Breitenbush Hot Springs — a place to bring life into balance. Their mission is “to provide a safe and potent environment where people can renew and evolve in ways they never imagined”.
Whether you’re looking for spiritual growth, holistic health, or just want to soak in the healing mineral spring waters, Breitenbush Hot Springs just outside of Detroit, Oregon may be the place for you.
Here are 19 reasons to get away and visit Breitenbush Hot Springs.
1. The Hot Springs, of Course
Breitenbush Hot Springs consists of the Meadow Pools—three natural pools and the Spiral Hot Tubs—four tubs of varying temperatures. The temperature of the hot springs range from very warm to very hot. Take your pick, or better yet, try them all. In any case, the soothing natural mineral water of Breitenbush Hot Springs is a place of relaxation and healing.
One pool is a silent pool for meditative soaking where you can you can gaze out into the surrounding mountains and the beautiful meadow below. The other pools are a place of gathering where conversation is welcome.
When you’ve had enough of the heat from the hot springs, a tub with cold flowing water is available for a quick plunge. Additionally, a steam sauna that’s heated by the steaming water is available.
2. Clothing Optional Soaking
Swimsuits are optional in Breitenbush Hot Springs. Do what makes you feel comfortable. That being said, this is the only place where nudity is okay. Clothing is required everywhere else on the Breitenbush campus.
3. Women Only Times Soak
Women’s only weekends include workshops tailored to women. While there may be male staff workers present, the only guests at Breitenbush during these times are women and children. This allows for an extra level of comfort in the actual hot springs.
4. Organic Vegetarian Meals
Breitenbush only serves organic, vegetarian meals.
Meals at Breitenbush are served buffet style three times a day. Breakfast is 8-9 am, lunch is 1-2 pm, and dinner is 6-7 pm. You will hear the bell ring throughout the Breitenbush campus when it is time to eat.
Wheat, egg, dairy, and gluten free options are available upon request when you register.
5. Meals Included with Lodging
Meals are included in the price of lodging. Lodging rates are per person per night with tax and include three organic vegetarian meals a day as well as daily well-being programs.
For day visitors, lunch and dinner costs $17 per meal.
6. Day Visitors Welcome
For those who don’t have the time for a weekend or a week long stay to Breitenbush, day passes are available. The price of a day at Breitenbush is between $22 and $38 for adults.
Day visitor hours are from 9 am to 6 pm. Day visitors have access to the same Breitenbush amenities as overnight guests
7. Daily Well-Being Programs
Breitenbush offers well-being programs every day. The programs generally last from 60 to 90 minutes. These programs are free for all guests. Programs vary from day to day, but may include:
- Yoga
- Dance
- Singing
- Meditation
- Breitenbush history
- Tours
8. Digital Detox
Although it’s rare to find a place where cell phones don’t work nowadays, Breitenbush is proud to be one of these places. Breitenbush is mostly off the grid. There is some internet and phone connectivity; however, this is only used for emergencies and administration. The nearest cell phone service is 10 minutes outside of Breitenbush in Detroit, OR.
Additionally, Breitenbush generates its own electricity and heat from the Breitenbush River and Breitenbush Hot Springs, so when visiting Breitenbush, you are truly off-the-grid.
9. Hiking Trails
There are miles and miles of hiking trails in the forests surrounding Breitenbush. Hike through ancient forests, along rivers, and up to mountain summits. Both short and easy hikes and longer hikes are available. Some Breitenbush hikes include:
- The Gorge
- Spotted Owl
- Emerald Forest
- Devils Peak
- Inner Path
Here is a map of the Breitenbush hiking trails.
10. Live Music
Free concerts are held in the north wing of the Breitenbush lodge. While the live music is generally acoustic, a variety of music performances take place in this area.
11. Lakota Inipi Sweat Lodge
The Lakota are a Native American tribe and they are known for their Inipi ceremony. An Inipi ceremony is essentially a sweat lodge. Traditional Inipi ceremonies are hosted at Breitenbush from time to time.
12. Healing Arts Massage
A 90 minute massage at Breitenbush costs $123. Breitenbush offers a variety of massages including:
- Relaxation Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Myofascial Release
- Chi Nei Tsang
- Cranio-Sacral
- Reiki
13. The Lodge
The center of activity at Breitenbush is the historic lodge. Built in 1928, you’ll find the dining room, libraries, and a large event space inside the lodge. Outside, there are large decks for relaxing, socializing, and eating.
Daily well-being programs are listed on a board in the lodge lobby.
14. The Sanctuary
With heated floors, the sanctuary is a multipurpose space to rest, relax, or read. The sanctuary features large windows that look out into the surrounding forest. Whether you are focusing internally or externally, the sanctuary is a lovely place to spend time.
Often times, the daily well-being programs are held in the sanctuary.
15. They Labyrinth
Modeled after the nave at the French Chartres Cathedral, the labyrinth is yet another place for meditation and internal reflection at Breitenbush.
16. Variety of Lodging Options
Whether you prefer a bed and mattress or to sleep amongst the trees in a tent, the Breitenbush campground has a variety of lodging options.
- Cabin with Sink & Toilet comes with at least one full size bed. Some cabins have a second bedroom. Each cabin has a sink and a bathroom with a toilet.
- Cabin without Plumbing is the same, except there is no toilet or sink. Gender-specific bath houses with toilets, sinks and showers are located nearby.
- Dorm Cabins are available for budget accommodation. Dorm cabins are gender-specific. Each dorm cabin has two bunk beds. Bath houses are nearby.
- Lodge Room has one double bed and is located near the lodge lobby.
- Platform Tents rest on wooden platforms and are covered. Platform tents are available from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September. Two foam camp mattresses are included.
- Tent Sites allow guests to bring their own medium-size tent. Tents sites are available from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September.
- Personal Vehicle Sites accommodate vehicle up to 21 feet in length. There are no electrical or water hookups. Vehicle sites are available from early May until the end of October.
17. Breitenbush Discounts
Seniors and guests who stay a week or more get a 10% discount on their stay Breitenbush. In addition, workers of approved member-owned co-ops also receive a 10% discount.
18. Breitenbush Scholarships
Breitenbush offers scholarship based on financial need to a limited number of guests. Scholarships are awarded during the first week of every month. If you qualify, you can apply for a Breitenbush scholarship on their website.
Scholarships are generally around $40 to $75 per person.
19. No Alcohol and Drugs
Breitenbush is drug and alcohol free. This includes marijuana. The only exception to this rule is tobacco. Tobacco can be consumed in a designated location at Breitenbush.