My visit to Breitenbush Hot Springs was spontaneous. I and my travel companion were on a road trip to Lake Tahoe and found ourselves by Detroit Lake in Oregon. I did a Google search for places to stay nearby and Breitenbush came up. I’ve always wanted to stay there so I gave them a quick call and a few hours later we were there, walking the beautiful grounds and chatting with interesting people from all around the world.
Detroit Lake
It is not an ideal place to stay for everyone. You must enjoy rustic accommodations, be fine with no internet or mobile phone coverage, and like being part of a unique hippie community. If that’s not your thing, Breitenbush is not the place for you.
Shockingly High Prices
The prices are shockingly high. We had to pay around $240 a night for a private little cabin and an extra $20 something for linens. Still, many people think it’s worth it. Personally, I don’t see the value to justify such a high cost. I did enjoy my stay, but the price-point should be lower.
Delicious Organic Vegetarian Food
The main lodge at Breitenbush Hot Springs
The food was healthy and delicious. Unfortunately, their meal times are very limited (about an hour an half window) and it is buffet style. If you don’t get there early you will undoubtedly miss out on some of their menu items. You also have to buss your own table when you’re finished.
One of the nice things they offer is that if you are going to be on a hike or something that causes you to miss lunch they will happily provide you a sack lunch to take with you. You just have to remember to request it the night before.
Rustic Accommodations
Cabins at Breitenbush Hot Springs
We stayed at Breitenbush Hot Springs in late July and it was excruciatingly hot. Our cabin didn’t have air conditioning or a fan. I suggest packing a small oscillating fan in the summertime because we were uncomfortably hot the entire night. They also don’t have a little fridge in the rooms so bring your own cooler to keep beverages cold.
Relaxing Activities
The soaking tubs t Breitenbush Hot Springs
There are tons of fun and relaxing activities available. The biggest draw to Breitenbush is of course the hot spring tubs where clothing is optional (or maybe even not allowed). Guests enjoy sitting under the giant pine trees while soaking in the tubs and listening to the sound of the Santiam River rushing by, or chatting about the day’s activities. There is also a cold-plunge tub and outdoor shower.
I also enjoyed an interesting early morning yoga class that I can only describe as freestyle yoga. It was highly unstructured with lots of times to do your own thing and listen to your own body. At first I didn’t like it all, but somehow the instructor made it work. I don’t think it was an ideal class for beginners because people that are new to yoga might not know what to do or how to do it, but still I left feeling completely zenned out and ready for a fantastic day.
Natural Setting
The grounds of Breitenbush Hot Springs are spectacular! Nestled in the Willamette National Forest, surrounded by wildlife, rivers and streams, it a perfect place to escape the stresses of everyday life and get back to nature. There is a plethora of gorgeous hiking trails in the area and lots of peaceful little spots to meditate or explore.
Nice People
The people of Breintenbush Hot Springs are kind and colorful. From international traveler to people with giant dreadlocks and polyamory families, the diversity is wonderful. If you go, go with an open mind or don’t go at all.
I enjoyed Breitenbush but my recommendation is to camp in one of the many campgrounds surrounding the resort. You can still enjoy the hot springs but it will cost you only a fraction of the price. Of course you’ll also have to provide your own food and activities but there is no shortage of things to do in the area.