So last October we flew into Alvord, landed at the dry lake, camped overnight at the edge of the dry lake and enjoyed the hot springs. A trip we have done and enjoyed many times before.

Interestingly enough there were a lot of changes happening. A new gravel parking lot, a new path to the hot springs, and a lot of new fences. Talking to some of the work crew there it seems the owner is developing a pay-per-use camping area at the hot springs, and changing a lot of things. According to the work crew, starting in March 2013 the hot springs will only be accessible from the new 'campground' (a gravel parking lot maybe 100' away from the hot springs), and there will be a fee.

That's all fine and I sure don't bedgrudge the owners for trying to make a little income, but of concern was the (admittedly second hand) information that the owner of the hot springs is hostile to avaition and people flying in and camping. The new fences cutting off access from the dry lake to the hot springs seem to (maybe) confirm this.

The 'campground' is a bit of a bummer too... When you put a vehicle accessible 'campground' at places like this it can attract some pretty interesting (and not necessairly desirable) people on the fringe of society. The types that move in a old beat up camper with a bunch of garbage, maybe a couple ratty starving dogs, sometimes drugs, and stay for months...

Anyway, just an FYI to expect changes at Alvord this year.

For those not familier with Alvord Hot Springs it is on the edge of a (usually) dry lake commonly called the Alvord Desert in far SE Oregon at: 42°32'38.12"N 118°31'59.16"W

You can see the new path from the new camping area/parking lot in the second photo.

That's too bad, this place has been on my list of places to visit for a while. It would make a perfect stop to break up the flight home from Johnson Creek.

Sure hope they don't develop it too much. I like how ramshackle-yet-comfortable it is.

Guess we'll see how it shakes out. It would be terrible if they close off all access except to campers. Hope they still allow walk-in access and keep the fees reasonable. It's also one more place one can't just stop by at any time for a quick dip.

Something I have seen that's positive about charging fees at springs is the garbage levels go way down. Now it didn't appear to be a big problem at the Alvord. I imagine partly due to it's remoteness and volunteers (or the owners). It also cuts down on a lot of partying. The springs will likley be kept cleaner too but may lose the rustic look. I wonder if they'll be kept clothing optional?

If this turns out to be a big success, I would imagine places like Willow (whitehorse) would do the same.

Willow isn't going to change, the Whitehorse ranch deeded it to BLM for liability concerns.

Of course now no one grades the road like the ranch used too, so it sucks and has huge ruts and is no good to land on.

Too bad to hear this. That is on my list. Hopefully it will stay airplane friendly.

Well, there's always Field's Station and a milkshake!

Gump

Who owns it? I always thought that was BLM land.

My understanding is that the hot springs themselves are owned by the Alvord Ranch, which is 2-3 miles to the north. I don't recall the owner's name.

I've spent quite a bit of time at Alvord. It's a cool place to visit. I once flew over the top of the Steen Mountains just East of the Lakebed in a 46hp ultralight. I killed the engine at 9200ft and got in a 15 minute glide back down to the lakebed. I stopped in there on my way to JC this year. The hot tub is not far from the gravel road. I don't think the usage will change much. It's still 50 miles on a rough gravel road no matter which direction you drive in from. Used to be a long trip with the Motorhome pulling an enclosed trailer full of torn apart Ultralights.

This thread is a great way for me to put out a notice to you Oregon Pilots that Oregon Pilots Association (OPA) is putting together a backcountry committee to help keep places like this and other backcountry strips open and safe for all GA pilots to use and enjoy like any other responsible outdoor recreational group. With the encouragement of Dennis Smith, OPA President, we are asking for volunteers from each of Oregon's 5-regions to form this 7-member committee and work on issues just like the one this thread is addressing. We have had one pilot already throw his name into the hat and will be looking forward to others. So we won't have to reinvent the wheel, I have been in contact with the IAA and the RAF, and both said that they would be willing to meet with us this spring and give us some guidance. Does anyone know if the Wash. Pilots Assoc. has a similar group, as I want to get them involved in this also? The next issue of OPA's Prop Wash will have an article on this, but this was a great opportunity to get this out to everyone.

