A Hidden Oregon Retreat Invites A Warm Swim Beneath Mossy Trees And Forest-Misted Air

Oregon is scattered with picturesque hot springs offering relaxation and majestic views, one of which is in Willamette National Forest. It sits roughly 50 miles southeast of Eugene and about 11 miles east of Oakridge. McCredie Hot Springs offers a hidden respite in a forest covered in moss and bathed in dappled sunlight. Nestled along Salt Creek and framed by towering pines, the springs are natural, with water gently steaming up through a canopy of verdant limbs. They feature man-made rock-walls constructed along the pool's edge. 

Access is refreshingly straightforward: A paved lot marks the trailhead, followed by a short 0.2-mile hike through fern-sprinkled woods to the pools. Arrive early and you'll find the pools invitingly warm and serenely private. Temperatures can reach around 160 degrees Fahrenheit, though mixing with Salt Creek cools some edges to a more relaxed soak.

The simplicity here is enchanting. There are no spa bells, no landscaped paths, just rustic, natural pools with soft silt bottoms, the rush of creek water, and the hush of the forest. In that moment, you're immersed not just in water, but in the wilderness.

Look closer, and McCredie reveals a past layered beneath its quiet surface. In the early 20th century, this very spot was a bustling resort. Cabins, a hotel, a baseball team, and a bordello once called this place home, a curious contrast to today's stillness. Walter "Judge" McCredie, a former Portland baseball player, lent his name to the springs in 1916 after constructing a resort on land originally claimed by John Hardin. But time and nature reshaped the place. The hotel burned in 1958, and the devastating Christmas flood of 1964 washed away the bridge and pool remnants, prompting the Forest Service to dismantle what's left.

Today, nothing remains but whispering pines, moss-laden stones, and the gentle hiss of warm water meeting cold creek flow, a soothing alternative to the desert backdrop of Oregon's secluded Snively Hot Springs. Yet, in the quiet laps of the pools, one can almost sense echoes of laughter, train whistles from the Southern Pacific, and the hum of a bygone era suspended in steam.

If you're planning to visit, come prepared. There's a fee at the day-use site, about $5 per vehicle, and a toilet near the parking lot. But don't expect any changing rooms, hot showers, or cell service: This is pure, unvarnished nature — an ultimate digital detox.

Footwear matters. In drier months, the trail is forgiving, but in spring through fall, you'll likely encounter slick roots and mud — bring good hiking shoes or waterproof boots. It's wise to test the water before stepping in; temperatures vary, and some pools can be scalding near the source. The north side pools, accessed directly from the paved lot, tend to be shallower, muddier, and occasionally less welcoming. Many seasoned visitors recommend driving across a small bridge to the south side, where deeper, cleaner pools await amidst quiet woods.

Like at many Oregon hot springs, clothing here is optional. Make sure that's something you're comfortable with before you show up. This is a place of ease, of shedding more than clothes. No matter how you choose to soak, remember: pack out everything you bring in. Leave no trace, so the forest — and its hidden springs — can continue to welcome travelers for generations. McCredie Hot Springs is more than a soak — it's a mosaic of forest, history, and quiet reflection. Whether you're seeking a warm dip beneath mossy branches or a moment suspended in time, this forest-mist retreat invites you to sink into tranquility.