If you haven’t heard of McCredie Hot Springs, you’re not alone, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. This guide covers everything you need to know to visit this hidden gem in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest.
I’m always surprised how few people know about McCredie Hot Springs (even people who have lived in Oregon for years!).
While it doesn’t have the Instagram fame of Umpqua or the crystal clear waters of Terwilliger or the facilities of Breitenbush, I still think McCredie is very much worth a trip.
Located in Willamette National Forest, this is one of the hot springs that we have consistently found to be not too crowded.
It is easily accessed via a short and easy trail that is part of the magic. Our daughter insists fairies live there because it is so lush and green!
And with a large pool of water that is just warm enough (but not too hot!), you can comfortably soak here for a full afternoon.
This guide has everything you need to know about visiting McCredie Hot Springs!
McCredie Hot Springs Guide
- Our experience
- Overview/stats
- How to get there
- Tips for visiting
- FAQs
- Best time to visit
- What to pack
- Things to see nearby
- Where to eat nearby
- Where to stay nearby
Our personal experience
We have been to McCredie Hot Springs several times: before kids, with one child, and again with two little ones.
FYI, the water here in the large pool is tepid and perfect for small children.
Each time we’ve visited, we’ve had the pool more or less to ourselves. It’s large enough too that if there are others, you can still have some sort of privacy or space to yourself if you want.
Overall, we find it to be one of the more underrated hot springs in Oregon that people don’t often talk about.
Sure, the water isn’t as clear as some other (maintained) hot springs, and the bottom is kind of muddy in spots. But if that won’t bother you, we think you’ll love McCredie. We sure do!
Check out our short video below and you’ll see why we’re so obsessed…
McCredie Hot Springs overview
This is one of Oregon’s easiest natural hot springs to reach. A magical forest walk leads you through lush greenery to steamy, rock-lined pools tucked beside a small river. It’s free, rustic, and perfect for a low-effort adventure with a big payoff.
Quick stats:
- Exact location
- Parking/trailhead location
- Open: Open year-round
- Hours: Day use only (no overnight camping)
- Entry fee: Free!
- Facilities: No bathrooms at the pools; primitive hot springs only
- Number of pools: 2 (temperatures vary depending on river levels)
- Water temperature: Warm and comfortable — not scalding
- Water clarity: Somewhat murky with a sandy/muddy bottom
- Odor: Minimal sulfur smell
- Clothing: Optional
- Good for kids? Yes! The large pool is tepid, making it great for little ones
How to get to McCredie Hot Springs
Getting here is straightforward once you know what to look for, and we’re going to make sure you do, because the directions online have historically been confusing enough that the first time we tried to visit, we ended up at the wrong spot entirely.
We’re here to help so you don’t make the same mistake we did!
Quick heads up: There is a McCredie Day Use Parking Lot on the north side of the highway. This is NOT where you want to park. It does have a pit toilet, so stop if you need to use the restroom, but this is not the trailhead.
The main hot springs are on the south side of the river (not the ones marked on Google Maps—this totally confused us the first time!). To get there, you need to cross a small bridge via Shady Gap Road (NF-5875), about half a mile past the day-use lot.
Driving to McCredie Hot Springs:
- From Bend: approximately 1 hour 35 minutes (87 miles) — we live in Bend and often do this as a day trip
- From Eugene: approximately 1 hour (53 miles)
- From Salem: approximately 2 hours (114 miles)
- From Portland: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (157 miles)
From the west (coming from Eugene on Hwy 58, heading eastbound):
- Drive 10 miles east of Oakridge.
- You’ll see the McCredie Day Use Parking Lot on your right — stop if you need the restroom, otherwise keep driving.
- About 0.5 miles later, look for the sign for Shady Gap Road / Wicopee Fields and turn right (south).
- Follow Shady Gap Road over the one-lane bridge crossing Salt Creek.
- After the bridge, stay right (don’t take the left turn).
- You’re now on NF-5875. The road curves left and widens — park in the large pullout area near the trailhead.
- The trailhead is on your right, marked with a sign indicating day-use only.
From the east (coming from Bend on Hwy 58, heading westbound):
- Pass Willamette Pass Ski Resort and continue west for about 17 miles.
