Ancient Healing Waters

Duane Graham happened upon Summer Lake Hot Springs while taking a road trip through Eastern Oregon.

The year was 1988 and Graham was on a spring break from his college in Eugene. He instantly recognized what a sacred area this was.  From then on, year after year the natural hot springs, combined with the overwhelming vastness of the desert landscape and eternally dark and starry skies would continue to call him back.

As a residential contractor buying and refurbishing vintage houses in Portland and Eugene, Graham had a naturally keen eye for renovation.  He saw early on the potential of this desert gem and couldn’t help but envision what he would create if given a chance.

In 1997, he was afforded that opportunity when he purchased the land. Summer Lake Hot Springs had been run as a small family-owned RV park since 1958, and on one of those summer road trips he noticed the property was for sale.  Realizing the unique opportunity, he proceeded to purchase 145 acres of paradise and has been gradually transforming the land, adding 10 cottages and renovating existing structures.

Future plans

Plans are in place to design and build in a manner that enhances the natural lay of the land. Duane’s foresight, together with his commitment to green construction, will provide an end result unlike any other privately owned hot springs. Summer Lake Hot Springs will be a place where people can experience natural materials in consideration of their own environments.

Our commitment to green

Summer Lake Hot Springs has been designed and is being built as a model to educate by example the attributes of green building and design practices.  If you are interested in experiencing what it is like to live in a structure that incorporates passive solar principles, natural products and interior design principles utilizing environmentally-conscious materials, Summer Lake Hot Springs gives you an opportunity to truly live in balance with nature.

Green facilities and practices include:

• Geothermal radiant floor heat

• Low voltage lights

• Double pane windows

• Passive solar orientation

• Green products used for cleaning

• Front-load washing machines

• Line dried laundry in summer

• Xeriscaping

• Rain water collection for watering plants

Workshops

Over the years we have hosted several small workshops and festivals, yet the demand exists for larger events.  We have opportunities for instructors and musicians to lead classes in such fields as:

• Yoga

• Writing

• Sustainable Building

• Watsu

• Healing

This is a main reason we will be building a group area for workshops, festivals and gatherings. If you are interested in holding a special event, please send an email to duane@summerlakehotsprings.com