One of the most beautiful bathhouses still in existence in the United States.
No walk-in was accepted, and silence was maintained.
Difficult to Reach
Summer Lake Hot Springs is located in the high desert of Oregon's backcountry along State Highway 31.
It is about a two-hour drive south from the nearest city, Bend.

Walk-in is not accepted, so online reservations for overnight stays must be made through the official website.
Lodging options include RV spots, campgrounds, and cabins.

Note that as a general rule, reservations for cabins must be made for two consecutive nights.
This difficulty in reaching it is the flip side of the lack of excessive crowding.

It is believed that humans began to live in this area at least 14,000 years ago.

The name comes from John C. Frémont, the first Republican presidential candidate and explorer, who passed through this area in 1843 and named the lake just north of the hot springs Summer Lake.

The hot springs, which have gushed out naturally since ancient times, were mainly used for irrigation and soaking by local residents.

In 1997, the current owner, Duane Graham, purchased the land containing the hot springs.
Duane, who owned a building contracting business renovating vintage houses, saw great potential in the RV park with geothermal water, which were small at the time.



Under his leadership, the resort was expanded, with cabins added and new outdoor pools built, while retaining the historic buildings.

I stayed in a rustic cabin called “PONDER”.

It was fully equipped with two queen-sized beds, underfloor heating and a full kitchen.
Best of all was the vast desert landscape from the large windows.

Temple-like Silence
The hot springs were located in a grassy area a short distance from the cabins.
The bathhouse, which was purposely kept at a distance from the surrounding buildings, was very symbolic.

This was the bathhouse built in 1929.
The wooden building, covered with corrugated tin sheets, looked even more impressive in its slightly warped appearance.

The three ceiling vents were also cool.

Before going inside, take a look at the outdoor pools on the north side.
There were three rock pools here, each large enough for about three soakers.

Pipes extending from the bathhouse provided a constant supply of hot water, and the water temp was 111 degrees F.

The amount of water gushing out was sufficient, and it was free-flowing without chemical use.
The water was superb, with a complex sulfuric smell.

Soaking is available 24 hours a day, except during cleaning hours.
Clothing is required during the day, but after 9:00 p.m. after sunset, clothing becomes optional.

Finally, it is time to go inside the historic bathhouse.

There was a 15-by-30-foot concrete pool in the center, into which a greenish-colored water poured.

It was surrounded by small partitioned changing rooms and two shower rooms near the entrances.

Even in the daytime, it was dimly illuminated, and the neat rows of wooden pillars reminded me of a temple.

The temperature here was lukewarm, about 99 degrees F.
It was deep enough to take a long soak.

The wooden walls were inscribed with countless letters by visitors.

Summary
Summer Lake Hot Springs, Summer Lake, Oregon, U.S.
My rating
Type: Lodging
Rule: Clothing optional, Clothing required
Chemical use: No
Water temp: Up to 41 degrees F