By Mariah Cannon
Ever heard of the Lodge at Hot Lake Springs? If you haven’t, it’s an amazing place to visit during your time in Eastern Oregon! I’ve curated the ideal guide and things to do while you’re in the area. The two most unique things about this stay include the fact that you’ll be staying in rooms that are over 100 years old and there is a natural hot springs onsite that has been used by many over the years for many different things. We’ll get into that shortly!
Where is the Hot Lake Lodge?
Located about 8 miles South East of La Grande, Oregon sits a building that has some extensive history and played a crucial role in the economy over the decades. The nearest towns are:
- La Grande, OR – 8 miles, 11 minutes
- Baker City, OR – 40 miles, 41 minutes
- Pendleton, OR – 60 miles, 1 hour
- Boise, ID – 167 miles, 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Portland, OR – 269 miles, 4 hours and 5 minutes
What’s the History of the Lodge and Spring?
The history of the Lodge is extensive, buckle up and put your readers on!
The springs were used by Native Americans for many years for medicinal powers and healing, the Nez Perez tribe named it “Ea-Kesh-Pa“. The buildings began being built in 1864 and it had various shops like a dance hall, post office, barber, and more within. Later in the 1880’s, the Union Pacific Railroad began running through the area, which allowed more people to visit.
Jumping forward to 1903, the original structure was torn down and a new hotel was under way and around 1906 the brick structure was starting to be built. John V. Bennes of Baker City helped design and lay out the buildings. They finished production in 1908 and could house around 100 guests. In 1912, The Central Railroad of Oregon built a railroad that went directly to the hotel, making it more accessible for tourists and travelers.
A gentleman named Dr. Phy bought the hotel in 1917 and renamed it “Hot Lake Sanitorium” and it became a resort for wealthy people as well as a hospital for the ill as it had guest rooms along with medical wards. He used the springs to help treat, heal, and experiment with illnesses in patients.
Years kept on going and the area became fairly popular and a place to visit in Eastern Oregon. Dr. Phy died of pneumonia in 1931.
In May of 1934, the right side of the building caught fire and destroyed that whole side. The brick portion of the building remained. This caused a decline in visitors and eventually the only thing that was still running was the hospital.
From 1934-1991 the building was sold and purchased multiple times and was a flight school and nurse training area during World War 2, a nursing home, a restaurant, a night club, and bath house. None of these lasted more than a couple years at a time and by the end, left the building in poor, run down condition.
The Manuel family purchased the hotel in 2003 and began construction on a major fixer upper and they offered tours in 2005.
2008 another major collapse of the West wing happened and the building began to deteriorate again. After the collapse, they still ran it as a bed and breakfast, though it was a lot to maintain.
The owners of a nearby RV Park bought the property in 2020 and redid a lot of the hotel and are still the current owners. They wanted to keep as much of the historic pieces as possible during the remodel and they did an excellent job, it feels like a step back in time as soon as you get onto the property!
It is a bucket-list spot for any history lover or anyone who loves unique stays. Today there is a movie theater, a restaurant and bar, a new soaking area in the hot springs, hotel, and conference rooms.
Phew, that was a lot! You still with me?
Good, because we’re just getting into the good part!
Staying at the Lodge
Some say this hotel is haunted and I will admit, there is an eerie feel to the hotel. However, I think that’s mainly due to the history inside and how much it feels like you’re going back in time. A lot of the original building, furnishings, and artifacts are still very much a part of the building. As you read above, this hotel has played a huge role in Eastern Oregon economy and has extensive history.
They have the second floor open to hotel guests and have 16 rooms available to stay in. They are renovated, but still have so much of the original structure within them. The windows and doors are over 100 years old and there are free standing clawfoot tubs in most of the rooms.
If you’re wanting to stay, you’ll need to book through AirBnB – prices range from $150-$350/night. depending on the season and room you book. I recommend booking in advance for best pricing!
While staying at the lodge, you get full access to the hot springs and can soak as much as you’d like during the operating times (8am-8pm) and they ask that you wear the robes provided in your room to enjoy the hot springs.
Movie Theater
While staying at the Lodge, there is an onsite movie theater where you can enjoy films Thursday-Sunday in the evenings. The hotel offers popcorn, candy, and soda available for purchase. Admission to the theater is $5/person and totally worth it for the experience!
Thermal Pub Eatery
For some delicious food and drinks, there is an onsite pub. When I tell you it’s delicious, I mean it’s delicious! My mom and I had baked potato soup and pretzel bites and they were easily a 10/10. We would go there just to eat again – in fact, many of the locals or people who know about it, do! We seen and chatted with many folks who have been eating here since it opened a few years back and enjoy it tons.
Hot Spring
Staying at the lodge gets you entrance into the hot springs, where there are 5 soaking pools, varying temperatures. Kids under 11 are not allowed in the pools and children 12-17 need to be accompanied by and adult.
If you’re only visiting the hot spring for a day trip, you’ll need to make a soaking reservation on the Hot Lake website. It’s $20/person during off season months, and during peak season it’s $25/person. They limit the number of arrivals per hour, but once you’re there, you’re welcome to soak for as long as you’d like. The pools close down at 8pm. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled reservation and check in at the lodge front desk!
This is a super cozy and cute soaking area, they ask that you maintain a quiet posture and no music is allowed for everyone to hear.
The only times the pools are not available are Monday and Thursday before 3pm, due to cleaning schedules.
Other Things to do Near the Lodge
- Visit the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area where you’ll find 6 miles of trails and tons of different birds and maybe some deer and elk!
- Take a hike at Mount Emily Recreation Area Loop, a 7 mile loop where there’s gorgeous pine trees, mountain views, and unique features.
- Go see a movie at the La Grande Drive in. They open typically middle of May and play movies throughout the Summer season on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays.
- Still wanting some more outdoor movement? Anthony Lakes to Lakes Lookout Trail is a stunning 5 mile trail about 45 minutes from La Grande and offers sweeping views of lakes below and surrounding North Fork John Day Wilderness.
Enjoy this guide on this Oregon Hot Spring? Be sure to save it for future travels!
Let’s Get Adventuring!
Mariah
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