Brisbois Ranch Springs

Grant County, Oregon · Near Canyon City
44.0730°N, 119.4270°W · 4,556 ft
72°F 4,556 ft Short Walk Camping nearby (9.4 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Brisbois Ranch Springs LiDAR bare-earth view of the same ground around Brisbois Ranch Springs
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag the handle to compare the two views. The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

Brisbois Ranch Springs, in Grant County, Oregon, about thirty two miles from Canyon City, measured 72 degrees, tepid. With Ranch in the name, and no owner or access status on file, the question of permission comes first. The USGS tracks the springs as a thermal site.

Location

A short walk of about a hundred and forty yards from an unnamed road brings you to the springs, at around forty five hundred feet. Snow piles past five feet in an average winter and the annual moisture is moderate. Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin, about nine miles off, is the nearest overnight spot listed.

December through February rank highest. The water is cool. Ownership and access are blank, so confirm before visiting. Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin is the camping option.

Terrain

Aircraft with laser scanners measured this ground to within inches. The scan strips out trees and buildings, leaving the bare shape of the land around Brisbois Ranch Springs.

Setting
Hillside
The spring sits on a steep slope that climbs to the south.
Highest ground nearby
334 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the south
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from south to north, about 0.6 miles end to end.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Heat Below
98 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's about 1½ times the US average of 65. It's higher than at 44% of the springs on this site.

Heat flow measures the warmth working its way up through the ground from deep inside the earth. Where it runs high, rain and snowmelt that seep down through cracks in the rock come back up hot.

Heat flow estimate: Stanford Thermal Earth Model (Aljubran & Horne, 2024), CC BY 4.0.

Monthly Climate
30°
Jan
32°
Feb
37°
Mar
44°
Apr
52°
May
60°
Jun
71°
Jul
71°
Aug
62°
Sep
48°
Oct
37°
Nov
29°
Dec
Annual Precip: 20.7 in Annual Snow: 64.6 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 29°F · Water 72°F · +43° contrast
January Air 30°F · Water 72°F · +42° contrast
February Air 32°F · Water 72°F · +40° contrast
December offers 42°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
NE 0.0 mph
Today 70° Low 41° Partly Sunny 8% precip
Spring is +2° warmer
Wednesday 67° Low 40° Mostly Sunny 8% precip
Spring is +5° warmer
Thursday 67° Low 42° Chance Rain Showers 38% precip
Spring is +5° warmer
Friday 74° Low 43° Sunny 3% precip
Saturday 77° Low 44° Sunny
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin 9.4 mi away

Overview Deer Creek Guard Station is located approximately 31 miles from the town of John Day, in central Oregon. It is in a beautiful, quiet location, off the beaten path. From sunup to sundown, the cabin affords opportunities for adventure in exploring, viewing wildlife, or just relaxing and enjoying the wonders of nature all around. The cabin is larger than some, is furnished and offers many comforts. It can be accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangemen...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
72°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 72°F (22°C)
Avg Air Temp 48°F
Above Ambient +24°F
Mild soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Short Walk
Distance to Road 431 ft
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Brisbois Ranch Springs?
Brisbois Ranch Springs has a water temperature of 72°F (22°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Brisbois Ranch Springs located?
Brisbois Ranch Springs is located in Grant County, Oregon at 4,556 feet elevation, near Canyon City. Coordinates: 44.0730°N, 119.4270°W.
How do I get to Brisbois Ranch Springs?
Brisbois Ranch Springs has Short Walk road access (431 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Brisbois Ranch Springs?
Yes, Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin is located nearby (9.4 miles away).
Sources: USGS NWIS