A giant hot springs pond of 101°F awaits in this magical oasis, open 24/7 for overnighters, allowing for luxurious late-night soaks, swimming, star gazing, and spectacular 360-degree full-color palette sunrises and sunsets. The springs offer something for everyone, whether it’s fun in the water, a relaxing escape, simple solitude, or the perfect romantic getaway – you will find it here. . And if you have the time and desire to explore other hot springs in Oregon, we have a great selection for you.
| Address | 59315 OR-78, Burns, OR 97720 |
| Location | Burns, Oregon |
| Open | 7 am – 10 pm, year-round |
| Clothing | Required in the pond, optional in private bath houses |
| Road Access | Easy. All vehicles |
| Water Temperature | 100-104°F |
| Admission | $10 – 15 (see conditions here) |
What To Expect
Crystal Crane Hot Springs (also known as “Crane Hot Springs”) is a large outdoor semi-natural pond spread across 9728 ft. Containing over 300,000 gallons of water, this hot springs is perfect for families and large groups.
The family-run site in the Oregon high desert offers a friendly welcome and a place to relax and rejuvenate from whatever exploring you’ve been doing in the area. Kids will love the pond (bring along some pool noodles or floaties) but should be watched in the deeper center (around 7 feet deep). The pond is easily accessed by a sloped walk-in and the bottom is fine gravel, clean, and easy to walk on, but in any case, water sandals are recommended if you have sensitive feet!
As the big pond is family-friendly, during the day it can get noisy with kids playing. But if you’re coming along as a single or couple- you’re all set for a quiet time, too, as the owners have purposely created adult-only accommodation with hot tubs included, and also offer rent-by-the-hour cedarwood bath houses for private soaks in your own space.
There is very little shade at Crystal Crane Hot Springs, so the ideal times to visit are spring and fall, though the water is hot enough to make it a perfect getaway in winter, and in summer it can comfortably be enjoyed all night!
For those who have decided to stay over, there is a lot to choose from at Crystal Crane Hot Springs- suites, waterside cabins, glamping teepees, campsites, and RV hookups among them. Check out the information below and visit the website to choose and book in advance.
NOTE: Some rooms don’t allow pets, some are exclusively for adults only, and some have additional bonuses like private soaking tubs – in short, you’re sure to find something that suits you.
Crystal Crane Hot Springs also makes an excellent base to explore the surrounding nature during the day and head back in the evening to recharge in the springs. Some of that nature might come to you, too, this being a “heart of nature” kinda place – near the hot springs is a wetland that plays host to huge numbers of birds in migration season, and at night you’ll hear the song of the coyotes in the desert. In the summer, there will also be mosquitoes and bugs, though, so come prepared.
Note: Daytime guests must leave the facilities by 10 PM.
Owners Dan and Denise Kryger say: “For over 90 years, the Crane Hot Springs has served as a relaxing location for those both young and old. Soak up the healing minerals on your way through, or enjoy an entire 24-hour period soaking between cat naps in your overnight accommodations. With private bathhouses as well as our hot springs pond, we have something for you!”
A Quick Boast About The Waters
The owners Dan and Denise said: “Filled with rich mineral deposits which absorb into the skin, the hot springs are scientifically proven to heal the body and to provide natural supplements through the dissolved minerals in the water. Our hot springs are filled with minerals such as calcium, sodium, magnesium, silicate, potassium, iron, and many others.
“Our hot springs don’t just do wonders, but help diseases as well as skin conditions, arthritis, and swelling. Doing wonders for those suffering from psoriasis and eczema, the hot springs suppress inflammation, soothe achy joints, and allow the body to heal. Studies have even noted that the trace elements in mineral water improve recovery rates from injuries and reduce the number of painkillers needed.”
Day Use Prices
| Hot Springs Shower | $5 |
| Private Soaking Tub | $15 / hour |
| Outdoor Hot Springs Pond (adult) | $10 / 4 hours |
| Outdoor Hot Springs Pond (child/senior citizen) | $5 / 4 hours |
They also have special couples and group rates. Check them out here.
