Borax Lake Hot Springs

What is the location of Borax Hot Springs?

The location of Borax Hot Springs is in Fields, Oregon, situated just south of the Alvord Desert and east of Steens Mountain. The geographic coordinates of Borax Hot Springs are 42°19′38.6″ N latitude and 118°36′15.8″ W longitude. The site lies approximately 421 miles southeast of Portland, Oregon. Visitors can access the area by traveling 1.4 miles north from Fields to the junction of Highway 205 and Fields-Denio Road (also known as Folly Farm Road or East Steens Road). From the junction, the route continues 0.25 miles to a power substation, where drivers turn right and follow a dirt road parallel to the power lines for 2 miles. After turning left and continuing 0.9 miles to the first gate, travelers must open and close the gate, then proceed another 0.5 miles to a second gate. At this point, the road is closed to motor vehicles, and visitors must walk 0.5 miles to reach Borax Lake. Borax Hot Springs are located northwest of Borax Lake. More information is available at oregondiscovery.com/borax-hot-springs.

What is the temperature of Borax Hot Springs?

The temperature of Borax Hot Springs ranges from 104°F (40°C) to 300°F (140°C), making it one of the hottest geothermal areas in the region. The nearby Borax Lake maintains a lower temperature range from 61°F (16°C) to 100°F (38°C). The extreme temperatures of the springs present safety hazards, particularly due to the risk of burns or injury from direct contact.

What is the mineral composition of Borax Hot Springs?

The mineral composition of Borax Hot Springs includes high concentrations of sodium, sulfate, and chloride, classifying the water type as sodium sulfate chloride. Specific mineral levels include sodium at 426 mg/L, sulfate at 329 mg/L, and chloride at 265 mg/L. Additional elements include silica at 160 mg/L, potassium at 29 mg/L, calcium at 9.6 mg/L, and fluoride at 6.5 mg/L. The water exhibits an alkalinity of 425 mg/L, with a pH range from 7.3 to 8.7, indicating neutral to weakly alkaline conditions. The average level of dissolved solids reaches approximately 1,200 mg/L. The presence of borax and elevated arsenic levels warrants caution.

What types of pools are found at Borax Hot Springs?

The types of pools found at Borax Hot Springs include geothermal pools, a natural geothermal lake, and multiple undeveloped hot springs. The main hot spring lies near Borax Lake, which is surrounded by at least half a dozen additional geothermal features in the region. These pools emerge from the earth’s crust and display active geothermal activity, with visible mineral deposits and steaming surfaces.

What is the depth of Borax Hot Springs pools?

The depth of Borax Hot Springs pools is not specifically measured in the available data, but warnings have been issued due to the combination of depth and high temperature. The geothermal features may present significant hazards, and direct immersion is not recommended.

What are the access conditions for Borax Hot Springs?

The access conditions for Borax Hot Springs require visitors to travel on unpaved roads and complete the final 0.5 miles on foot. The road leading to the springs may require a high-clearance vehicle, and in adverse conditions, four-wheel drive, chains, a shovel, and a jack may be necessary. After the second gate, all motor vehicle access is prohibited, and the springs are only reachable by walking. The site may not be suitable for individuals with mobility limitations.

What is the cost and opening schedule for Borax Hot Springs?

The cost to access Borax Hot Springs is none; entry is free. The hot springs remain open year-round, allowing visitors to explore the geothermal features in all seasons. No booking is required to visit the site.

What are the facilities and accommodations near Borax Hot Springs?

The facilities at Borax Hot Springs are nonexistent; the site offers no developed infrastructure. Primitive camping is available at Mann Lake and Alvord Playa. Alvord Hot Springs provides campsites and bunkhouses, while lodging options exist in the Hines-Burns area. The general store in Fields includes a few overnight rooms for travelers.

What is the parking availability at Borax Hot Springs?

The parking availability at Borax Hot Springs includes a designated area located 0.5 miles from the springs, near the second locked gate. Visitors must park at this point and proceed on foot to reach the geothermal area.

What is the best season to visit Borax Hot Springs?

The best season to visit Borax Hot Springs is during spring and fall. These periods offer milder weather and more favorable road conditions for accessing the remote location.

What are the nearby attractions to Borax Hot Springs?

The nearby attractions to Borax Hot Springs include several geothermal and natural sites. These include Alvord Hot Springs, Mickey Hot Springs, Virgin Valley Hot Springs, Bog Hot Springs, Willow Creek Hot Springs, and Easterday Hot Springs. Other notable locations in the region are the Alvord Desert, Pike Creek, Steens Mountain, and an old borax mining site.

Is Borax Hot Springs kid friendly?

No, Borax Hot Springs is not kid friendly. The site presents access challenges and safety concerns due to extreme heat and geothermal hazards, making it unsuitable for children.

Is Borax Hot Springs pet friendly?

The pet policy at Borax Hot Springs is not specified. Visitors should exercise caution due to the high temperatures and undeveloped terrain, which may pose risks to animals.

What is the clothing policy at Borax Hot Springs?

The clothing policy at Borax Hot Springs is not specified. As the site is undeveloped and remote, visitors should use discretion and prepare for exposure to natural elements.

What is the smell intensity at Borax Hot Springs?

The smell intensity at Borax Hot Springs is not specified. However, geothermal areas often release gases such as hydrogen sulfide, which may produce noticeable odors.

What is the number of pools at Borax Hot Springs?

The number of pools at Borax Hot Springs includes at least one main hot spring near Borax Lake and approximately six undeveloped hot springs within the surrounding region. These features collectively form a geothermal field with varied surface expressions.