Near Three Forks and a Soak
The water is lovely and so is the view.
Near Three Forks and a Soak
Kids loved it! (upper river crossing).
Near Three Forks and a Soak
Keep your boots on and dry if you cross here
Near Three Forks and a Soak
Soak in the warm shower overflow from the Three Forks Hot Springs.
Near Three Forks and a Soak
On the way back out.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Three Forks and a Soak

5.0 (2 Ratings)
A stunning trail leading up the canyon to a pool you'll never forget.
4.3
mi
Distance
376
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
BirdingDogs AllowedFall ColorsFamily FriendlyHot SpringRiver/CreekSpringSwimmingViewsWaterfall
Access Issues
As long as the water is not too high for your comfort level it is a go.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.3mi
Distance
376ft
Elevation Gain
376ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
4,027ft
High Point
3,946ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
This trail consists of just over 2 miles of easy hiking in between sheer-walled canyon cliffs and an ancient hand-built road so narrow you have to admire the drivers from way back in the day. Add a couple of river crossings and the trail takes you to Oregon's best hot spring (if you don't mind it only being 99 degrees). This is a great route for beginners as it has a little of everything. The river runs warm year-round due to geothermal vents all along the river bed.If you want to cross the river earlier, at the start of the trail, go for it. Just know that it may be deeper there :)If you miss the second crossing, as 95% do, you can swamp slog it on through to the camping spot at the end of the road and cross the river easily right at the hot springs.Soaking etiquette: If a pool is already occupied, ask to join but be cool with waiting your turn. (Don't crowd in or run off other soakers.) If you have a dog, keep in mind that others may not enjoy your pet the way you do (keep your dog under your control).Though there is a road that goes right to the same place, it is closed at the junction to the river ford just up steam and carries a large fine for any vehicles caught driving through the river (the sign keeps coming up missing but the fines do not). Instead, complete the hike - it is worth it!

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Find more hikes near: Jordan Valley, Oregon
Peacock Lake Road to Three Forks Dome

Hike Route

Peacock Lake Road to Three Forks Dome

Less Crowded
extreme
26.35 mi
+2,331 ft
Fenwick Ranch Road to Three Forks Recreation Site

Hike Route

Fenwick Ranch Road to Three Forks Recreation Site

Less Crowded
extreme
24.9 mi
+471 ft
Arritola Road to Rome

Hike Route

Arritola Road to Rome

Less Crowded
extreme
32.57 mi
+1,693 ft
Pole Creek Road to Little West Owyhee

Hike Route

Pole Creek Road to Little West Owyhee

Less Crowded
extreme
31.67 mi
+834 ft
Three Forks Road to Three Forks Hot Springs

Hike Route

Three Forks Road to Three Forks Hot Springs

Less Crowded
extreme
71.44 mi
+3,047 ft
Anderson Crossing Loop

Hike Route

Anderson Crossing Loop

Less Crowded
extreme
27.28 mi
+1,597 ft
Contributors
Joseph States