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Juntura Hot Springs Mapped: A Natural Oasis in Eastern Oregon

Juntura Hot Springs, also known as Horseshoe Bend Hot Springs, is a primitive hot spring located on a small island in the Malheur River in eastern Oregon.
It is one of the few hot springs in Oregon that are open to the public and free of charge. Juntura Hot Springs offers a rustic and relaxing experience for visitors who want to enjoy the scenic views of the river and the rolling hills, soak in the mineral-rich water, and connect with nature.

In this article, we will cover the location, how to reach, accessibility, and directions of Juntura Hot Springs, as well as some key takeaways to remember before you go.

Location – Juntura Hot Springs

Juntura Hot Springs is situated at a sharp bend of the Malheur River, about 3 miles northeast of the tiny town of Juntura in Malheur County. The elevation of the hot springs is about 2,900 feet.
The climate is semi-arid, with hot and dry summers and cold and snowy winters. The average temperature ranges from 24°F in January to 91°F in July.

How to Reach Juntura Hot Springs

Juntura Hot Springs is about 5 hours southeast of Portland by car. There are several routes you can take depending on your starting point and preference. Here are some of the common ways to get to Juntura Hot Springs by road:

• From Portland: Take I-84 E to US-20 E. Take exit 216A for US-20 toward Vale/Burns. Follow US-20 E to Juntura. Turn left onto Harney Rd.
• From Boise: Take I-84 W to US-95 S. Take exit 3 for US-95 toward Payette/Fruitland. Follow US-95 S to US-20 W in Vale. Follow US-20 W to Juntura. Turn right onto Harney Rd.
• From Bend: Take US-97 S to OR-31 S. Follow OR-31 S to US-395 S in Lakeview. Follow US-395 S to US-20 W in Riley. Follow US-20 W to Juntura. Turn right onto Harney Rd.

You can also use public transportation to get to Juntura Hot Springs, but it may take longer and require more transfers. Some of the options are:

• From Portland: Take Amtrak Cascades train to Chemult Station. Take High Desert Point bus to Bend Hawthorne Station. Take Eastern Point bus to Burns Transit Center. Take Harney County Dial-A-Ride bus to Juntura.
• From Boise: Take Greyhound bus to Ontario. Take Malheur Express bus to Vale. Take Harney County Dial-A-Ride bus to Juntura.
• From Bend: Take Eastern Point bus to Burns Transit Center. Take Harney County Dial-A-Ride bus to Juntura.

Accessibility – Juntura Hot Springs

Juntura Hot Springs is a primitive and undeveloped hot spring that aims to provide a natural and simple environment for guests. However, this also means that some of the facilities and services may not be fully accessible for people with disabilities or special needs.

Here are some of the accessibility issues you may encounter at Juntura Hot Springs:

• The terrain is rocky and uneven, and there are no paved paths or trails on the island.
• The hot springs are not equipped with lifts or ramps, and may require assistance to enter and exit.
• The water temperature is not regulated and may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.
• The water quality is not monitored and may contain bacteria or other contaminants.
• There are no restrooms, showers, or changing rooms on the island.
• There are no trash cans or recycling bins on the island. Visitors are expected to pack out their own garbage.
• There are no camping facilities or amenities on the island. Visitors are allowed to camp anywhere on BLM lands, but they must follow the leave no trace principles.

If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility at Juntura Hot Springs, you can contact the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Vale District Office at (541) 473-3144 or BLM_OR_VL_Mail@blm.gov. They will try their best to provide you with the information and guidance you need to enjoy your visit.

Directions to Juntura Hot Springs

To help you find your way to Juntura Hot Springs, here is a map of the area with the location of the hot springs marked. You can also use Google Maps to get more detailed directions from your current location.

Key Takeaways | Juntura Hot Springs

Before you visit Juntura Hot Springs, here are some important things to remember:

• Reservations are not required for visiting Juntura Hot Springs, but the hot springs may be crowded during weekends and holidays.
• Juntura Hot Springs is a clothing-optional facility. You can choose to wear or not wear clothes in the hot springs, but you must respect the privacy and comfort of other guests.
• Juntura Hot Springs is a non-smoking facility. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the island or near the hot springs.
• Juntura Hot Springs is a quiet facility. Loud noises, music, and cell phones are not permitted. Please respect the silence and tranquility of the place.
• Juntura Hot Springs is a non-alcoholic facility. Alcohol is not allowed anywhere on the island or near the hot springs.
• Juntura Hot Springs is a non-pet facility. Pets are not allowed anywhere on the island or near the hot springs, except for ADA service animals.
• Juntura Hot Springs is a public facility. It is owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which is a federal agency that oversees public lands. All visitors are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the BLM.

Juntura Hot Springs is a unique and beautiful place to visit for relaxation, healing, and adventure. We hope this article has given you some useful information and tips on how to plan your trip to Juntura Hot Springs. Have a wonderful time!