Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center is located along the Breitenbush River in the fantastic Willamette National Forest, 9 miles northwest of Detroit, 60 miles east of Salem.

Brief History of Breitenbush Hot Springs

The river and hot springs were named after a hunter Lewis Breitenbucher, who explored this place in the 1840s. By 1897, the hot springs, under the successful management of John Hollingsworth, had become a popular place for visitors who were looking for relaxation, healing, and rejuvenation. In 1904 the upper and lower pools were separated.

Upper Breitenbush Hot Springs

In 1904 the upper hot springs were granted to Claude Mansfield by President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1927, the property was purchased by the Bruckman family.

Later, new owners built and managed the lodge and spa. Breitenbush Hot Springs prospered during Bruckman's ownership. The resort had a large 100-foot pool, post office, grocery store, gas station, restaurant, and dance hall. In 1957 Merle Bruckman retired and sold the property. Two devastating floods in the 1970s damaged the resort and, finally, Breitenbush was closed.