In 1906, an enormous ship called Peter Iredale was wrecked on the Oregon coast. The ship was heading for Portland, but as it neared the mouth of the Columbia River the winds grew strong and the air was opaque with fog. The ship veered towards the shore and the sailors were forced to evacuate on lifeboats; miraculously, everyone survived.
The ship, however, was abandoned where it wrecked, left to decay for years to come. To this day, you can still go see the ship's rusty ruin as it slowly sinks into the sand on the beach of Hammond, near Fort Stevens State Park.
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Check out this amazing drone footage of the shipwreck:
According to wikipedia, the captain's last words to the ship were: "May God bless you, and may your bones bleach in the sands." And so it is.
Tucked away in Oregon’s south-central region, Summer Lake Hot Springs is one of those remote destinations where the journey is just as rewarding as the final destination. Located in the high desert of Lake County, the drive to Summer Lake takes you through a landscape of vast sagebrush plains, rugged mountains, and the occasional herd of pronghorn antelope. This remote, off-the-beaten-path experience is a rare treat for those who appreciate solitude and stunning natural beauty.
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Eastern Oregon, USA
The drive itself is an adventure worth savoring. As you make your way along Highway 31, also known as the "Outback Scenic Byway," you'll pass through small towns like Paisley and witness the beauty of ancient volcanic formations. The open road and endless sky provide a peaceful escape, building anticipation for the final destination. When you finally arrive at Summer Lake Hot Springs, you'll find that the views are nothing short of breathtaking.
Cattle on the pasture by the Summer Lake in Eastern Oregon
Nestled on the edge of Summer Lake, the hot springs provide an oasis in the midst of Oregon’s high desert. The water in these springs is naturally heated and filled with minerals, offering a soothing soak in a rustic and serene setting. The hot springs feature a mix of indoor and outdoor pools, allowing visitors to enjoy the experience no matter the weather. The indoor pool is housed in a historic, century-old bathhouse, lending a timeless charm to the soak. For those looking for an open-air experience, the outdoor pools offer unobstructed views of the surrounding desert and nearby mountains.
The area is a birdwatcher's paradise, especially during the spring and fall migrations when thousands of birds flock to the nearby Summer Lake Wildlife Area. From eagles and hawks to pelicans and waterfowl, the diversity of wildlife is astounding. In the evenings, the wide-open desert skies provide some of the best stargazing opportunities in the state. On clear nights, the stars seem close enough to touch, and the Milky Way stretches brightly across the horizon.
If you’re planning a trip, it's good to know that Summer Lake Hot Springs operates year-round. Each season brings its own unique beauty. Spring and fall are considered the best times to visit, with milder temperatures and vibrant wildlife activity. Winter also offers a magical experience, with the desert blanketed in frost and the hot springs' steam rising against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Summer, while hot, provides warm nights perfect for stargazing.
To soak in the hot springs, there is an entry fee. The cost for day-use visitors is around $15.00 per person, though prices can vary, so it's best to check the official Summer Lake Hot Springs website for the most current rates and policies. The hot springs also offer rustic cabins and campsites for those who wish to extend their stay, giving visitors the chance to soak in the quiet and beauty of the surroundings fully.
The springs were used for centuries by Native American tribes before being discovered by European settlers. The bathhouse, built in the 1920s, adds a touch of historical significance to the location, and the area is steeped in stories of the past.
The drive to Summer Lake Hot Springs is long and winding, but once you arrive, you’ll find that the effort was more than worth it. The tranquil setting, rejuvenating waters, and stunning natural beauty provide an experience you won’t soon forget.
If you’re headed on a long drive, don’t forget your road trip snacks! If you’re looking for more great places to relax, I love these other hot springs in Oregon.
If you’re a fan of military history and love a touch of the eerie, Fort Stevens State Park in Oregon is a must-visit. This sprawling 4,300-acre park was once a bustling military base and now gives a unique opportunity to explore the decaying structures of Fort Stevens and uncover the tales of its past.
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If you love creepy content, Only In Your State’s Vacant series – which partners with talented photographer Johnny Joo – explores a dozen other fascinating abandoned places just waiting to be discovered.
Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of abandoned destinations, many of the places featured in this series are off-limits to visitors or have actually been demolished. We do not condone trespassing and other illegal activity but rather encourage readers to enjoy learning about these fascinating destinations.
During the Civil War, Fort Stevens was built to protect the Columbia River from potential British attacks, showing the Union's commitment to defending the coast. Despite not being involved in any battles, the fort remained on high alert during the war. Its importance continued even after the conflict as it adapted to changing military needs and advancements in technology.
In the late 1800s, the fort was upgraded as part of a nationwide project. New buildings and better weapons were added, turning Fort Stevens from a simple defense site into a crucial part of the U.S. coastal defense system, equipped to handle the threats of that era.
During World War II, the fort was actually attacked by a Japanese submarine. This was a significant event because it was the only time during the war that an enemy attacked a location in the continental United States. While the attack didn't cause much damage, it was a frightening moment for the country.
After World War II, the fort was no longer needed due to advancements in military technology. As a result, it was closed and transformed into a state park. Today, it's a fascinating historical site to explore and enjoy outdoor activities.
There are lots of things to do at the park, like exploring the old fort, walking on trails, playing disc golf, and swimming in Coffenbury Lake. You can also camp in tents or RVs, and the campground has been updated recently to make it even nicer.
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Fort Stevens State Park is such a unique place, and thanks to Oregon State Parks, we're fortunate to have the opportunity to see historical Fort Stevens up close. It's a dream come true for every fan of spooky experiences!
Have you ever visited Fort Stevens? Find out more about it and how you can tour the underground gun battery, visit the military museum, and explore the Civil War-era earthen fort by visiting the Fort Stevens State Park website.
Are there any creepy abandoned places in Oregon that you think I should know about? Let me know! I'd love to hear about any abandoned hospitals, houses, ghost towns, or anything else that's scary. And if you are looking for more one-of-a-kind adventures, then you have to visit these 10 creepy ghost towns in Oregon.
We'd like to give special thanks to Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo of Odd World Studio for the photos used in this article. To discover more creepy and abandoned places, check out his website, Architectural Afterlife.
