After almost 10 years in Oregon, it was high time I visited Breitenbush Hot Springs.

This iconic healing retreat and conference center "promotes holistic health and spiritual growth, and facilitates the gathering of people in celebration of the experience of life".

For Thanksgiving, I decided to book a day pass for Octave and me, so we could spend a day soaking in healing waters and reflecting on what we're grateful for.

Although the website is full of information, I did a lot of research ahead of time and ultimately decided to compile it all in one page for Day Use visitors to this magical place.

Don't be scared by the "Know before you go section". Although it seems rather strict, it ultimately leads to a very quiet, respectful and seamless experience.

So here's everything you need to know to spend a perfect day at Breitenbush Hot Springs, whether on a sunny summer day, or a snowy winter day, from driving directions to packing list, amenities descriptions to lunch options.

Know before you go

• Reservations are required, make sure you book ahead of time.
• Day Use passes are non-refundable and non-transferable to a different day.
• The soaking areas and the sauna are clothing optional. Clothes are required everywhere else.
• There is no cell service, TV, or guest Internet.
• Devices are not allowed in public areas.
• No photography or use of electronic devices is allowed in the soaking areas.
• Breitenbush is a substance-free environment: no alcohol, drugs, or intoxicants are allowed.
• No open flames and no firearms are allowed on the property.
• No meat or fish is allowed in or around the Lodge.
• No glass or bottled water allowed, bring metal refillable water bottles.
• Pets are not allowed (contact the office ahead of time for service animals.)
• Breitenbush is a fragrance-free environment: perfumes, scented lotions, shampoos, soaps, etc. are not allowed.
• Breitenbush sometimes organizes specific events and conferences, check out the events calendar so you know what to expect for the day you book.

Packing List

• Swimsuit (optional)
• Robe (summer, winter)
• Towel (convenient for your hair, especially in the wintertime)
• Slip-on shoes
• Refillable water bottle (no glass or bottled water allowed)
• Yoga mat, meditation cushion
• Camp chairs, hammock
• Books, games, journal, and writing supplies
• Lunch (pack your own or purchase at reservation, see below)
• Snow tires or snow chains (Nov 1 – Apr 1).

Driving Directions

The way to Breitenbush is well indicated. Simply follow the detailed driving directions.

If you're driving from Detroit, you'll follow a paved forest road, then the last 1.3 mile is a gravel road.

Before you leave, check the road conditions and fire and smoke updates.

Make sure you have snow tires or snow chains (mandatory Nov 1 – Apr 1).

You can also check the RideShare calendar to carpool.

Day Use Guidelines

Day Use begins at 9 am and ends at 6 pm.

• Check-in at the Gatehouse upon arrival.

You'll be given a map of the grounds and an explanation of the facilities.

• Park your car and grab your things.

Leave your valuables in your car, see below.

• Leave your bags and clothes in the Lodge Lobby.

There are rows of coat hangers, cubbies for shoes, and surfaces to put your bags on.

You can change in the restrooms, located on the left-hand side of the Lodge Lobby.

In between soaks, or during lunchtime, you can leave your towels to dry on heaters in the Lodge Lobby. Once dry, the towels are stored in a bin close by to make room for wet ones.

There's also a possibility to rent towels (ask upon arrival), and there's a dedicated bin for these as well in the Lodge Lobby.

Lunch

• Lunch is not included, but you can add it during your reservation or via email later.

The buffet-style meals are vegetarian and mostly organic. A special diet option of low gluten, no egg, no dairy (cross-contamination is possible), is available (select this option during your reservation.)

No caffeinated beverages are served with meals (coffee is available for purchase at the Gift Shop in the Lodge). The day I went, a cup of non-caffeinated warm maple chai was on the menu.

In the Dining Room, you can find hot water 24/7, along with coffee creamers, sweeteners, and complimentary herbal teas.

A bell rings when the meal is ready (lunch is usually from 1 - 2 pm). The Dining Hall fills up quickly so I'd recommend having an early lunch to make sure no options run out.

• You can pack your lunch

There's a fridge available to store in the lefthand part of the Lodge Lobby. Label your items with your name and departure date.

Keep in mind that no alcohol, meat, or fish are allowed in or around the Lodge.

Coffee is available for purchase at the Gift Shop in the Lodge.

Amenities

A map will be provided upon arrival, so you can locate all the amenities.

Personal Hygiene

The restrooms, showers, and bathhouse are indicated on the map, as well as the drinking water stations.

Gift Shop

• Snacks, drinks, coffee, beauty/personal hygiene products, robes, beanies, tarot decks, books.
• All forms of payment are available.

Soaking

• Three meadow pools: Near, Middle, and Silent (increasingly warm)

• Sauna and cold plunge

• Four spiral tubs: Aligned in the four cardinal directions, the four Spiral Tubs vary in temperature. Ranging from 100 to 110 degrees and ending with a cold water dip.

• In the same area as the Spiral Tubs, you'll find individual clawfoot tubs you can fill to soak in, and empty once you're done.

Relaxing

• Massage

You can book a massage ahead of time or upon arrival (slots available are displayed on a board in the Lodge Lobby).

• Lodge Lobby

There are couches where you can rest and read. There's a wide selection of books available to borrow.

• Lodge (North Wing) - yoga, meditation
• River Yurt - yoga, meditation

• Fire Circle

• Deck

Moving

• Free daily well-being classes at the Lodge (North Wing) and/or the River Yurt

• Labyrinth

Take a meditative walk along the labyrinth.

• River

Pull up a chair (or bring your own) and take in the energy of the river.

• Forest

Take a walk in the nearby forest, you'll be in awe of the resilience of nature after the devastating 2020 fires.

• Nearby Hikes

I hope this guide will answer most of your questions. As always you can refer to the FAQs or email the office.

I can't wait to come back for a visit, maybe alone, with my yoga mat and a good book...

Are you inspired to visit more hot springs? I highly recommend a trip to Summer Lake Hot Springs. You can also check out my Oregon and my Travel sections.