Are you feeling stressed, tired, overwhelmed, or overworked? Perhaps you’re looking for some family fun, a unique experience with friends, a romantic getaway, or a little “me time”.

Crystal Crane Hot Springs is an ideal destination for anyone looking to relax, unwind, and “go with the flow”.

Located just off Highway 78 (about 25 miles southeast of Burns), the multiuse vacation destination is popular among locals and travelers alike.

Boasting temperatures between 98 and 102 degrees, the property’s 7-foot deep, hot-spring pond is ready to envelop you in a soothing, all-natural mineral soak.

“That’s really where it’s at,” Debbie Kryger said. “The pond is so relaxing.”

The daughter of owners Dan and Denise Kryger, Debbie lives on site and manages the property.

She said her favorite time to soak is late at night when she can float on her back and gaze at the star-studded sky.

“To be able to see the Milky Way so clear in the summertime…It’s phenomenal,” she said, adding that guests are often “blown away” by the amount of stars that are visible at the hot springs.

Other celestial spectacles include stunning sunsets and sunrises, which illuminate the pond for night owls and early birds.

Speaking of birds, Crystal Crane is home to two wildlife refuges where feathered friends such as burrowing owls, American avocets, and killdeer can be seen. Debbie also advised

travelers to keep an eye out for bald eagles, which have been spotted along

the route from Burns to Crane. The hot springs is also home to ducks, badgers, ground squirrels, and an especially friendly cat. Fortunately, Debbie said snakes seems to avoid the area. However, she advised visitors to remain vigilant.

All sorts of natural wonders can be found at the hot springs, but those who’ve experienced Crystal Crane firsthand would likely agree with the business’s motto: “It’s about the water.”

Accommodations abound

Unlimited, 24/7 pond access is included with any overnight stay. Day passes (up to four hours) are also available for folks who just want to stop in for a swim.

Short-term visitors looking for a more secluded experience can also opt for

private soaking tubs, which can be rented by the hour. Located in cedar-lined bath houses, the tubs vary in shape and size. While smaller tubs are designed to accommodate an individual or couple, the family tub can hold up to six adults. The private tubs feature faucets for both hot and cold water, allowing guests to fill the tubs to their precise temperature preferences. In addition to private tubs, the bath houses offer dressing areas and shelter from the elements.

Overnight guests can sleep as few as five steps away from the pond. Consisting of four units, the Waterfront Cabins are heated, furnished, and in close proximity to shared bathrooms and showers.

For those who don’t mind a short stroll, the four-unit Sage Inn cabins are an even more affordable option.

Like the cabins, the Bunkhouse is brimming with rustic charm. However, it also includes a private tub and half bath.

The Ranch House and Cowpoke Inn are ideal for larger groups. Both sleep six and include a kitchen, living room, and full/private bathrooms.

Event spaces are also available for group gatherings such as meetings, family reunions, and holiday parties.

Open seasonally, the tepee is a favorite among overnight guests. Featuring a queen bed with a heated blanket, a heated floor, and private soaking tub, the tepee offers a unique “glamping” experience.

Tent and RV sites are also available for Crystal Crane’s campers.

Campfires are allowed seasonally in designated areas. The cabins and

campsites are dog friendly, and many of Crystal Crane’s facilities are wheelchair accessible.

In addition to the pond, all overnight guests have unlimited access to the commons area, camp kitchen, and shared bathrooms and showers. Guests can prepare meals in the camp kitchen and watch television, play games, and access Wi-Fi in the commons area.

Crane Creek Inn

Are you looking for something a bit more luxurious?

New to the hot springs, the Crane Creek Inn offers an upscale soaking experience. Built in 2017, each of the inn’s five suites includes a queen or king-sized bed, large cable television, full private bathroom, and a private porch with an outdoor tub.

The porches are enclosed with a 7-foot-tall privacy fence, creating the perfect atmosphere for a night of romance or serene solitude. Although they’re surrounded by walls, the porches are roofless, giving guests an awe-inspiring glimpse of the sky. Guests of the Crane Creek Inn can soak in their suite’s private tub at all hours of the day and night. Best of all, guests won’t freeze as they scamper back to their sleeping quarters. The porches’ heated floors keep toes toasty, and plush bathrobes come complimentary.

Debbie said she and Denise enjoyed decorating the suites in different themes. The Windmill, Pine Cone, and Steens Mountain suites echo the natural beauty of the surrounding environment, while the Honeymoon and French Country Suites offer a touch of elegance.

The Pine Cone Suite is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible with a ramp and wheelchair access.

In oder to maintain a tranquil environment, these rooms are exclusively designed for a maximum of two adults. Children and pets are not allowed to stay at the Crane Creek Inn. However, all of Crystal Crane’s other lodging is family friendly.

On the horizon

The Krygers have continued to improve and upgrade the property since they purchased Crystal Crane Hot Springs in 1997. But they aren’t done yet. New features are still being added to make

guests’ experiences even more enjoyable.

A shower house is currently being constructed, which will feature three bathrooms, changing

rooms, and showers for men as well as three bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers for

women. The ADA-compliant facility will also include a new camp kitchen, giving guests more space to prepare and enjoy their meals.

A Ranch House remodel is also in the works, and an additional tepee will be added to the property.

What to pack

Crystal Crane is not a clothing-optional hot springs, so be sure to bring a swimsuit!

“I don’t know how much I can stress that,” Debbie said.

Although a few items can be purchased in Crystal Crane’s office, Debbie recommended packing food, bottled water, sunscreen, and lotion. She also suggested bathrobes and slip-on shoes for easing the exit from the pond. Guests who plan on exploring the area should also bring a good pair of hiking shoes.

Noting that Eastern Oregon’s service stations are few and far between, Debbie also advised motorists to make sure they have plenty of fuel before making the trek.

Additional information

Whether you’re seeking a vacation or staycation, Crystal Crane is a “hot spot” for relaxation and adventure.

For rates, reservations, and additional information, call Crystal Crane at 541-493-2312. You can also visit Crystal Crane’s website at www.cranehotsprings.com or follow the hot springs on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CrystalCraneHotSprings/) for additional information.

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