Wait! Do you hear that? That is the sound of me.....stepping into the largest bathtub imaginable…read more Crane Hot Springs in Burns, Oregon is off the beaten path, so rural that as you drive to it you think that you must have missed a turn somewhere. But it is there, a little pool of heavenly warm, mineral water with endless skies and rolling hills.
We needed to get out of town, we needed some relaxation, we needed a good deal, and we got all three at Crane Hot Springs. We traveled the 363 miles, 6.5 hours, to check out if this was truly a "unique soaking resort." Having visited many hot springs along raging rivers and at the end of hikes I was curious how a seemingly commercialized "resort" would compare. The thing about hot springs is that they are wild and free....this did not seem wild, or free, it does come with a price tag. However, when I was searching for an adventure out of town and advertisement popped up offering off-season discounts and I was intrigued. We went the weekend after Valentine's Day and were able to reserve a small cabin right next to the pool for less than a hotel room would have cost. Keep an eye for good deals. I joined a mailing list to be informed off upcoming events and sales since I know we WILL be going back.
Let's talk about the accommodations first. Everything is very closely situated. The office is directly across from the pool, soaking tubs, bathrooms/showers, and cabins which are directly across from hotel rooms. The only lodging that is somewhat private with a lot of space is the RV spaces that are little bit of a walk. We opted for a small cabin. By small I mean that there were two beds and a bedside table and that was all the room available. Not spacious, but really, who wants to stay in when there is a hot spring to soak in? We didn't mind. Also, it was dog friendly. There is a kitchen on site that is offered for guest that has a small stove, fridge, microwave, and a few dishes/pots pans, and a small table. We used it to heat some soup, bake some biscuits, and keep our salad fixings cold. The office has a few frozen meals, ice cream, and a few odds and ends for purchase if you want to keep it simple. The office also has pool noodles, sunscreen, and the usual branded apparels. One thing to note, there is a wildlife reserve as part of the land. When we went it was very windy and chilly but it was a nice walk for the dog filled with different types of birds and several scenic spots to sit and rest. The walking trail is flat, well maintained, and not very long. Perfect way to start your morning or end your day.
We did not book an appointment for a private soaking tub, but did glance in to check out the private, tiny rooms with a galvanized tub to fill. The bathroom/shower facility was very nice and functional. It has a big common room with tables to put bags and comfortably sit while waiting. The showers were spacious, the bathrooms clean.
Now, to discuss the hot springs itself. First off, it's huge...it's the size of a pool...and hot from one end to the other. It is not deep, but deep enough to swim and float around. The rushing water cascading down creates a myriad of different heat levels. If you are ready to boil, they have a hot tub they call "The Lobster Pot" that is even hotter! We spent two hours floating around, chatting, floating, and didn't realize it. Time flies when you are cozy. We were concerned about the noise level in the pool when we went to bed around 10:00 because the proximity was so close. We didn't notice, although, it wasn't that busy and there were not a lot of people still hanging out when we went in. The pool is open 24 hours! We got up early for another float before check-out. Check out was easy and we left Crane Hot Springs very relaxed and already planning another trip. Perhaps we will stay in one of their novelty lodgings next time, there are covered wagons, tee-pees, houses, 5th wheels, and hotel rooms and suites.
If you are a lover of hot springs and are looking for something that doesn't include a hike, dozens of people crowded into tiny pools, and want to ensure that clothing is not optional (suits must be worn at Crane Hot Springs), then this place is worth the drive. You'll love it. Maybe we will see you there!