Oregon Covers Historic Tub Springs Stone Tubs

Restoration work at Tub Springs State Wayside begins as water is stopped from flowing through the century-old stone tubs.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in National Parks

Oregon Covers Historic Tub Springs Stone Tubs

Live Poll

Should state funds be spent to preserve historic sites like Tub Springs?

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has temporarily covered the historic stone tubs at Tub Springs State Wayside and stopped water flow through them to begin restoration work. The Oregon Health Authority determined the water was no longer suitable for drinking due to high turbidity.

Why it matters

The tubs are covered to protect the historic structures and prepare the site for long-term stabilization, affecting visitors to Oregon's state parks who use the wayside's historic water feature. The reclassification of the water source from groundwater to surface water shaped the decision.

The estimated preservation cost is about $80,000, but funding has not been secured. The two-year duration remains an informed estimate.

The players

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The Oregon state agency responsible for managing state parks, wayside sites, and historic resources such as Tub Springs State Wayside.

Oregon Health Authority

The state agency that determined the water at Tub Springs was no longer suitable for drinking due to high turbidity and reclassified its source from groundwater to surface water.

The details

The stone tubs, installed between 1922 and 1937, are being temporarily covered and water flow stopped while historic architects and specialized masonry contractors work under State Historic Preservation Office guidelines. Visitors can still use the wayside's trails, picnic areas, and restrooms, though access to the tub feature is restricted.

1922-1937: Stone tubs installed at Tub Springs.
November 6, 2026: Restoration measures begin with tubs covered.
Roughly two years: Estimated duration of preservation work.

Historic Corridor

Tub Springs has served travelers since the 19th century along the Applegate Trail, which Jackson County settlers constructed in 1868. Its preservation keeps a physical link to that route in southern Oregon.

Visitors to Tub Springs State Wayside can still use the trails, picnic areas, and restrooms while the tub feature is restricted. Those planning a visit should expect the stone tubs and water flow to be unavailable during preservation work.

The takeaway

Historic sites can be preserved even when their water sources change, but preservation work often depends on funding that is not yet secured. Visitors planning a trip should check current access before arriving.