S6 Hike #7 - Belknap Hot Springs and Secret Garden

Season 6. Hike #7 - Belknap Hot Springs and Secret Garden

Starting Location: Belknap Lodge

Point of Interest : Secret Garden, forest trails, McKenzie River

Distance: 1 mile? Trail Map

Difficulty: easy

Bathrooms: yes, in lodge and nearby campground

Parking: yes, paved

EV Chargers: no



We came here to celebrate my wife's birthday, and my oldest daughter and her boyfriend also came with us. We stayed in the lodge, which is getting older, but still nice. There are also camping spots right along the river, and another section up a small hill.

There are 2 hot springs available for guests, and you can pay to just do the hot springs, which look like swimming pools, but are few with water from the nearby spring. They are just over 100 degrees, and very comfortable.

If you cross the bridge across the McKenzie River, there are many trails you can explore. Some go to the tent sites, and there are 2 cabins. There is also a Secret Garden.

The trails and landscaping are well maintained. There is an interesting collection of pipes and electrical wiring running through the place, but it is lovely. 
The actual garden is not huge, just a smaller part of the grounds that you can hike around. It is around 100 years old at this point, and you can see the age in the stonework. Lots of moss covers the walls and columns, but the water features are still going. It's a beautiful quiet place to just visit and admire. Without dogs. 
The other trails go to the river, and along the tent sites that are next to the river. It's a great hike, and one you can do without staying at the lodge. No entrance fee. 

Belknap is also right on the McKenzie River Trail, so you can easily access the trail.

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