McCredie Hot Springs: north vs south pools, fee
McCredie Hot Springs splits across both banks of Salt Creek about 8 miles east of Oakridge, and which side you reach changes how far you walk and how it looks when you get there. Both are free, with no day-use fee. For the state's other free and paid soaks, see our hot springs in Oregon guide.
Fact box
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Oakridge, Oregon (about 8 miles west) |
| Access, north side | Short walk, 0.2 mile, from the main day-use parking area off Highway 58 |
| Access, south side | Via Shady Gap Road and a one-lane bridge, then a 0.3-mile trail downstream |
| Fee | None |
| Hours | Day use only; a nighttime closure is enforced |
| Legal status | Public, Willamette National Forest |
| Temperature (source, historical) | The NOAA/NCEI thermal springs archive lists McCredie at 163°F (historical estimate, base year 1980) |
| Temperature (pools, recent) | Roughly 98–115°F across the pools, with some spots running hotter, per current visitor reports |
North side or south side
Most visitors default to the north-side pool since it's the shortest walk, just 0.2 miles from the main day-use parking area right off Highway 58. The south-side pools take more effort: Shady Gap Road and a one-lane bridge lead to a trailhead, then a 0.3-mile trail follows the creek downstream to reach them. Both sides are free, with no day-use fee, and both are subject to a nighttime closure the Willamette National Forest enforces here. Which side works better on a given day often comes down to which pools are less crowded rather than any real difference in quality.
The pools
Water temperatures across McCredie's pools run roughly 98–115°F, with some spots running hotter depending on how close a given pool sits to where the water surfaces. That range sits well below the NOAA archive's 163°F historical estimate for the source, consistent with a spring that cools substantially as it spreads across multiple pools on both banks of the creek rather than staying concentrated in one spot.
How this guide was researched
This page draws on Willamette National Forest recreation information, the NOAA/NCEI thermal springs archive, and published visitor reports. We haven't visited this site ourselves. Access routes and enforcement can change; verify current conditions with the ranger district before you go. Last checked August 2026.
FAQ
Is McCredie Hot Springs free?
Yes, on both the north and south sides, with no day-use fee.
Which side of McCredie Hot Springs is easier to reach?
The north-side pool, a 0.2-mile walk from the main day-use parking area. The south-side pools require Shady Gap Road, a one-lane bridge and a 0.3-mile trail.
How hot are the pools at McCredie Hot Springs?
Roughly 98–115°F, with some pools running hotter depending on proximity to the source.
Is there a curfew at McCredie Hot Springs?
Yes, the Willamette National Forest enforces a nighttime closure; it's day-use only.
How far is McCredie Hot Springs from Oakridge?
About 8 miles east, off Highway 58.
We haven't visited these places ourselves, and every page says so rather than implying otherwise. Details are compiled from public land-manager, USGS and NOAA sources and cross-checked where possible; conditions, access rules and fees change without notice, so confirm with the managing agency before you go. Page last checked August 2026. Read our full methodology.