Breitenbush is an intentional community and worker-owned cooperative, which allows day use of the hot springs for guests. The members of the community live on the 154 acre grounds near the southern boundary of the Mount Hood National Forest, northeast of Detroit Lake. Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference center generates their own electricity from the river. Geothermal wells are used for heating. The cooperative that runs the facility strives for sustainability and has been in place since 1977.
The hot springs and wells provide the mineral water for the hot tubs, soaking pools, and steam sauna. Vistor lodging options include the main lodge, cabins, dorm-style cabins, and tents. For a day use fee, you can access the facility, including the sauna and hot springs pools. More information is available at https://breitenbush.com.
Breitenbush serves as a host for workshops and conferences. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Breitenbush would host about 150 workshops annually.
2024 update:
Breitenbush was closed after the September 2020 fire. The facility is now open again.
2019 update:
Breitenbush suffered extensive losses from the recent wildfires and is presently closed. The Beachie Creek and Lionshead fires burned nearly half of the structures to the ground. All guest cabins, Sanctuary, Vista (massage house), the foot bridge, Well House 4, the maintenance bay and wood shop, and several community cabins are completely destroyed. They are currently seeking donations to help with the re-building effort.
Pictures of Breitenbush Hot Springs before the devistating 2020 fire
Terwilliger Hot Springs