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[pct-l] PCT Hot Spring Guide Version 1.0



Hello,

This is a very rough draft of the hotsprings that I have found near
the PCT. "Near" of course is a subjective term, some require that you
hitch hike or find a ride down several miles of highway. Still, all
should be fairly accessible.

Please review this list and let me know if there are any Hot Springs
that I may have overlooked (I am sure that there are). Also, if you
have any specific directions or tips please email me with those as
well (especially specific directions from the PCT).

I have  marked some springs as being "Private" even though they are on
public land, my marking of "Private" simply means that there may be a
fee involved or that the spring is subject to certain hours of use or
may be closed for various reasons. The non-private springs are
essentially "wild" and accessible 24-7 provided they have not been
destroyed by a flood or something.

Once again thank you to everyone for your input and help with this project!

P.S.
I have ordered several hot spring books and when I am able to go
through those, I will hopefully have more hot springs to share with
everyone.

Thanks,
Chai Guy




California



 Warner Springs (Private) In 1795, a Spanish expedition led by Fray
Juan Mariner visited an incredibly beautiful valley that reposed
against the San Jacinto Mountains in what is now Southern California.
Besides the majestic grandeur, the adventurers were struck by a
remarkable phenomenon, the gushing forth of "Aqua Caliente," the hot
mineral waters that would later bring thousands of visitors from all
over the world to this enchanted place. Warner Springs offers deluxe
accommodations and has a tremendous hiker discount. Warner Springs
Ranch 31652 Highway 79 P.O. Box 10 Warner Springs, CA 92086 (760)
782-4200 http://www.warnersprings.com

Deep Creek Hot Springs, San Bernadino, California located directly on
the PCT, north of Big Bear City, California These natural hot springs
are located in the San Bernardino National Forest. The pools were
built by volunteers over a period of years and are largely maintained
by volunteers in the pristine state you see them in today. The
beautiful and unique landscape, the soothing hot spring waters mixing
with the cool mountain stream, local custom and tradition make for a
wonderful clothing-optional setting to be enjoyed by all. Since the
time Native Americans inhabited the area, people from all over the
world have come to the Springs to get away, soak, sunbathe, relax, and
enjoy the natural environment all year long.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/recreation/deepcreek/index.shtml


Mono Hot Springs (private resort), Mono Hot Springs, California N
37.327 W 119.018 109?F / 43?C
Approximately 7 miles hitchhiking off trail. With hot mineral baths,
massage, rustic cabins (reasonably priced), and good food, you'll
decompress in no time. And nobody can beat Mono Hot Springs for
location. Hiking into the John Muir Wilderness from here is
extraordinary. (559) 325-1710 From Yosemite National Park: Take SR 41
south. Between Fish Camp and Oakhurst, turn left on Road 222 to Bass
Lake and North Fork. As you approach Bass lake, Road 222 veers to the
right to Bass Lake, so stay on the main road which changes its name to
Road 274 and heads to North Fork. Right turn at stop/yield sign in
North Fork, cross the creek, go left through North Fork till you see
the left turn sign for Road 222 to Auberry. (When we checked July 3,
the sign was missing. So from the yield sign mentioned above, go one
mile and you'll arrive at the left turn pocket to Road 222.) You'll
drop down in elevation and cross the San Joaquin River. Then you go
up, up, up. At the stop sign, head on through and past Auberry to stop
sign at SR 168, turn left and follow signs to Huntington Lake .
http://www.monohotsprings.com/health.html



Muir Trail Ranch (Private/Public) Over a thousand gallons per hour of
fresh, hot water gushes out of a crack in the bedrock, flows along a
tempering streambed, then pours into a large pool that is surrounded
by flowers and a beautiful enclosure. When you slip slowly into its
hot embrace, any aches or pains slowly vanish. This is no backyard hot
tub. First, it's bigger, about 8 by 10 feet (about 2.5 by 3 meters)
and 2.5 feet (0,75m) deep. Second, it's fresh since there is enough
flow to change the water 16 times a day. And finally, it's in a
setting you won't find in many back yards ? the view out the south
side is of a granite peak that rises majestically over our meadow Near
the pool is a place to wash up before entering the pool. We supply the
soap and shampoo. The water temperature is around 107?F (42?C).If
that's a little too hot for you, there is another bath only a few feet
away that we call the cool bath. It is enclosed, too, and has cooler
water coming in from a spring up the hill nearby to fill the pool with
water a little hotter than body temperature. We have provided a
wash-off area in this pool also. This is the kids' favorite pool.
During the off-season, October through May, our address is: Muir Trail
Ranch P.O. Box 700 Ahwahnee, CA 93601 Our phone number is (209)
966-3195       http://www.muirtrailranch.com/hot-springs.html



