Juntura Hot Springs

Deep in Eastern Oregon, this undeveloped terrain that boasts Juntura Hot Springs. Located on a literal island in the Malheur River, the hot springs, also known as Horseshoe Bend Hot Springs, are a series of ponds including a large one in the center of the island and smaller pools on the riverbank.  They are near the small town of Juntura, Oregon.

Two pools are on the island and the hotter of the two gets to about 106-115 degrees Fahrenheit.  When the upper pool of Juntura Hot Springs becomes too hot, the secondary pool alongside the river is a better soaking opportunity in the summer months. The pool temperature at the edge of the Malheur River can be adjusted by adding a bucket of cold water or by moving rocks to allow river water to flow in.

The springs can be inaccessible when the river is high, with water reaching above waist level. Other times of the year, the side channel is nearly dry, and you can easily walk across. 

“Juntura” means “junction” in Spanish, derived from the fact that the Malheur River branches off in this area.  The word “Malheur” is derived from the French word Malheur (bad luck).