Soak Spots

The Best Hot Springs near Portland

Let off some steam in nature's hot tubs.

11/11/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden, Rebecca Jacobson, and Margaret Seiler

Summer Weekends

Refreshing, Sand-Free Ways to Cool Off This Weekend

Pools, splash pads, and waterslides any kid would love.

07/09/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Soak Zone

Is Bagby Hot Springs Ready for Its Next Chapter?

Under new management, the beloved but beleaguered site bounces back.

01/28/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Oregon Trails

8 Ways to Embrace Winter in Oregon

From snowshoeing to stargazing to dips in the sea, there’s no reason to fear the cold.

12/02/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson Illustrations by Jordan Kay

Heating Up

After Six Years, Hot Springs Resort Kah-Nee-Ta Has Reopened. Here’s What to Expect.

The Warm Springs resort is home to mineral soaking tubs, kid-friendly pools, and private cabanas with river views.

07/24/2024 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Back Off, Idaho!

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play on a Road Trip to Eastern Oregon

Who knew La Grande was such a shopper’s paradise? A rodeo in Pendleton, vintage bling in La Grande, biscuits and gravy in Baker City, a historic hotel in Burns, plus hot springs.

09/04/2023 By Margaret Seiler and Sam Stites

Back Off, Idaho! A Visitor's Guide to Eastern Oregon

5 Crucial Tips for Camping in the Alvord Desert

We caught up with experienced playa-goers for their critical advice on visiting this otherworldly terrain.

09/04/2023 By Sam Stites

Getaways

Breitenbush Hot Springs to Open New Guestrooms

As part of its recovery from the 2020 wildfires, the wilderness resort plans to open 24 new overnight spots in January 2023.

09/16/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Service Trips

Breitenbush Offers Discount Lodging in Exchange for Restoration Work

The hot springs resort is still ‘in triage’ and recovering from the 2020 Lionshead Fire, and guests are invited to help during service weeks.

03/23/2022 By Shannon Daehnke

Gorge Guide

Where to Eat, Stay & Play Closest to Portland in the Columbia River Gorge

1920s-era spring-fed bathhouses, piled-high soft serve, and waterfalls galore.

03/17/2022 By Katherine Chew Hamilton, Conner Reed, and Julia Silverman

Travel

Escape Humdrum City Life with These 3 Unique PNW Retreats

Find solace inside a decades-old seminary, former working grain silos, and a renovated dairy truck.

01/26/2022 By Gabriel Granillo

Travel

Inside Breitenbush Hot Springs Resort's Winter Glow Up

After 2020’s heartbreaking fires, the resort sees a rebirth.

12/29/2021 By Julia Silverman

Spring Road Trips: Oregon Outback

The Oregon Outback Offers Up Otherworldly Views and Healing Hot Springs

Seeking total solitude? Look no further.

02/26/2019 By Kelly Clarke, Rebecca Jacobson, Emma Mannheimer, and Benjamin Tepler

Long Weekends: Soak It Up

Carson Hot Springs Is Basically a Hot Tub Time Machine

An hour east of Portland, rustic relaxation awaits.

09/11/2018 By Heather Arndt Anderson

Camping Guide: Eastern Promises

Head to Harney County for Hot Springs and Wild Horses

In Oregon's lonely southeastern corner, otherworldly wonders await.

05/22/2018 By Margaret Seiler

The Other Oregon: Is This Idaho?

On Idaho Time in Oregon’s Southeastern Corner

Bring your camera to Harney and Malheur Counties, and prepare for high-desert hot springs with big-sky views.

04/17/2017 By Margaret Seiler

The Other Oregon: Along I-84

Boardman to Baker City: Bikes, Beer, and Hot Springs in Eastern Oregon

Hit these breweries just off I-84, then pay back your designated driver with warm pools and museums.

04/17/2017 By Brian Barker and Margaret Seiler

Ahhhhh...

25 Ways to Relax, Refresh, and Stay Sane

Hot soup, strong drinks, good books, and cheap massages to get you through the dark times.

12/20/2016 Edited by Zach Dundas

Winter Relaxation: Hot Springs

Beyond Bagby and Breitenbush: 4 Classic Northwest Hot Springs

Let off some steam.

12/20/2016 By Ko Ricker

Hot Springs

A Soak at Bonneville Hot Springs

Banish stress at one of the Columbia Gorge's most deluxe day spas—just an hour from Portland!

09/30/2016 By Regina Winkle-Bryan