Review: Belknap Hot Springs in Oregon

Belknap Hots Springs in Oregon is a lovely destination for a day visit, a weekend camping event, or a weekend stay at their lodge or cabins. This is a lovely location tucked away deep in the woods. Recently, my family and I spent a day enjoying and exploring this lovely site. I was quite moved by the entire event.

The hot springs are easy to reach. They are located directly off Highway 126. It takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the Belknap from Eugene, Oregon and it takes about an hour from Bend, Oregon. For in depth directions please visit their official website at,

http://belknaphotsprings.com/index.htm

They offer a toll free number at this website to call them for more information or reservations. I personally utilized this number and I was very impressed with the wonderful customer service. They took the time to answer all my questions in depth. They were very warm and welcoming. The entire experience was quite pleasant.

Upon arriving at the Hot Springs the only downside that I saw was the lack of parking. The road off Highway 126 heads directly to the lodge. Along the way are several parking spots and at the lodge itself is a bit of parking but the place was extremely packed and it took us several trips up and down the road before we located a spot but we still had to hike a bit to reach the lodge.

The area is located right next to the rushing McKenzie River so the first thing you hear is the wonderful sound of the water when you step from you vehicle. The lodge is very rustic and adorned with lovely carved bears. It seems to sink into the entire setting of nature itself. To the right of the lodge is a hill that has a small paved road which offers campsites, cabins, and an upper pool that is open to the public for a day usage fee. Beside the river and on the other side of the lodge are more campsites that are very well maintained. The campsites themselves seem to range in size from regular to quite large to accommodate the newest motor coaches. Behind the lodge rushes the McKenzie River. This is where the hot springs pool for guests only sits. There are also public picnic tables located around the lodge. The lodge serves food and ice cream plus sports a very cute gift store with reasonable prices. At the lodge you can pick up a map of the area that is free to visitors and will guide you on the many trails.

Behind the lodge is the bridge that crosses the McKenzie River and leads to the gardens. We strolled towards these gardens. I was not sure what to expect but I was very pleasantly surprised. They were absolutely lovely. You meander along a trail that takes you under lovely evergreen tree’s beside ponds, creeks, and several small waterfalls. Beside the trail there are large groves of bamboo that are inter spaced with numerous flowers. The hydrangeas were in full bloom with blue size flowers as big as softballs. The lawns are lush and green. There are picnic tables and gazebos to enjoy a picnic. There is also an area that is rather Grecian in nature and called the Secret Garden. This area is made up of several water ways, flowers galore, and columns that tower up. They were preparing to have a wedding in the location so we only walked through but the setting was truly amazing.

Throughout the walk are lights and benches with darling animals carved into each one. They have also utilized and fashioned fallen tree’s into benches to relax on which I thought was a wonderful idea of making use of the discards of nature. The entire gardens offered privacy and seclusion. It was a true feeling of being close to nature. The trails are easy to traverse even for handicap people. We pushed a dual stroller the entire length with no problem. It is relatively level with only a couple of hills in the whole area but you are encased on one size by a towering ridge that only adds to the wonderful feeling of privacy.

I have spent my entire life in Oregon but this was my first visit to these wonderful hot springs. I was very impressed with the entire experience and I will definitely return to enjoy the lovely grounds and perhaps take a dip in their mineral pool.