Mickey Hot Springs

Mickey Hot Springs is a small hot spring system in southeastern Oregon, United States. The hot springs are located at the north end of the Alvord Desert just east of Steens Mountain and north of the 2-6 Hot Springs which are much larger but less known.^[1] There are several natural bubbling mudpots and steam vents. The system contains at least 60 vents, 11 of which are dry.^[2] The hydrothermal system may be in its waning stages of existence.^[3]

A biofilm of thermophilic bacteria in the outflow the springs.

Mickey Hot Springs
Hot springs with Steens Mountain in background
Location	Harney County, Oregon
Coordinates	42.67676°N 118.34659°W / 42.67676; -118.34659[1]
Elevation	4,035 ft (1,230 m)
Type	Geothermal
Eruption height	6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m)
Frequency	Ongoing
Temperature	77–212 °F (25–100 °C)
Depth	~10 ft (3.0 m)
Mickey Hot Springs Show map of Oregon Mickey Hot Springs Show map of the United States

Each vent has a characteristic temperature ranging from 77–212 °F (25–100 °C) with the average about 171 °F (77 °C). The majority of the vents are far too hot for bathing.^[4][5] The water pH is neutral to slightly alkaline.^[2] An ecosystem of thermophilic organisms exist in the springs, separated by temperature strata.^[3]