Raindrops formed domes as each droplet merged with the mineral water of the hot springs-fed pool at Belknap Hot Springs Lodge & Gardens. The cool plops of rainwater on my head were welcome, a stark contrast to the hot water infused with the likes of sodium, silicon dioxide, calcium and potassium.

Relaxing in the pool adjacent to the rushing McKenzie River and the lush, moss-covered trees was a treat on a recent chilly Saturday afternoon.

The lodge pool is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at one point, it contained only me, my husband, and four other patrons, allowing for a luxurious amount of space to stretch out. Another pool is available to overnight guests, who in addition to receiving the benefit of soaking in the lodge pool until 9 p.m., have access to a second hot springs pool.

For the price of $10, walk-in guests may linger for up to an hour inside the pool behind the lodge. It sounds short, but I was content after being submerged in the geothermal mineral water after 40 minutes, which hovers around 100 degrees.

McKenzie River hot spot

After soaking in the outdoor pool, I wandered across the bridge, passing a sign taped to a pole cautioning visitors to be aware of a mother bear and cubs recently spotted on the property.

On the opposite side of the McKenzie River, steam rose from the natural hot springs flowing in the direction of the lodge. Another sign warned guests not to touch the scorching liquid.

Before taking the hour-and-a-half journey back to Bend, I grabbed some sustenance from The River View Grill, a food truck with a few salads and hot sandwiches in the parking lot. Next to the little white truck, a band made of sculpture played an imaginary tune as the piano player was continuously doused in a curtain of water pouring from the piano keys.

The lodge has undoubtedly certainly seen better days. The women’s bathroom was under construction when I visited last month, with an exposed pipe visible in the ceiling.

More Coverage: Forest Service offers free snowshoe tours in the Ochocos

Revitalizing retreat

The best part of the adventure was how I felt after soaking in the mineral water — relaxed and rejuvenated, almost as if experiencing the endorphins of a hard-won physical activity without the work.

Despite the conditions of the lodge, escaping to Belknap Hot Springs felt like it contained all the ingredients of a mini vacation, even after only leaving Bend for four hours.

While the snowy months are the best time to revel in the hot springs, dangerous road conditions may be present along Santiam Pass. Check tripcheck.com before packing a swimsuit and heading to the small resort, which is equidistant between Eugene and Bend.

More Coverage: Soak up the coziness of Bend’s saunas, soaking pools

If You Go

What: Hot springs pool at Belknap Hot Springs Lodge & Gardens

When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for walk-in pool guests, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. for overnight guests

Where: 59296 Belknap Springs Road, McKenzie Bridge

Cost: $10 per person, $2 towel rental

Contact: belknaphotsprings.com