WILD ROGUE
Welcome to Mickey Hot Springs!
Mickey Hot Springs is a moderately known geothermal area on the northern end of the Alvord Desert.
Sometimes there is a plethora of geothermal activity here and sometimes it is mostly dried up, empty
holes - all dependent on the season and recent rainfall. Nearly always, there is a colorful 15-20’
diameter, over 10’ deep, pool - clear with near-boiling water. If the time is right, the ground hisses
with steam, releasing pressure from the same geologic fault that created Steens Mountain. Gurgling
mud pots and small, glassy streams that heat to as much as 180 degrees are also in the area.
Know before you go
All Mickey Hot Springs pools are too DANGEROUSLY HOT for soaking.
The soil here looks like it is dusted with snow. The “SALT FLAT” is actually the
result of sodium borate deposits (safe for contact) in the soil.
The ACCESS ROAD into Mickey Hot Springs varies from dry and dusty to wet
and clay-like, and even thick with powdered dirt in the heat of the summer - stay
alert for varying drive conditions.
directions
From Burns, take State Highway 78 southeast for approximately 33 miles.
Turn right onto the East Steens Road and travel south for 6 miles to Mickey
Hot Springs access road. Turn left onto the Mickey Hot Springs access
road and follow (for about 6 miles) the signs to the parking area.
Contact info
point of interest
28910 Hwy 20 West
Hines, OR 97738
541-573-4400
BLM_OR_BU_Mail@blm.gov
Mickey Hot Springs went quietly un-noticed until
1992 when a bubbling spots became a mini-geyser.
It reached 6-8 feet high and received national
attention as the only natural geyser in Oregon.
