Alvord Hot Springs

Alvord Hot Springs is a geothermal spring located in Harney County in southeastern Oregon in the United States.

Alvord Hot Springs
Algae matts in drainage area
LocationHarney County, Oregon
Coordinates42°32′39″N 118°32′02″W[1]
Elevation4,078 feet (1,243 m)[1]
TypeNatural hot spring
Temperature174 °F (79 °C)
Location in Oregon

Geography

The spring lies at 4,078 feet (1,243 m) elevation on the western edge of the Alvord Desert into which the spring flows and eventually evaporates. To the west of the springs lies Steens Mountain, a north-south running range with a peak of 9,738 ft (2,968 m) above sea level.

Soaking pools

The source averages 174 °F (79 °C), but a system of pipes cools and regulates the flow of incoming water so that the pool temperature is maintained about 105 °F (44 °C). The spring smells somewhat of sulfur, yet not enough to dissuade visitors from soaking in the small, man-made rectangular concrete soaking pool which is 3 feet (1 m) deep and either 25 by 50 feet (7.5 x 15 m)[2] or 10 by 20 (3 x 6 m).[3] The soaking pool has a covered, as well as an open portion, the covered portion being rustic in its corrugated sheet metal and wood construction.[2]

Public access

Though they are on private property, before 2013, the use of the hot springs was free and open to the public year-round.[4] In early 2013 the property owners (the Alvord Ranch) installed a full-time caretaker in a trailer and started construction of a parking-lot and a small building which will house a store. Access to the hot springs are no longer free. Maintenance is volunteered by local residents and all visitors are encouraged to help keep the springs clean.[2]

References
  1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Alvord Hot Springs
  2. "Alvord Hot Springs". Trails.com. Archived from the original on 24 May 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-22.
  3. "Alvord Hot Springs". Hot Springs of the World. 2006. Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-05-22.
  4. Eastern Oregon Online, a PCC student geologic project. "Alvord Hot Springs". Retrieved 2007-05-22.
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