Access to Umpqua Hot Springs changed

Visitors planning to soak in the Umpqua Hot Springs on the Umpqua National Forest near Toketee should plan on going by foot the last 2.5 miles after it snows at the 2,500-foot level.

The first significant snowfall will prompt the Forest Service to install a temporary gate at the junction of Forest Roads 34 and 3401 to keep people from getting stuck in the snow on their way to the hot springs.

The temporary gate will address public safety and health issues by limiting vehicle access to a plowed parking area at the junction of the two roads. Soakers will then hike, snow shoe or ski 2.5 miles to reach the 108 degree hot springs.

Spurred by multiple winter search-and-rescue calls, this change comes at the request of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and Toketee residents. The request to gate the road during the winter months was made to reduce adverse impacts on the sheriff's office, search and rescue personnel and limited county funding. Douglas County responded to 166 calls for service at the hot springs over the past six years.

Visitors are encouraged to come prepared for inclement conditions and to enjoy and respect the winter beauty of the hot springs.