Sierra Hot Springs (private) Sierraville, California  For almost 150
years, this land has hosted popular hot springs resorts. The spring
water here is as smooth as silk and the pools are a true experience.
Within the last several years, two of the springs have been
beautifully redeveloped.  The Temple Dome Area is the main pool area
and consists of The Hot Pool which is enclosed in a large geodesic
dome, featuring stained glass and skylights. Complimented by two cold
plunges this pool is also sand bottomed, with mosaic tile sides.
Outside the dome, the warm Swimming Pool is complimented by a large
sundeck. There is also a dry sauna at the Temple Dome Pool area. The
Meditation Pool is outdoors, surrounded by rock tile. In this faux
natural pool, you step down rock steps into a sand bottomed delight.
This seasonal hot pool is ideal for enjoying the star studded skies
The Phoenix Baths are seasonal pools inside private rooms, and the
warm spring water is drained and refilled between users. The Phoenix
Baths also house our newly remodeled spa area. From I-80 take exit
188B in Truckee, go North on Hwy 89 approximately 30 minutes to
Sierraville. The Globe Hotel is at the intersection of Hwys 89 and 49.
To reach the Main Lodge and the Springs, turn right onto Hwy 49, then
turn right on Lemon Canyon Road. Turn the next road right again onto
Campbell Hot Springs Road. Follow this road to the Main Lodge. Please
register at the Lodge before using any of the facilities.     
http://www.sierrahotsprings.org/intro.htm

 Iva Bell aka "Fish Creek" Black-eyed Susans, columbine, and wild
orchids seem to dance above the lush grass surrounding Fish Creek Hot
Springs, also called Iva Bell. If you're a hiker who likes to
skinny-dip and you wouldn't mind a 13-mile walk from Red's Meadow
Campground, near Devil's Postpile, then this is the spot for you. Iva
Bell features six 100- to 110-degree soaking pools located next to or
near campsites. Once there, at an elevation of 7,200 feet, you'll also
have a great meadow-top view of Fish Creek Valley and the mountains of
the eastern Sierra. From the trailhead at the end of the road at
Red's, the hike is five miles to Cold Creek, then another seven miles
to the Iva Bell camp area, where the pools are located.

 BLANEY HOT SPRINGS, MARIPOSA, California 37.234 118.881 109?F / 43?C 
         A hot springs that doubles as a mud bath? That's just one of
Blaney Hot Springs' many surprises. Another is its location: the
little spring is in a meadow near the John Muir Trail, right in the
middle of the Sierra. Some hikers use it as a mud bath, which can be a
relaxing treat after backpacking. The site, also accessible by
horseback or four-wheel-drive vehicle, is near the town of Lakeshore,
some 10 miles southeast of Florence Lake. How to find it: Getting to
the springs requires a 11-mile hike from the end of the road at
Florence Lake and across the south fork of the San Joaquin River. Want
to spend more of your time in the springs instead of on the trail? In
summer, the walk is just 5 miles on the Florence Lake Trail if you
take the Sierra Queen across the lake. For details, call the Pine
Ridge Ranger District at (559) 855-5360.
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?qn=y&s=25&size=s&lat=37.234&lon=-118.881



Hot Creek Mammoth Lakes, California 37.656 118.834 171? F 77? C   USGS
QUAD (MT. MORRISON 15) Hot Creek is located 25 miles south of Lake
Mono, near Mammoth Lakes. Hot Creek was a party hot spot during the
sixties though these days it is more family-oriented. The Creek is
maintained by the National Park Service, and has a more official air
to it as can be seen by the numerous warnings to avoid the scalding
water along the hillside. The waters are very unique as the hot water
bubbles up from the bottom of the creek, where the waters are heated
by magma three miles below the surface. This hot water mixes with the
cold creek water. If you stand in one place for a few minutes you can
feel the hot water mixing with the cold, resulting in a perfect
temperature depending on where you are standing. Just be sure not to
go near the restricted areas as the water is scalding in those places.
Hot Creek has two bathing areas. The first bathing area is at the
bottom of the trail that leads down from the parking lot. This trail
continues onto the second bathing area, that is less popular but every
bit as good as the first area. Hot Creek is very popular, and many
international visitors come to bathe. Located two miles south of the
Mammoth Lakes turnoff from route 395, turn left onto Hot Creek Airport
Road and follow the signs for about three miles.   
http://thesierraweb.com/generalinfo/hotcreekfaq.html



Buckeye Hot Spring Bridgeport, California 38.237 N 119.326 W 140
degrees F USGS map: Matterhorn Peak (15 min) Buckeye Hot Spring lies
within Toiyabe National Forest, just north of Bridgeport. It is a
little harder to get to than Travertine, and doesn't have a grand view
of the Sierras as its backdrop. What it does have is the sound of the
adjacent babbling brook, which are very soothing to the senses and
frayed nerves. The hot mineral water cascades over a cave in a
mini-waterfall formation. Troglodytes will enjoy the seclusion of
soaking in the exposed cave, while others are content to admire the
stream. Buckeye is clothing-optional though the majority of soakers
are families with swimsuits. Another draw to Buckeye is the nearby
campground, for those who want to be next to the springs 24 hours a
day.At the northern end of Bridgeport, turn off of route 395, turn
west on Twin Lakes Road and travel seven miles. Turn right just past
Doc and Al's Resort, then cross the bridge going over the creek.
Continue uphill along a gravel road, past Buckeye Campground. At the
top of the hill there is a parking area. The springs are down the
trail from the parking lot towards the creek.                         
                                                 
