Willow Creek - Willow Creek Hot Springs

First, do not use Apple Maps to get here. It will take you a turnoff two miles away and leave you wondering what to do next. Google maps will take you right to the vault toilet.

Second, if you’re looking for a HOT spring, this one might disappoint. It’s warm for sure but not hot at all.

Contrary to a previous poster, I saw no nudists here. Also disappointing but in this area, maybe I should count myself lucky.

The bathroom had no toilet paper. We left a roll, but it seems this is a continual problem.

That’s all the negatives.

Star gazing here is incredible. You’re 150 miles from any real metro (McDermit doesn’t count).

Nice deep fire rings that are safe with nice grill racks on them. Some sites can get muddy after a rain or melt off and one or two were actually under water when we were there.

We had a blast here though. Lots of walking around room. I would imagine this place gets packed on a weekend or holiday. We had the place to ourselves in a Tuesday night with the exception of an older gentleman in a bus who was very friendly.

Any vehicle can make it in here. It’s 25 miles of dirt road but it’s well maintained and 40mph is perfectly doable until you get to the turnoff to the site. The one mile stretch getting in there from the main road isn’t as well kept but you could still do it in a corolla.

We were also lucky enough to see a herd of antelope on the way in. Photos attached.

I love this place, but be warned. It usually has people bathing in the hot springs nude. Some older people treat this location as a nudist colony. Luckily I don't mind and my kids are all adults and don't do adventures with me anymore. If you have kids, tread carefully. Usually there are many locals here and I never get the chance to jump in the hot springs since many monopolies the spring. I do like this area for 4X4 excursions, and off trail hiking. Sometimes Coyotes can be heard howling in the early morning hours of around 4:00 AM. Lots of birds for bird watchers, and a nice little creek. Stargazing is a must and very beautiful. The road is gravel and I suggest a truck or a 4X4 vehicle. It is not a must, but it makes it easier. I would have given this area five stars, but having no real access to the hot spring is a bummer so I give it three stars. Anywhere in Oregon's outback is a good day.

The road here, yes, it’s 25 miles of gravel. The first 3 miles were great! We drove top speed of 55, then for the next 22 miles our top speed was 10mph. With having a camper truck the washboard road was more than it could handle.

We stayed in the spot next to the last spot in the camp, right next to a stream. At night we heard animals walking through it, it was beautiful. The most beautiful sunset also.

We took 2 dips in the pools. One during the day light and one after dark when the air cooled off.

The bathroom was very clean and no TP. We left a roll there and noticed someone else did too. So bring TP because there might not be any. No water resources so pack enough for your stay. We only stayed one night then headed off to Heart Mountain.

It was so beautiful and peaceful here, we would definitely stay again. Not a lot of campers as we stayed on a Tuesday night.