Watch out for the rules on pets – some accommodations allow them, others don’t, and there are charges. On-site, they should be kept on a leash. Check out the site policies here.
Interesting History
The area surrounding Crane and Burns, Oregon, was originally home to three natural hot springs. In the 1920s, with the therapeutic benefits already well-known, a local physician and an entrepreneur together set up a 30×60′ hot springs swimming pool. With the source at 180°F, though, the water needed time to cool before it could be used, and so, to distract guests while they waited, a dance hall and restaurant were built, and it was named the “I and C Hot Springs” resort. Around 1930, the dance hall and restaurant were destroyed in a fire and were never rebuilt.
Since 1930, the resort has been owned by different businessmen and entrepreneurs and has run under various names.
In 1997, Dan and Denise Kryger, the current owners, bought the resort and began renovating it to make it a multi-use vacation destination. They built the cedar-enclosed bathhouses, dug out the deep hot spring pond, upgraded the RV facilities, renovated the motel and cabins, and completed a variety of other land and accommodation improvements. You’ll still see them there today with their extended family, working to keep the place up to scratch.
How To Get There
From Burns, Oregon, head southeast on the OR-78 E (Steens Highway) for 25.3 miles (around 27 minutes). Turn right before you hit the town of Crane.
From Boise, Idaho, it’s a 3 hour 10 minute (185-mile) drive via the I-84 W and US-20 W, or a 3-hour 17-minute drive via the US-95 S and OR-78 W. Get to Crane, then turn onto Steens Highway and then right again onto the Crystal Crane Hot Springs site.
Can I Stay There?
Yes. There are a lot of accommodation options to choose from!
Overnight guests not only get 24/7 access to the hot springs pond but also to the common room and camp kitchen. The common room has couches, free WiFi, books, games, and cable TV. Crystal Crane’s camp kitchen, next to it, comes with a stove, fridge, microwave, sink, and utensils.
The Crystal Crane Hot Springs offers five RV sites with water and power (but no dump site). All have access to the hot springs pond 24/7 from check-in to check-out.
For tent campers, there are 10 dry camping sites and overflow fields, and gravel camping areas. Campers can enjoy the beautiful desert views and individual fire pits. Showers, restrooms, the camp kitchen, and the common room are just a short walk away.
NOTE: The area is open and unsheltered. It can get hot and/or windy, so plan and check conditions before you go!
The teepees and converted sheepherders wagon sleep 2-4 and come with towels, lights, and a private soaking tub. Some have a patio with a picnic table, fire pit, and charcoal barbecue.
NOTE: There are no bathrooms or kitchen facilities inside, but they have located a short walk from the hot springs pond and bathhouses. They’re available year-round, but it can get chilly in winter! Prices here.
The rustic, tastefully, and simply decorated suites exude calm and comfort. They are adult-only, ideal for couples seeking peace and quiet and time together. The suites promise a private back patio with a soaking tub, heating, A/C, bedding, and a private bathroom. The suites are a short walk from the hot springs pond and bathhouses. Prices here.
The Crystal Crane waterfront cabins are great for families and are right next door to the shared bathroom and shower facilities. All come with heating/AC, bedding, and towels, and are dog (but not cat) friendly!
NOTE: There are no bathrooms or kitchen facilities inside, but they have located a short walk from the hot springs pond and bathhouses. Prices here.
The Sage Inn cabins are a four-cabin complex with a porta-potty nearby. The shared bathrooms/showers and hot springs pool and bath houses are about 500 ft away. Prices here.
The Fifth Wheel Rental camper provides all the amenities of a camper, minus a working stove and oven (for the time being, the owners say) but with a microwave, mini fridge, TV, and full bathroom. Prices here.
