Photo courtesy of McMenamins Kennedy School
Looking for an inexpensive way to warm up and unwind in Portland? Here’s your guide to soaking pools and saunas in and around Portland.
These serene retreats provide locals and visitors alike an escape from the hustle and bustle. Unwind and rejuvenate in the tranquil spa settings. Whether nestled in the heart of the city or tucked away in the lush surroundings of the metro area, Portland’s soaking pools and saunas offer a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty, making them integral elements of the city’s wellness landscape.
Soaking Pools and Saunas in Portland
Whether you’re looking to relax, ease sore muscles or book a wellness day, here’s where you can pamper yourself without going over budget. These Portland soaking pools and saunas offer a rejuvenating experience for $30 or less per hour.
Before you visit, be sure to pack along your own towel, sandals and a bag to hold your personal items. Some of these locations offer lockers.
McMenamins Soaking Pools
The soaking pools at McMenamins are both relaxing and beautiful. Each pool offers a unique saltwater spa system known for being eco- and earth-friendly. Plus, this is the only place where you can have a beer or cocktail while you relax in the pool.
In the Portland area, you have two soaking options that are open to the public at McMenamins:
Kennedy School
The Kennedy School heated soaking pool is a ceramic work of art. It is located in a private outdoor courtyard surrounded by lush gardens. Adults and supervised minors can visit the pool daily during select hours.
The price per hour is $10 for ages 12 and up and $5 for ages 3-11. Kids 2 and under are free. Reservations are required and can be made online.
Kennedy School is at 5736 NE 33rd Ave. in Portland.
Grand Lodge
If you’re up for a short drive out of the city, visit the outdoor soaking pool at the Grand Lodge. The pool is surrounded by natural rock formations and lush green vegetation. This large trees around the pool make you feel like you’re deep in a forest oasis.
The soaking pool is open to the public daily during select hours. Locker rooms are provided. The price per hour is $10 for ages 12 and up and $5 for ages 3-11. Kids 2 and under are free. Reservations are required and can be made online.
Grand Lodge is at 3505 Pacific Ave. in Forest Grove.
Loyly Sauna
Loyly is a unique escape from the bustling city right outside its doors. The wellness spa offers cedar sauna public sessions in a relaxing, minimalist setting. My friend and I treated ourselves to the sauna for our birthdays a few years ago. It offered an intimate setting to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Plus, everything you need for this relaxing experience is included.
The two-hour sauna experience is $40 per person. It includes access to the sauna, shower, locker room and lounge area along with a towel and robe. This is an ages 16+ sauna and under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Loyly has two locations in Portland: 3525 NE MLK Jr Blvd. and 2713 SE 21st Ave.
Connect Wellness Sauna and Soaking Tubs
Calling all nature lovers! Connect Wellness provides a relaxing, grounding, bird watching and deep air breathing experience. The backyard spa has saunas, cold plunge tubs, warm soaking tub and nature areas.
During two-hour community soak sessions, you can access all of these amenities for $40 per person. Reservations are required and can be made online. This is an 18+ experience.
Community Wellness is at 4301 NE 59th Ave. in Vancouver.
The Everett House Spa Sessions
Through the doors of two classic craftsman homes, you will find a community sanctuary at the Everett House. Book a clothing-optional spa session complete with a large salt hot tub, saunas, steam room and cold plunge in clawfoot tubs. You can also enjoy an outdoor shower and relax by the fire on the patio.
Spa sessions including all these amenities start at $16 per person for 30 minutes. On your birthday, you can get 60 minutes of spa time for free! You must be 18 years old to visit the co-ed and clothing-optional spa facilities. There are special women-only hours and LGBTQ hours each week. The spa is available by online appointment only.
The Everett House is at 2927 NE Everett St. in Portland.
Common Ground Wellness Cooperative
Common Ground prides itself on offering a sanctuary in the city. The cooperative healing center invites you to soak and sauna in the outdoor courtyard. This is a clothing-optional wellness center.
Prices start at $16 for a 30-minute soak and sauna session. You can book online ahead of time. Walk ins are welcome depending on capacity.
Common Ground Wellness Cooperative is at 5010 NE 33rd Ave. in Portland.
Carson Hot Springs Resort Mineral Therapy Pool
Just an hour’s drive from the city, you can soak in hot mineral spring water in a covered therapy pool. This historic location dates back to the early 1900s and is now a full service resort focused on pampering its guests with a list of amenities and services. The therapy pool includes a large hot water communal pool and small cold plunge pool.
Public pricing ranges from $14-$19 depending on the day of your visit. This is an 18+ facility. You can pay for access onsite.
Carson Hot Springs Resort is at 372 St. Martin’s Springs Rd in Carson, Washington.
Looking for a private rental? Try Swimply.
Swimply is an online rental marketplace for private swimming pools. Homeowners with swimming pools, hot tubs and saunas offer hourly rentals. I have seen options as low as $25. Plus, you can split the cost with whoever you bring along for this private soak or sauna session.
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