Alvord Hot Springs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alvord Hot Springs |
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Algae matts in drainage area
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| Location | Harney County, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 42°32′39″N 118°32′02″W / 42.54417°N 118.53389°W |
| Elevation | 4,078 feet (1,243 m) |
| Type | Natural hot spring |
| Temperature | 174 °F (79 °C) |
 Location in Oregon
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Alvord Hot Springs is a natural hot spring found in the southeastern part of Oregon, in a place called Harney County. It's a special spot where warm water from deep underground bubbles up to the surface. People visit this unique place to relax and enjoy the warm water.
Where is Alvord Hot Springs?
This hot spring is located in a very interesting part of Oregon. It sits at about 4,078 feet (1,243 meters) above sea level. The spring is on the western edge of the Alvord Desert, a large, dry area. The water from the spring flows into this desert and slowly dries up.
To the west of the hot springs, you can see the impressive Steens Mountain. This mountain range runs from north to south and its highest point reaches about 9,738 feet (2,968 meters) into the sky. The view of the mountain from the springs is quite amazing!
Soaking in the Hot Springs
The water that comes out of the ground at Alvord Hot Springs is very hot, around 174°F (79°C). That's too hot for swimming! But don't worry, a clever system of pipes helps cool the water down. This way, the soaking pools stay at a comfortable temperature, usually around 105°F (44°C).
The water has a slight smell of sulfur, which is common for hot springs. However, it's not strong enough to bother most visitors. There's a small, man-made concrete pool where people can soak. It's about 3 feet (1 meter) deep. This pool has both a covered part, made from simple metal and wood, and an open part where you can enjoy the sky.
Visiting the Hot Springs
For a long time, Alvord Hot Springs was free for everyone to visit. It's located on private land, but the owners allowed public access. However, things changed in 2013. The property owners, the Alvord Ranch, started making improvements. They added a caretaker and began building a parking lot and a small store.
Now, there is a fee to use the hot springs. Local people often volunteer their time to help keep the springs clean and tidy. Visitors are also encouraged to help keep the area clean so everyone can continue to enjoy this special natural wonder.
