Hooray for camping!  Clinton took me camping a couple weeks ago for my birthday. There is a great little hot springs east of here called Belknap.  They have the standard tourist style lodge, cabins and RV parking, but they also have great tent spots.  Being tucked away in the trees is of course more our style.  We found there are great walk-in spots across the bridge over the river if you are willing to walk a little with your gear.  After a short walk we camped right along the McKenzie River with peace and quiet.  If you are willing to throw your gear in a wagon and wheel down the trail across the river you get a more private campsite and its just a short walk to the main pool to enjoy the hot springs water.

The spot we picked turned out amazing.  There were dense forests of trees and undergrowth and the sound of the McKenzie just steps away was more than enough to drown out the sound of anyone else nearby.

I was amazed at the great little spot to hang out by the river.  There was a park bench to sit and enjoy the water rush by.  I am sure you could also plan a little fishing here if you wanted.  This was the only spot that seemed to have a cute little beach area by the water.  It seems there is evidence of someone visiting and constructing a little play area with the rocks 🙂

The source of the hot springs is just at the other side of the bridge across the river.  This place is a neither high-end fancy resort style hot springs or a rural back country spring.  Its somewhere in between where people looking for warm natural water and nature without feeling up to a backpacking trip can just relax.  It was pretty much exactly what we were looking for this particular week.  More backpacking and back country springs hunting later 🙂

We had a great time and went exploring in the surrounding Three Sisters Wilderness. We found great views of the lava fields and mountain peaks.  We will be back for hiking soon!