Forest Service Considers Developing Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs

Meeting set to discuss future plans for the unofficial hot springs site near Detroit, Oregon

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The U.S. Forest Service is once again considering development plans for Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs, an unofficial site with a long history and cultural significance to local tribes. The agency is holding a public meeting to gather feedback from the community on the potential project, which could take years to approve and complete.

Why it matters

Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs has been an important site for local tribes for generations, but the area has fallen into disrepair since the resort there closed in 1979. The Forest Service's renewed interest in developing the site presents an opportunity to restore and preserve this culturally significant natural resource, but also raises questions about balancing public access, environmental protection, and tribal interests.

The details

The Forest Service is holding a public meeting on February 28th to discuss preliminary plans for developing the Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs site. The site currently features old concrete tubs, tiles, and other remnants of a former resort. A local group, Friends of the Breitenbush Cascade, has been doing annual cleanups at the springs. The Forest Service is working closely with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, who have advocated for the restoration of the site for over 15 years. The development process would require an environmental assessment and is likely to take several years.

  • The public meeting is scheduled for February 28, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • The Forest Service previously considered developing the site in 2015-2016 but the project was delayed due to lack of funding.

The players

Willamette National Forest

The U.S. Forest Service agency that manages the land where the Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs is located.

Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

A Native American tribal government that has advocated for the restoration of the Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs for over 15 years and is working closely with the Forest Service on the project.

Friends of the Breitenbush Cascade

A local group that has been doing annual cleanups at the Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs site.

Michelle King

The Detroit District Ranger for the Willamette National Forest, overseeing the potential development project.

Cayla Kennedy

The project lead for the Forest Service's consideration of developing the Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs site.

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What they’re saying

“The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Willamette National Forest have a long relationship and shared stewardship responsibilities to the cultural and natural resources in the Tribe's Ceded Lands. The Tribe has been advocating for the restoration of the Lower Breitenbush hot springs for over 15 years. We are encouraged to see that the Forest is taking up this project again in the wake of the 2020 wildfires. We would love to see the springs restored to a safe, healthy, and accessible location for our community.”

— Sara Thompson, Spokeswoman, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde (Statesman Journal)

“We look forward to what the Forest Service is going to introduce and are excited for the future conversations about how we can once again restore the springs to the benefit and enjoyment of all.”

— Woody Jackson, President, Friends of the Breitenbush Cascades (Statesman Journal)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The potential development of the Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs highlights the ongoing efforts to balance public access, environmental protection, and tribal interests in managing culturally significant natural resources on public lands. The outcome of this project could set an important precedent for how similar sites are approached in the future.