A high-altitude desert where various cultures intermingle.
It is a hot spring on an island in a river in the desert.
Cultural Crossroads
At 3,365 miles long, Route 20 is the longest road in the United States.
Near Juntura in eastern Oregon, an old road runs parallel to the current highway.
Juntura is a small settlement of about 30 people of Irish and English immigrant ancestry.
"Juntura" means "junction" in Spanish, derived from the fact that the Malheur River branches off in this area.
The first Europeans to visit Oregon were Spanish explorers, so naturally, there is a cultural influence.
The word "malheur" is derived from the French word malheur (bad luck).
French Canadian trappers and evangelists reached the area in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and many place names are of French origin.
Why "bad luck"?
It is said that the furs were hidden near the river, but someone stole them.
A large number of country names appeared.
A true cultural crossroads.
To get to the Juntura Hot Springs, get out of the car at the old road bridge closure and hike 0.5 miles one way.
Topographically interesting, the hot springs are located in the middle of the Malheur River at a point where the river meanders almost 180 degrees.
Therefore, it is necessary to walk across the river.
Flows are high throughout the year and are especially dangerous in the spring as the snow melts.
When the dam at Warm Springs Reservoir upstream releases water, the water level rises rapidly.
I was ready to give up once I saw the raging river.
However, after witnessing an old woman holding hands with her child successfully crossing the river, I decided to give it a try.
Hot springs on the river island
The island they crossed in desperation was a barren wasteland.
On the other side of the island, we found what looked like a rock pool buried in weeds.
The mound in the back is said to be a memorial to a young man who drowned in the hot springs in 2005.
The pond over there is the hot spring, but, strangely, it springs on the sandbar.
A concrete slab set up for changing clothes was tilted and buried in the ground.
While the surroundings were muddy, the clarity of the water was impressive.
The pond water was 115 degrees F, clear, colorless, tasteless, and odorless.
Due to the high temperatures, it is only possible to soak here during the cooler months.
Near where the hot water from the spill flowed into the Malheur River, it mixed with the river water and became lukewarm.
A rock pool built by volunteers.
It was unfortunate that the river water was muddy, but I enjoyed a wild soak.
Summary
Juntura (Horseshoe Bend) Hot Springs, Juntura, Oregon, U.S.
My rating
Type: Undeveloped
Rule: Clothing optional
Chemical use: No
Water temp: Up to 115 degrees F
