Tub Springs State Wayside

Tub Springs State Wayside is a small roadside rest area in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. The site provides a welcome stop for travelers on the remote highway, offering shade, water, and restroom facilities. The wayside takes its name from nearby springs.

The ponderosa pine forest supports mule deer, elk, and various forest birds. The springs provide water for wildlife in the dry summer months. Raptors hunt over the forest openings. The forest provides habitat for squirrels, chipmunks, and other small mammals.

Ponderosa pine dominates the forest with its distinctive orange bark. Native grasses and wildflowers grow in forest openings. The understory is relatively sparse due to the dry climate. The vegetation reflects the continental climate of the Blue Mountains.

The wayside sits in the Blue Mountains, composed of volcanic rocks and ancient marine sediments. The mountains are geologically complex with rocks ranging from very old to relatively recent. Springs emerge where groundwater encounters impermeable rock layers.

The area experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Summer temperatures reach the 80s°F, while winter brings snow and freezing temperatures. The high elevation contributes to cooler conditions than surrounding lowlands.

The Blue Mountains were home to indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The Oregon Trail crossed the region, and later highways followed similar routes. Rest areas were developed to serve travelers on the long highway routes.

Tub Springs was established as a state wayside to provide traveler services on the remote highway. Oregon State Parks maintains the facilities. The wayside is part of the state's commitment to providing rest areas for highway safety.

The wayside is primarily a rest stop rather than a destination. The forested setting provides a pleasant break from driving. The springs and surrounding forest offer a glimpse of Blue Mountains ecology.

The wayside provides parking, restrooms, and picnic tables. Water is available from the spring. Located along Highway 395 in the Blue Mountains. Day-use only. Open seasonally, may close in winter.

The wayside protects the spring area while providing traveler services. The surrounding forest is managed for both recreation and timber. The site demonstrates how small protected areas can serve multiple purposes.