[pct-l] swimming holes

[Judith G]

Hi Spirit,

As I recall, the times hiking north from Campo I was able to put my 
suffering bod into water were:

1)  Warner Springs.  If you are hiking in the "season" the resort opens 
its doors (for $$ of course) to thru (and section) hikers.  You can get 
a room, eat in the pub or restaurant, and use the hot springs, for a 
modest fee.  You can also (I believe) pay for a day-use pass and hop in 
the hot spring. (mile 110)

2) Whitewater Creek.  After crossing I-10 and hiking in a ways, you 
will come to, and must cross, Whitewater Creek.  It was 98 degrees at 
noon the day I arrived there and I just lay down in the creek fully 
clothed and let the water run over me.  What relief.  (mile 218)

3)  I don't know if swimming is allowed, or where it's allowed, in Big 
Bear Lake, but ....   (mile 265 or so)

4)  Deep Creek hot springs has both hot and cold immersion 
opportunities  (mile 306)

5)  Silverwood Lake.  The trail goes right along the shore.  (around 
mile 325, I believe)  The trail was rerouted around it after the fire 
in late 2003, but has now I believe been restored.  But before the 
fire, there was a nice spot to camp along the lake, with great early 
morning bathing right at tentside.

I don't recall anything between Silverwood Lake and the High Sierras 
that you could actually get into, but then I haven't hiked the section 
between Wrightwood and KM yet (but will be doing this section in May).  
If you are in the Sierras in June the lakes and rivers might be a touch 
cold for enjoyable bathing.  Also, hikers tend to be slathered with 
DEET and sunscreen, and it is poor form to wash this off in fragile 
alpine lakes.  It's not good for the other life forms.  Wipe all that 
stuff off first with a wet bandana.

There are hot springs near Muir Ranch (mile 856) and free hot spring 
showers at Reds Meadow campground (mile 906 +/-).

I have not yet hiked the sections between Tuolumne Meadows and Oregon.  
However, in Oregon I frequently jumped into an inviting lake for a 
swim.  I wiped off the DEET and sunscreen first of course.

The phrase you use, "swimming hole," reminds me of my childhood when we 
happily splashed in a wide spot in a creek outside of town.  I've never 
enjoyed being in a chemicalized swimming pool after growing up with 
that kind of natural experience.

Hope you have an opportunity to enjoy the wet spots along the trail 
mentioned above, and any that might be mentioned by others.

Happy Trails,

Two Legs