Three Forks Hot Spring

What is the location of Three Forks Hot Springs?

The location of Three Forks Hot Springs is in the Owyhee River Canyon Wilderness Study Area near Jordan Valley, Oregon. The hot springs sit at coordinates 42°33′48″ N latitude and 117°14′25″ W longitude. The official address is listed as Three Forks Hot Springs, Owyhee River Canyon Wilderness Study Area, Jordan Valley, OR, United States. The site lies approximately 43 miles from the city of Jordan Valley and can be reached in about 3 hours from Boise, Idaho, or 5 hours from Burns, Oregon.

What are the access requirements for Three Forks Hot Springs?

Access to Three Forks Hot Springs requires either a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle or a hike-in approach. From Jordan Valley, visitors must travel 16 miles west along Highway 95 to a marked sign for Three Forks and the Soldier Creek Watchable Wildlife Loop. The route continues for over 27 miles on a dirt road to a junction, where a right turn leads to the Owyhee Canyon rim. From there, visitors can descend by vehicle or on foot into Three Forks to reach the boat ramp. The hot springs are accessed by hiking 3 miles along a trail with multiple forks and river crossings or by hiking 2 miles upriver from the boat ramp.

What is the temperature of Three Forks Hot Springs?

The temperature of Three Forks Hot Springs ranges from warm to hot. The thermal intensity varies by season and by individual pool. No fixed temperature values are provided, but the geothermal output supports bathing conditions suitable for relaxation during the best visitation months from May through October.

What types of pools are found at Three Forks Hot Springs?

The pools at Three Forks Hot Springs are natural geothermal pools located beside the Owyhee River. The main hot spring emerges across the river beneath a waterfall, while a smaller roadside pool is located nearby. These pools are unmodified and formed directly from geothermal flow and natural rock formations.

What is the depth of the pools at Three Forks Hot Springs?

The depth of the pools at Three Forks Hot Springs ranges from shallow to approximately 4.5 feet in the river. The pools vary in size and depth, depending on their location and seasonal water flow, with some pools suitable for soaking and others more shallow.

How many pools are at Three Forks Hot Springs?

The number of pools at Three Forks Hot Springs includes at least two distinct bathing areas. One primary pool lies across the river beneath a waterfall, and one smaller pool is located roadside. Both pools are geothermal in origin and accessible either by hiking or river crossing.

What is the accessibility level of Three Forks Hot Springs?

The accessibility level of Three Forks Hot Springs is limited due to difficult terrain and river crossings. The site is not wheelchair accessible and requires either a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle or a strenuous hike. Trail conditions include multiple forks and unbridged river crossings, making the area suitable only for physically capable visitors.

What are the facilities available at Three Forks Hot Springs?

The facilities at Three Forks Hot Springs include primitive camping areas and limited bathroom access. A Bureau of Land Management (BLM) outhouse is located nearby. The site does not offer developed infrastructure or commercial amenities and is intended for backcountry use.

What kind of accommodations are available near Three Forks Hot Springs?

The accommodations near Three Forks Hot Springs consist of gravel camping spots suitable for primitive camping. Visitors can camp on a gravel bar near the BLM outhouse. No formal lodging or developed campsites are available in the immediate area.

What is the parking availability at Three Forks Hot Springs?

The parking availability at Three Forks Hot Springs is limited and located on a gravel bar near the BLM outhouse. The parking area is accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles due to rugged road conditions and terrain.

What is the best season to visit Three Forks Hot Springs?

The best season to visit Three Forks Hot Springs is from May through October. Access is only recommended during dry weather due to the unpaved road conditions and the potential for impassable terrain during wet months.

What are the nearby attractions around Three Forks Hot Springs?

The nearby attractions around Three Forks Hot Springs include the Owyhee Canyon Overlook, Juniper Gulch Trail, Jordan Craters, Painted Canyon Loop, Anderson Crossing, Slocum Creek, Succor Creek, North Fork Owyhee River, Middle Fork Owyhee River, and Three Forks Dome. These locations offer additional geological, hiking, and wilderness exploration opportunities.

What is the official website and contact information for Three Forks Hot Springs?

The official website for Three Forks Hot Springs does not exist. Contact information is provided by ONDA (Oregon Natural Desert Association) and includes the phone number (541) 330-2638, the email address onda@onda.org, and a contact form at https://wildowyhee.org/contact/.