Umpqua Hot Springs is deep within the Umpqua National Forest in the Cascade Mountains of southwestern Oregon. Although over 60 miles from the closest major town, the springs are quite popular, and unless you show up on a snowy day in the middle of winter, you are like to have company. The springs are located in a beautiful forest setting, and the soaking pools are carved into a massive bed of rock that slopes down to the North Umpqua River. One pool is housed under a small, rustic pavilion at the top of the rock mass. Several other small soaking pools are terraced, sloping down the rock mass all the way to the river.

The pools are accessed by a walk of less than 1/4 mile, and you will cross the river as you begin the short hike. Accessibility has been greatly enhanced since 2010, when a sturdy wooden footbridge with side rails was constructed across the river, replacing a log bridge without side rails that was a more precarious crossing. Nudity is very well established and freely tolerated. A sign in the parking area reads: "Nude bathing is common at Umpqua Hot Springs. If this makes you uncomfortable we recommend you not go into the area. Please be considerate of others and remain conventionally clothed at the parking lot and on the trail." There is usually a mix of nude and suited soakers.

Umpqua Hot Springs is located near a number of scenic attractions, most notably Crater Lake National Park. The springs is about 40 miles from the famous volcanic lake via the north entrance of the national park, which is closed much of the year since the snow is not plowed on the north side. If the north entrance is closed, it is about 75 miles from the lake to the springs via the main (south) entrance. Closer to the springs, there are a number of beautiful waterfalls that are quick and worthwhile side trips. Refer to the driving directions, and just after you cross the two bridges along Toketee-Rigdon Road, you will reach a left-hand turnoff for Toketee Falls. The driving directions also reference the turnoff to nearby Watson Falls.

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GPS: 43.2966N, 122.3640W

city, county, state, country  (remote), Douglas, Oregon, U.S.A.

classification  1 (freely nude)

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