's just not Summer Lake any more and you'd be better off visiting another of Eastern Oregon's many other hot springs.
Totally chilled experience. Hauled my trailer and my dog out to the middle of nowhere, not expecting much but found a picturesque little haven nestled below snow capped mountains on the edge of dry lakebed. Sunrise to sunset the colors change. I found myself relaxing in the warm sun and quietness of it all. And to add on top of that the views from the hot pools are amazing. It got down to 14f so be prepared and up to 65f at the end of March. The drive from Bend to their is also amazingly peaceful. Took my dog and my mountain bike out into the brush also other trails up into the mountains if you are so inclined.
I have been a fan of Summer Lake HS since the early 80's and it was truly a remote funky place to soak for a very reasonable price. The owners keep jacking up the price but barely keep the place maintained let alone improved. As of this writing, it cost $51 to dry camp! The pool was empty all winter because the fools decided to use what little hot water is available to provide for the cabins, hookups and outdoor tubs instead. The toilet in the bath house was disgusting, trash all over and no TP. Clueless bathers were not showering before entering the tubs, some wearing clothing instead of suits, talking on cell phones, etc. Disrespectful behavior sucks. I am so dissappointed at the poor management/behavior and will not be going back.
We spent two nights here dodging smoke from a nearby fire. First time visit so wasn’t sure what to expect. We had a very friendly check in and after chasing an avian visitor from our cabin proceeded to settle in. This place is laid back, rustic, owner managed and a real gem. Our cabin had a kitchen and large refrigerator-we could have easily spent a week here. The large pool house is very unique and the water warm. The three stone tubs outside seem to be warmer and quite comfortable. The water here is also unique as it gives your skin an immediate feeling of silkiness. We had one night of clear sky and no moon. The star viewing was great. Took a long hike around the playa the next morning and then visited the nearby wildlife refuge and petroglyphs. Thanks Duane and staff for your dedication to this enterprise. We hope to return soon.
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.