[5] In 2012, the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries reported that the hot springs’ temperature was 124 °F (51 °C) with a water flow of 20 US gallons (76 L) per minute.

[6] At the release point in the main pool of the Summer Lake Hot Springs bathhouse, the water temperature is approximately 113 °F (45 °C).

This is due to the protection provided by Winter Ridge that rises approximately 3,000 feet (910 m) above the west side of the valley.

The landscape’s plant life is dominated by desert shrubs, primarily big sagebrush, green rabbitbrush, and black greasewood.

[9] Larger mammals found near the hot springs include mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, and cougars.

Summer Lake is an important stop on the Pacific flyway, so migrating waterfowl pass through the area twice a year.

Many shore birds are also common in the area, including American avocets, snowy plovers, black-necked stilts, willets, Wilson's phalaropes, great egrets, and sandhill cranes.

Local birds of prey include great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, and golden eagles.

The springs were named after the Woodward family who arrived in 1902 and were among the first pioneers to homestead at the south end of the Summer Lake.

[1][8][18][21] Over the years, thousands of Native American artifacts were found at the Summer Lake Hot Springs site including many high-quality arrowheads.

In 1959, a large cache of Native American artifacts were found at the Summer Lake Hot Springs site.

The project that began resort development was undertaken by Jeff McDaniel shortly after he bought the hot springs property from Ray Gibson.

The overnight accommodations consist of rental cottages and duplexes, studio cabins, recreational vehicle parking spaces, and a tent camping area.

[7][18][25][26] Over the years, the Summer Lake Hot Springs resort has hosted a number of festivals, concerts, and other events.

The nearest large population center is Bend, Oregon, which is located 124 miles (200 km) northwest of the hot springs.