- Watch carefully for the Shady Gap Road / Wicopee Fields sign on your left — it’s small and easy to miss.
- If you spot the McCredie Day Use Parking Lot on your right, you’ve gone too far — turn around and drive 0.5 miles back.
- Turn onto Shady Gap Road, cross the bridge, stay right, and follow NF-5875 to the large pullout by the trailhead.
Insider tip: Maps.me shows Shady Gap Road, so you can download the offline version of the map and follow the correct route.
Heads up: Hwy 58 / Willamette Highway has a lot of curves and sees heavy semi-truck traffic. Keep your eyes on the road, especially in winter conditions.
There’s no cell service at the hot springs. Download your maps before you leave. You can get a signal in Oakridge (10 miles west) or at Willamette Pass Ski Resort (17 miles east).
The closest gas station is in Oakridge. If you’re coming from the east, Crescent Junction is the last stop before the springs — fill up there.
Trail to the hot springs
Once you’re parked, the hike in is short and sweet. It’s approximately 0.4 miles each way on a mostly flat, easy trail through beautiful forest. It took us about 10 minutes each way.
The trail can get muddy, especially in the off-season, so wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty.
Tips for visiting McCredie Hot Springs
- Download your maps before you go. There’s no cell signal at the springs. Get your directions loaded and save an offline map (Google Maps offline or Maps.me both work) before you leave.
- Wear shoes you can get muddy. The trail is mostly flat, but it’s not paved, and depending on the season it can be pretty sloshy. Leave your white sneakers at home.
- Be aware of hot pockets. The water temperature in the pools is warm and comfortable, but there can be very hot areas where the spring water seeps up through the sand. Take a minute to feel around before you settle in.
- The bottom is muddy. This is a natural, undeveloped spring — no concrete or tile here. The bottom is a mix of sand and dirt, and the water is murky. If that kind of thing bothers you, this might not be your spot. But if you can embrace the wild and natural vibe, it’s part of the charm.
- Pack out everything you bring in. There are no trash cans at the springs. That means everything, including fruit peels or nut shells. If you want to be extra awesome, pick up any trash you find and pack it out too.
- Safety note: Older trip reports mention past incidents of harassment at this location. We recommend going with a group or at minimum not going alone, and as always trust your gut if something feels off.
McCredie Hot Springs FAQs
How many pools are there? There are 2 pools with usable warm water. The number can fluctuate depending on the season and river levels — when the river is high, it can cool or flood the pools. Historically there were up to 3 or 4 pools, but some of the rock walls have washed out over time.
How crowded does it get? Less crowded than most Oregon hot springs, which is part of why we love it. We’ve consistently had the pools mostly to ourselves across multiple visits over the years. Weekends will obviously be busier, but because it’s not close to any major city, it never reaches the chaos of spots like Bagby or Umpqua. Your best bet for solitude is a weekday.
Is it good for kids? Yes! The water temperature in the main pool is tepid — warm but not hot — which makes it ideal for little ones. We’ve brought our kids here multiple times and it’s always been a comfortable soak for the whole family.
Does the water smell? Not really. We didn’t notice much of a sulfur smell at all — and our jewelry showed no signs of tarnishing after soaking, the way it has at higher-sulfur springs. The sulfur levels here seem to be quite low.
Is there a bathroom? Not at the hot springs themselves. There is a pit toilet at the McCredie Day Use Parking Lot, which is on the north side of Hwy 58 about half a mile before the actual trailhead. Stop there if needed before continuing to the parking area.
Is overnight camping allowed? No, McCredie Hot Springs is day use only. There are campgrounds nearby — see below for options.
How much time should I plan for? We typically spent around an hour and a half soaking, which felt just right. Factor in the short hike in and out, and if you’re pairing it with Salt Creek Falls (which we’d highly recommend), plan to make a full day of it.
Best time to visit McCredie Hot Springs
McCredie is open and accessible year-round, and honestly each season brings something a little different.
Fall and winter are our personal favorites for hot springs in general — there’s something extra satisfying about soaking in steamy water when the air is crisp and cold. Winter visits here can be genuinely magical, with mist rising off the pools and the forest covered in quiet. The trail can be muddy and wet, so waterproof boots are a good call.