If you’re coming in a larger group, the three-bedroom Ranch House might be your best bet, and it’s dog-friendly! Cowpoke Inn is also great for those seeking a comfortable home-away-from-home for families, in an upstairs apartment with its own patio. Prices here.
Prices
| Ranch House | From $320/night* (6 persons) |
| Cowpoke Inn | From $260* (6 persons) |
| Fifth Wheel Camper | From $130/night* (double occupancy). |
| Suites (adults only) | From $185/night* (double occupancy) |
| Cabins | From $99/night* |
| Sage Inns | From $89/night* (double occupancy) |
| Teepees / Wagon | From $145/night* (double occupancy) |
| RV sites | $40/night* (double occupancy) |
| Tents / Dry Camping | $35/night* (double occupancy) |
| Extra guests | $15/child under 16/night, $20/adult/night* |
Check-in: 3 pm – 10 pm
Check out: 11 am
Quiet time on site is between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am, and that means no generators, loud music, or a constant dog barking.
To stay elsewhere, the town of Burns is your nearest bet for a roof over your head for the night. Burns has an Americas Best Value Inn, featuring an indoor pool, jacuzzi, and classically decorated rooms that offer a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Alternatively, try the OYO Silver Spur Burns Hwy 20, described by previous visitors as “old but clean.”
What Else Can I Do In The Area?
Located in the desert of Southeast Oregon, with open skies, sagebrush plains, and rugged mountain ranges, the Crystal Crane Hot Springs makes the perfect base for this outdoor playground. Hike, birdwatch, go fishing, and enjoy some geothermal wonders. Check out the Steens Mountain, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Diamond Craters, and the Alvord Desert, one of the most isolated and unique land formations in the state. Onsite at the Hot Springs, two wildlife refuges offer the chance to spot hundreds of birds as they migrate through.
For hot springs lovers, try the Juntura Hot Springs close to the US-20, which makes it an ideal place to recharge yourself on your drive through Oregon. It is also secluded enough to be relaxing, with minimum noise at night, and in the daytime offers scenic views of the Malheur River and the rolling hills beyond, as well as the most incredible sunsets. For more hot springs, check out “nature’s own hot tub” at the beautiful Bigelow Hot Springs, and the popular Jerry Johnson Hot Springs.
The Takeaway
The perfect destination to escape civilization for a while, the family- and couples-friendly Crystal Crane Hot Springs makes a perfect (and reportedly healing) place to head to year-round. Enjoy the peace of the desert and don’t forget to do some star-gazing after the sun goes down!
Be sure to check out more of the hot springs gems the Traxplorio team has reviewed in Oregon:
The Dos And Don’ts Of Visiting A Hot Springs
Every hot springs has its own quirks. Visitors to Crystal Crane Hot Springs, for example, should be aware of the open conditions and reasonably remote locations. For more general and very important “hot springs etiquette,” we highly recommend you take a moment to check out our carefully compiled easy-to-read list of “dos and don’ts” here. And always, always respect our nature – pack out what you pack in and LEAVE NO TRACE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crystal Crane Hot Springs is 26 minutes and 25.3 miles East of Burns, Oregon, on the OR-78 E (Steens Highway).
Yes. But dogs should be kept on a leash or in your vehicle. Some accommodations allow dogs (but not cats) inside, while others don’t. Check carefully on the company’s website before you go.
Burns is the closest and biggest option for hotels, 26 minutes West of the springs on the OR-78 W, with an Americas Best Value Inn and OYO Silver Spur Burns Hwy 20.
That depends on where you’re coming from. It is on the OR-78, which can be accessed from the US-20 to the northwest and the US-95 to the southeast.
Disclaimer
While we at Traxplorio do our very best to give you the latest information about these hot springs sites, life happens, weather happens, and property owners happen. We always recommend you go to the official hot springs’ web page and/or the relevant state authority page to check conditions, times, and prices (where relevant) before you head out. Thanks for understanding, and enjoy your soak!