And having been to the Alvord hot springs many times, it is a great place to visit and enjoy.

Cheers,
Bill

AvidFlyer wrote:I once flew over the top of the Steen Mountains just East of the Lakebed in a 46hp ultralight. I killed the engine at 9200ft and got in a 15 minute glide back down to the lakebed.

I've done the same thing! So much fun. If there's any safe way to enjoy a deadstick sled ride, that's it. Your LZ is huge.

Abe wrote:This thread is a great way for me to put out a notice to you Oregon Pilots that Oregon Pilots Association (OPA) is putting together a backcountry committee to help keep places like this and other backcountry strips open and safe for all GA pilots to use and enjoy like any other responsible outdoor recreational group. With the encouragement of Dennis Smith, OPA President, we are asking for volunteers from each of Oregon's 5-regions to form this 7-member committee and work on issues just like the one this thread is addressing. We have had one pilot already throw his name into the hat and will be looking forward to others. So we won't have to reinvent the wheel, I have been in contact with the IAA and the RAF, and both said that they would be willing to meet with us this spring and give us some guidance. Does anyone know if the Wash. Pilots Assoc. has a similar group, as I want to get them involved in this also? The next issue of OPA's Prop Wash will have an article on this, but this was a great opportunity to get this out to everyone.

And having been to the Alvord hot springs many times, it is a great place to visit and enjoy.

Cheers,
Bill

Bill, a few of us here in CO have done this very thing with the help of the CPA and RAF. In my limited experience, it is very effective at tackling recreational aviation issues in the state. A solid core group, organization, and determination is key.

I highly encourage anyone on the fence about this to get involved.

Bill, a few of us here in CO have done this very thing with the help of the CPA and RAF. In my limited experience, it is very effective at tackling recreational aviation issues in the state. A solid core group, organization, and determination is key.

Thanks Matt for the plug and I maybe getting in touch with you to pick your brain.

I'd like to throw my hat in the ring for south western Oregon if you don't already have someone. PM me. Thanks for getting the word out!

Oregon 180,

Thanks for your interest

PM sent

Ok, so I am here to set the record straight. I know the owners of the Alvord Ranch and just talked to Paul Davis (owner) on the phone because of what was previously said in this thread about some stuff that is not true. This info is coming straight from him. The ranch owns the hot springs; it is NOT public BLM land. There is also new road from the desert to the hot springs. They ARE aviation friendly and encourage planes to come in and enjoy the hot springs. They are currently trying to get a designated air strip on the lakebed as close to the hot springs as they can for everyone to use. They are putting in a restroom also. Overnight camping is welcome. There will be a caretaker at the hot springs starting in March. That's who you'll talk to when you arrive. The reason for a user fee is to pay for the expenses to keep the area cleaned up and maintained. Keeping the hot springs open to the public is a big liability for the ranch. These improvements will happen over time as funding becomes available. He would really like to see this succeed. If anybody has a question about this, you can call Paul directly at 541-495-2240. He welcomes any ideas so if you have one call and let him know. Hope this clears up any misunderstanding there was.

desertflyer wrote:Ok, so I am here to set the record straight. I know the owners of the Alvord Ranch and just talked to Paul Davis (owner) on the phone because of what was previously said in this thread about some stuff that is not true. This info is coming straight from him. The ranch owns the hot springs; it is NOT public BLM land. There is also new road from the desert to the hot springs. They ARE aviation friendly and encourage planes to come in and enjoy the hot springs. They are currently trying to get a designated air strip on the lakebed as close to the hot springs as they can for everyone to use. They are putting in a restroom also. Overnight camping is welcome. There will be a caretaker at the hot springs starting in March. That's who you'll talk to when you arrive. The reason for a user fee is to pay for the expenses to keep the area cleaned up and maintained. Keeping the hot springs open to the public is a big liability for the ranch. These improvements will happen over time as funding becomes available. He would really like to see this succeed. If anybody has a question about this, you can call Paul directly at 541-495-2240. He welcomes any ideas so if you have one call and let him know. Hope this clears up any misunderstanding there was.

Thank you desertflyer for setting the record straight. Tell Paul thank you too.

G'Day

Good news. Good guy Paul.