Located about 7 miles northeast of Fields, Borax Lake and Borax Hot Springs form one of the most unusual geological areas in southeastern Oregon.

This small geothermal area, known for hot springs, mineral-rich deposits, volcanic landscapes, and striking desert scenery, sits at the base of Steens Mountain in the remote Alvord Basin.

It feels like the edge of the world, which is part of its appeal.

Although Borax Lake and the hot springs themselves are protected, and collecting is not permitted within the preserve, the surrounding region, managed by BLM, offers opportunities to collect a variety of volcanic and mineral-rich rocks.

Geological History of Borax Lake Area

The Borax Lake area lies within the Basin and Range Province of southeastern Oregon, a region shaped by crustal extension, normal faulting, and associated volcanism over millions of years.

During the Miocene Epoch, extensive volcanic activity—including basaltic flows and rhyolitic eruptions—helped build much of the surrounding landscape of southeastern Oregon.

Continued crustal stretching produced fault-block mountains such as nearby Steens Mountain and created the basin-and-range topography seen today.

Groundwater heated at depth circulates along faults and fractures, producing the geothermal activity observed at Borax Lake and nearby hot springs.

The name “Borax Lake” reflects naturally occurring borate minerals in the area.

Although borate prospecting occurred in the late 1800s, the deposits were not sufficient to support large-scale commercial production.

Rockhounding at Borax Lake Area

Collecting can start at any place along the last two miles of the road before you reach a fence and a trailhead leading to Borax Lake.

Here's the good news: you'll find material the whole way in. I'm not exaggerating. The first time I drove this road, I almost missed a great pullout because I was busy watching the washboard ruts. Pay attention, and you'll spot rocks scattered right along the route.

What can you pick up here? Quite a bit, actually. Keep your eyes peeled for:

Agate in soft, milky, yellow, and brown colors
Jasper with warm reds and yellows
Petrified wood
Obsidian, including mahogany obsidian, and apache tears
Fossils.

You won't need fancy gear. A simple geology pick does the job.

🔵 The road is washboard for most of the way, and I really don't recommend trying it after rain. The dirt turns to slick mud fast, and getting stuck out here means a long, lonely wait.

This lonely stretch of Oregon's high desert offers far more than just rocks.

From the parking area near the gate, you can follow a trail to Borax Lake and Borax Hot Springs and its remarkable geothermal features.

The steamy 10-acre lake lies in the middle of a bone-dry desert, fed by a powerful underground spring.

The hot springs are located just north of the lake. Water emerging from deep below the surface reaches nearly 196°F (91°C), creating one of Oregon's most unusual desert landscapes.

🔴 Borax Hot Springs is genuinely dangerous. The water nears the boiling point, and the thin crust of the ground can break underfoot, dropping you into scalding water. Stay on solid ground, obey the posted signs, and keep kids and pets close.

🟡 Borax Lake is a protected biological preserve and home to the rare Borax Lake chub, so swimming and soaking are banned.

The wider Alvord Desert is the area's biggest attraction. This massive dry playa stretches below Steens Mountain and draws visitors for camping, stargazing, photography, and pure solitude.

Have you ever stood somewhere so vast and empty that it makes you feel tiny? That is the Alvord Playa.

Looking for a soak?

Alvord Hot Springs lies a couple of miles north and offers developed soaking pools, while Mickey Hot Springs, often called "Little Yellowstone", for its colorful geothermal features and bubbling vents—sits about 4 miles away along the same fault system.

Before heading home, consider stopping at Fields Station for one of its famous milkshakes. After a dusty day in the desert, it is a well-earned treat.