Oregon’s Belknap Hot Springs

A Beautiful Place to Soak Up Nature

By Morri Stewart

Who can resist the combination of fresh air, warm water, lush greenery and a sparkling river nearby?  Belknap Hot Springs embodies all of these characteristics with an atmosphere that caters to both families and couples looking for a romantic retreat. Located on the southeast bank of the McKenzie River, a quarter-mile off Oregon State Highway 126 and a mile north of the junction of state Highway 242 (the McKenzie Highway), the resort, approximately 72 miles from Bend, Oregon, is an easy and scenic drive over Santiam Pass.

Established in the 1870s, Belknap has evolved over the years. Since 1995, it’s been owned by the Norm McDougal family of Springfield. There are two pools at the resort which are heated from a fissure across the river from the main lodge. The water, rich in mineral salt, ranges between 185 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Carried past superheated lava deposits by subterranean tubes, it is piped across the river to the pools and cooled to bathwater temperature perfect for kids swimming and to play in all day. Visitors can walk in for a fee or have the option to stay at the main lodge.  RV and tent camp sites are available, as well as several ‘cabins’ of various sizes. Anyone paying to stay at the resort has access to both the lower and upper pools with no additional fee.

While the initial draw to Belknap may be the hot pool and family-friendly ambiance, there is another element of this resort worth exploring. A garden hobbyist, McDougal has personally developed beautiful formal gardens across the river from the lodge and main pool. A narrow footbridge crosses over the McKenzie River and leads hikers along the river for a short distance before cutting into the lush forest. Various paths meander through gardens tended by the resort staff. Belknap is known specifically for its “Secret Garden,” a beautiful circular enclave terraced with cement and sculpted into Greek-style geometry. A path leading to the center green lawn affords a wonderful space for a picnic and other quality family outdoor activities.

Oregon is blessed with beautiful, volcanic peaks. The very nature of this type of geography also riddles the state with numerous hot springs heated by the deep volcanic activity in the Cascade Range. There are numerous helpful websites to explore other soaking locations, but one that I found to be quick, fun and easily navigable is Trails.com. Keep in mind, however, that word of mouth is often the best way to determine each hot springs’ level of ‘family atmosphere’. Happy soaking!

Comments

[The Campfire Blog]

@Eric,

We appreciate you pointing readers to a source for customer-reviews, and are disappointed to read some dissatisfied customer comments.

Thank you,

The Campfire

[Eric]

Anyone thinking of making the mistake to visit this place should read the Tripadvisor.com comments. 62% thumbs down. Link below:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g28958-d1124571-r18865198-Belknap_Hot_Springs_Lodge_and_Gardens-Oregon.html

[The Campfire Blog]

@Courtney Pill
Please let us know if your family does visit and what you think. We are certain you will all enjoy it!

[Courtney Pill(a.k.a the tramadol hermit)]

Looks like one swell place to visit. I'm pretty sure my hubby and kids would enjoy the place.