Outdoor soaking pool with entry rails and mountain views at Alvord Hot Springs
Hot SpringsOR

Alvord Hot Springs

By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated

Background photo from a past visit, not current conditions. View photos and source links

Plan an Alvord Hot Springs soak: call-ahead day access, on-site camping, gravel-road planning and official contact details.

Water type
Hot Springs
Access
Designated area only
Fee
Paid access; call the operator for current rates
Best season
Choose dates after checking weather, road conditions and availability with the operator
Nearby towns
Fields, Princeton
Water body
Alvord Hot Springs

Location

Map & Directions

OR
Nearby towns
Fields, Princeton
Designated beach search
Alvord Hot Springs 36095 E Steens Road Princeton Oregon
Map searches for the named location. Confirm the entrance and current access with the park before you go.

Sources & checks

This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.

Swimming rules
Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
Access location not verified
The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
Record updated
· This is a data update, not a field visit.

Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.

Plan a soak at Alvord Hot Springs

This privately operated property sits beside the Alvord Desert at the eastern base of Steens Mountain. Its concrete soaking pools are a different outing from a cold-water swimming hole.

Call before driving out

The operator asks day visitors to call 541-589-2282 for availability. Confirm current rates and business hours; overnight guests have different pool-access privileges. The old 2013 price is not a current quote.

Staying overnight

Campsites and bunkhouses are available, and reservations are recommended. RV hookups are not provided. Restrooms and a small store are on site.

Getting there

The official address is 36095 E Steens Road, Princeton, OR 97721. East Steens Road, also called Fields-Denio Road, is mostly gravel. Ask about current road conditions before departure. Check with staff before taking private access onto the desert; wet areas can trap vehicles.

Details checked September 23, 2026 against the official operator website. Confirm availability and rules directly before travel.

Historical property and bathhouse views

The gallery includes a gravel foreground with rustic signs below Steens Mountain and an interior view of a water inlet beneath a wood-framed bathhouse opening. These historical photographs help show the setting and construction, not today's water temperature, cleanliness, accessibility or availability. Ask the operator about day-use availability before driving out; desert scenery in the saved collection is not a second swimming destination.

Getting There

Use the operator's address: 36095 E Steens Road, Princeton, OR 97721. East Steens Road is also called Fields-Denio Road and is mostly gravel. Call 541-589-2282 for current road conditions before setting out.

Access Notes

Day visitors should call before traveling. Confirm rates and business hours directly; overnight access differs from day use.

Plan Your Visit

Parking & Access

Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.

Regulations & Fees

This is a managed hot-spring soaking facility, not a cold-water swimming hole. Call before visiting. Day access is during business hours; overnight guests have different access privileges. Follow staff instructions. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.

Seasonality & Flow

Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.

What to Bring

Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.

Nearby Facilities

Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.

Map data retrieved 2026-06-15

Alvord Hot Springs Bath House & Campground

Tourist attraction

04.5 (449)

36095 E Steens Rd, Princeton, OR 97721

Restroom

Pike Creek Trail

Hiking area

2 mi 4.8 (21)

Princeton, OR 97721

Steens Summit Trail

Hiking area

7.1 mi 4.8 (59)

Steens Mountain Rd, Princeton, OR 97721

Steens Mountain Wilderness

Campground

14.7 mi 4.8 (343)

P9V8+93, Diamond, OR 97722

Mountainous nature preserve offering camping, hiking & snowmobiling, plus fishing & hunting.

Emigrant Creek Ranger Station - Malheur National Forest

Visitor center

75.3 mi 3.7 (6)

265 US-20, Hines, OR 97738

Burns RV Park

RV park

77.3 mi 4.2 (665)

1273 Seneca Dr, Burns, OR 97720

Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomPublic shower

Live Conditions Nearby

Checking nearby USGS water conditions…

Frequently Asked Questions About Alvord Hot Springs

Is Alvord Hot Springs free to visit?

Reported fee information: Paid access; call the operator for current rates. Verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.

Is swimming allowed at Alvord Hot Springs?

This is a managed hot-spring soaking facility, not a cold-water swimming hole. Call before visiting. Day access is during business hours; overnight guests have different access privileges. Follow staff instructions.

What type of swimming spot is Alvord Hot Springs?

Alvord Hot Springs is a hot springs on Alvord Hot Springs located in Oregon, near Fields. Plan an Alvord Hot Springs soak: call-ahead day access, on-site camping, gravel-road planning and official contact details.

When is the best time to visit Alvord Hot Springs?

Seasonal planning notes: Choose dates after checking weather, road conditions and availability with the operator. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather. Check current conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.

What facilities are available at Alvord Hot Springs?

Reported facilities at Alvord Hot Springs include: Restrooms and a small store are on site. Campsites and bunkhouses are available; RV hookups are not. Amenities can change - contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.

Is camping available near Alvord Hot Springs?

On-site campsites and bunkhouses; reservations recommended. RV sites have no hookups.

Highlights

Managed soaking pools beside the Alvord Desert
On-site overnight accommodation
Steens Mountain views

Unique Features

Hot-spring soaking rather than cold-water swimming
Campsites and bunkhouses at the same property

Location & Area Map

Safety Information

Important Safety Tips

  • Follow staff guidance for pool use
  • Prepare for remote travel with water, supplies and a reliable vehicle
  • Do not assume a dry-looking desert route is passable; confirm current conditions
  • Respect private access restrictions

Cultural & Historical Context

Historical Background

Located in a region historically inhabited by Native American tribes; the broader area is rich in indigenous history.

Photography Guide

Photo Opportunities

Capture sunrise or sunset over the desert; dramatic contrasts between the springs and surrounding terrain make for striking images.

Conservation & Ethics

Protect This Place

Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the fragile desert ecosystem; pay access fees to support site maintenance.

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At a Glance

Best Time to Visit
Choose dates after checking weather, road conditions and availability with the operator.
Difficulty Level
Remote road access; confirm current conditions and vehicle suitability with the operator.
Fee
Paid access; call the operator for current rates
Facilities
Restrooms and a small store are on site. Campsites and bunkhouses are available; RV hookups are not.
Activities
Hot Tubbing
Phone
541-589-2282

Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

Camping Information

On-site campsites and bunkhouses; reservations recommended. RV sites have no hookups.

Nearby Attractions

  • Alvord Desert - Desert landscape

Loading weather data…

Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

  • Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
  • Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
  • Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
  • Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
  • Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
  • Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes

Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.

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