Three Forks and a Soak

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Hot Spring · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a great route that travels along a warm river to reach a lovely hot spring. The going is mostly easy, and the whole family will enjoy this route!

This trail consists of just over 2 miles of easy hiking in between sheer-walled canyon cliffs and an ancient hand-built road so narrow you have to admire the drivers from way back in the day. Add a couple of river crossings and the trail takes you to Oregon's best hot spring (if you don't mind it only being 99 degrees). This is a great route for beginners as it has a little of everything. The river runs warm year-round due to geothermal vents all along the river bed.

If you want to cross the river earlier, at the start of the trail, go for it. Just know that it may be deeper there :)

If you miss the second crossing, as 95% do, you can swamp slog it on through to the camping spot at the end of the road and cross the river easily right at the hot springs.

Soaking etiquette: If a pool is already occupied, ask to join but be cool with waiting your turn. (Don't crowd in or run off other soakers.) If you have a dog, keep in mind that others may not enjoy your pet the way you do (keep your dog under your control).

Though there is a road that goes right to the same place, it is closed at the junction to the river ford just up steam and carries a large fine for any vehicles caught driving through the river (the sign keeps coming up missing but the fines do not). Instead, complete the hike - it is worth it!

Some poison ivy, sagebrush, cheat grass, rattlesnakes, bull snakes, garden snakes, fish, toady frogs, jackrabbits, birds of prey, and even skinny-dippers.