The Hot Spring:

  Belknap Resort is an example of a wonderful hot spring that has been destroyed by private resort development.  Some people probably love this style of resort but we don't.  It is the type of development that takes the hot water and uses it in large swimming pools that are around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and in private jet hot tubs with chlorine.  There are also spa facilities, a geothermally heated main lodge, six cabins, RV hookups, and a well manicured garden.  To us, swimming pools and chlorine destroy a 196 degree Fahrenheit spring with heavy flow adjacent to the McKenzie River.  There are so many other ways to develop a site and keep the special natural vibe, but perhaps you would not make as much money.

  The extreme development of these springs is probably due to the fact they have been privately owned and managed as a resort since 1870.  They were known as Siloam Springs and were used prior to development by traders, wagon trains, and Native Americans.  The land was claimed by R.S. Belknap in 1870 and he built the first resort on the property and advertised the springs in Eugene with great success.  He only owned the land for a few years and it changed hands many times until it was owned by one family for over 60 years.  The family closed the springs to the public in 1967, and they were re-opened with new owners in 1975 and remodeled over the next few years.  In 1995 the property was sold, upgraded and remodeled to what you see today.