Spring brings lush green scenery and the trail is particularly beautiful when everything is blooming. River levels may be higher in spring, which can affect pool temperatures.
Summer is popular and the most comfortable for families. Crowds are at their highest on summer weekends, but compared to other Oregon hot springs, McCredie remains relatively peaceful even in peak season.
One thing to note if you’re combining this with a visit to Salt Creek Falls: the falls sit at a significantly higher elevation than the springs (about 2,000 feet higher). We’ve experienced comfortable, mild conditions at the pools while encountering snow and near-blizzard weather at the falls on the same day. Dress in layers and be prepared for conditions to shift if you’re doing both.
What to pack for McCredie Hot Springs
- Swimsuit and towel
- Shoes you’re okay getting muddy (mostly flat trail, but it can get wet)
- Layers to put on after your soak
- Plenty of water and snacks — there aren’t many dining options close by
- A trash bag (pack in, pack out)
- Offline maps downloaded before you leave (no cell service)
- Dry bag for your phone and valuables
Things to see near McCredie Hot Springs
Salt Creek Falls is the no-brainer add-on. It’s about 15 minutes east up Hwy 58, and at 286 feet it’s the second-highest waterfall in Oregon (after Multnomah Falls). It’s absolutely stunning, easily accessible, and worth the detour every single time. Note that a Day Use Fee ($5/vehicle or a recreation pass) is required to park here.
Diamond Creek Falls is another great option nearby and often gets overlooked compared to Salt Creek. If you have the time and energy, the two are relatively close and pair well together.
Crater Lake — McCredie can make a great stop if you’re doing a Crater Lake trip. It’s not exactly on the way, but it’s close enough to add in without too much extra driving.
We often visit McCredie as a day trip from Bend — it’s less than two hours each way, which makes for a very doable (and very satisfying) day out.
Where to eat near McCredie Hot Springs
The closest town is Oakridge, about 10 miles west on Hwy 58. It’s small, so don’t expect a huge selection, but it’s worth knowing what’s there before you go.
- The Campfire, Home of Cowgirl Cookn: Tex-Mex spot with a food-truck-style counter serving everything from loaded nachos and burritos to breakfast (plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options too!)
- Sweetvine Cafe & Bakeshop: Breakfast and bakery spot open daily until noon, known for scratch-made biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit parfaits, and pastries so good you’ll want to leave with a bag full for the road.
Stock up on snacks before you leave home (or hit a grocery store in Eugene if you’re coming from the west) since options are limited out here.
Where to stay near McCredie Hot Springs
Camping:
- Blue Pool Campground: the closest campground to the hot springs, located just down the road. Note that it closes in winter.
- Black Canyon Campground: another solid option in the area along the Willamette Highway corridor.
There are several other campgrounds along Hwy 58 / Willamette Highway if those are full.
Lodge:
- Shelter Cove Resort & Marina: a great option if you want something a step up from camping. Situated on Odell Lake, it has a gorgeous setting and makes a wonderful basecamp for exploring the area.
Plan your trip to Oregon
Being that Oregon is our home state, we have TONS of content to help you plan your trip. Start with our Oregon Homepage and be sure to check out the articles below. Leave us a comment if you have any more questions!
- Don’t miss our round up of things to do in Bend (all year round!)
- This article will help you visit the 7 wonders of Oregon.
- If you need more ideas, here are some incredible places to visit in Oregon.
- You’ll want to keep this Oregon road trip itinerary close by.
- Read up on all the weirdly awesome things to do in Portland.
- If you’re headed west, here are all the cutest Oregon Coast towns.
- Plan your Oregon coast road trip with our insider tips & map.
- Don’t skip Cannon Beach, our favorite small town in Oregon.
- Keep this list of our favorite things to do in Oregon handy.
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Katie Diederichs is the lead writer and co-founder of Two Wandering Soles, where she creates in-depth travel guides, itineraries, and tips designed to help readers plan better trips with confidence. With a background in journalism, photography, and design, she combines thorough research with firsthand experience to deliver clear, practical, and visually driven travel content. As the primary trip planner, Katie turns complex logistics into easy-to-follow advice travelers can actually use.