Hot Lake Lodges Hot Springs

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My family journeyed to Hot Lake Lodge, passing painted hills & going through John Day, a passage through time as the sign says. Hot lake lodge has a fascinating history of healing. Once used medicinally by Native Americans, the lake was called “Ea-Kesh-Pa” by the Nez Perce.

In 1908 the brick building was completed as the first known structure in the world to utilize geothermal energy as its primary heat source. It was purchased by Dr. Phy in 1917 as a Sanitorium, a popular medical resort for the wealthy. Later it became a nurse's training facility during World War II. Then it changed hands and owners several times for various medical uses, mostly serving women's health. Later, it was abandoned in the nineties where it fell prey to vandals and the elements. The Manuel family restored the building from 2003-2019. Now Mike Rysavy, owner of the Grande Hot Springs RV

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Resort has taken it over with plans to create a Thermal pub to go along with the restored building airbnb and hot springs.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The hot springs were strong with a sulfur egg smell that tells you just how powerful they are! There's five lakeside, mineral rich, hot spring soaking pools available to guests of the lodge only with more soaking experiences coming soon.

It is an extremely old building, 114 years old now! I love old buildings, I once lived in a Carriage House from the 1800s. It's not for everyone, if you are looking for perfect, modern day conveniences, you might not fall in love with Hot Lake Lodge as I did.

Is it HAUNTED? Many say it is haunted with screams of the nurse who fell into the 200 degree lake and died or the gardener who took his life. The lake is ominous as it is dangerous. I don't blame them for not allowing dogs, our Lab would surely go jumping into that lethal lake for a swim! Robert E. Lee’s wife was known to play a piano on the third floor, people still hear her piano playing by itself. You may hear creaking of old doors opening and closing, things that go bump in the night. My great grandmother was a mystic and a medium, I have her energetic sensitivities, too. There was nothing scary about this place. I slept so well after each day of soaking, not even a ghost could wake me!

I did feel divine feminine energy, the presence of ancient women seeking deep healing here. It was relatable, as I am also in search of better health, as most woman I know are. Reminiscent of Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper," about women needing a health refuge in the 19th century, if these walls could talk, these women could tell us about their healing crisis and desire to be freed from pain. Hot springs have a high mineral content of calcium, magnesium, silica, lithium, radium and sulphur. Hot springs soothe aching muscles while minerals soaked up by the skin heal conditions internally such as:

Musculoskeletal & Joint problems: Treats swollen joints, arthritis, muscle fatigue, ligament damage and injuries.

Eczema: A skin condition of chronically dry, red, itchy, flaky skin is reduced by soaking.

Respiratory Congestion: Steamy water combined with sulphur relieves nasal congestion, allergies, asthma or chest congestion.

Circulation: Sodium bicarbonate and calcium in mineral hot springs improves circulation in the body and lowers blood pressure. The weightlessness that comes with floating in the water is good for circulation.

Relaxation: Hot Springs increase oxygen flow, reduces cortisol to calm your nervous system and balances your hormones.

Sleep: Lithium aids in better sleep.