http://www.soak.net/f-buckeye.html





Travertine Hot Spring Bridgeport, California 38.245 N 119.205 W 180
degrees F USGS map: Bodie (15 min) lies on California State Park land
just south of the town of Bridgeport. It is one of the easiest to get
to, and therefore one of the most popular. It boasts a stunning view
of the Sierras while you bathe. Though it is designated as "clothing
optional" many bathers these days prefer to soak in swimsuits. The
naturally hot water is scalding at its source, but flows down rock
formations till it reaches the pools below at a comfortable 103
degrees. All types of people visit Travertine, including the nearby
park rangers, campers, families, couples, and single travelers.
Limited camping space is available on the short dirt road leading to
the springs, but is not allowed in the immediate area of the pools.
Take route 395 south of Bridgeport for half a mile. Turn left at Jack
Sawyer Road, just before the Ranger Station. Follow Jack Sawyer road,
along a dirt road, approximately one mile. 
http://www.soak.net/f-trav.html


Kneoughs Hot Springs (private) Bishop The Brown family of Bishop has
purchased and is currently renovating the entire facility. The main
pool is the "largest natural hot springs pool in the Eastern Sierra."
Six hundred gallons of 127? water flows from the ground each minute.
Locals and tourists alike are invited to swim, play and relax in the
friendly surroundings. There is a snack bar, picnic area and Rock
Gardens. New to Kneoughs, is a unique gift + swim shop, featuring bath
+ body, kids toys+ gifts, water workout gear, Swimsuits and home +
Garden Decor. Therapeutic massage is available, as well as camping +
lodging facilities. 7 miles south of Bishop, right of hwy 395. Call
(760) 872-4670          http://www.keoughshotsprings.com/

Miracle Springs, Lake Isabella, California N 35.575 W 118.534 119?F / 48?C
Hidden well by the dense vegetation, this multi-tub location provides
a peaceful setting along the Kern River. The tubs are inside a group
of boulders, overlooking the Lower Kern River. Hobo Campground is
walking distance away
http://topowest.com/cgibin/map.cgi?latitude=35.34.30&longitude=118.32.0&dpi=200&size=medium&style=collared&state=California&Go=Go

Remington Hot Springs- Lake Isabella, California. Hidden along the old
canyon road is a trail that leads to Remington Hot Springs. This area
provides hot springs that flow at 115 degrees along a shaded stretch
of the river. No development remains other than a cement tub A hiking
trail across the road heads up Remington Ridge to Breckenridge
Mountain. The hot springs are located 2 miles west of Hobo Campground
on the Old Kern Canyon Road A 1/4 mile hiking trail descends 300 feet
down to the hot springs along the Kern River .
http://www.angelfire.com/or/bonnyscotland/miracle.html 
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_forest/ca/mis_sequ.htm

 Grover Hot Springs (private) N 38.699 W 119.846 147f. 64c. Grover Hot
Springs State Park is located on the east side of the Sierra at the
edge of the Great Basin Province, characterized by open pine forest
and sagebrush. The park has a hot springs, a campground, picnic area
and hiking trails. The pools are generally open every day from
Memorial Day to Labor Day. In the off season, pool hours and days of
operation are based on the funds available that year. As with any
weather related recreation, calling the park prior to your arrival may
save you an unnecessary trip. Call the park at (530) 694-2249 for
current information. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=508

Oregon

Goldmyer Hot Springs (Private), N 47.484 W 121.391 127?F / 53?C
Located 25 miles outside of Bend Oregon Goldmyer is a remote, very
beautiful hot springs emerging from inside an old mine shaft. The
water temperature at its source is about 120 degrees. The water inside
the "cave" is around 110 degrees. The water cascades into several
nearby rock pools, with progressively lower temperatures. A cool water
pool is located close by for cool downs. Access to the property is by
fording a river, which can vary in depth from ankle depth to over
waist deep or impassable.   Maximum occupancy is set at 20 people per
day. The entry fee is $12 per day http://www.goldmyer.org/
http://www.nwhotsprings.net/goldmyer.htm

Jackson Hot Springs aka Wellsprings (Private) near Ashland, Oregon N
42.221 W 122.742 95?F / 35?C
This campground has mineral hot springs that empty into a swimming
pool, although hot mineral baths are available in private rooms. The
campground has 30 tent sites and 20 pull through sites for any size
RVs. There are full hookups and restrooms, showers, cafe, laundry,
ice, and a swimming pool are nearby. No reservations or pets accepted.
541-482-3776 http://www.ohwy.com/or/j/jackhscg.htm
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=42.221&lon=-122.742

Deer Creek aka Bigelow  McKenzie Bridge , Oregon  N 44.241 W 122.058 
142?F / 61?C A warm soaking pool in a fern-lined grotto on the banks
of the McKenzie River. Deer Creek Hot Springs is a mellow little
soaking pool on the upper stretches of the McKenzie River. The hot
springs are also known as Bigelow Hot Springs and McKenzie River Hot
Springs, although the Forest Service has settled on Deer Creek Hot
Springs as its official name. The hot springs are less popular than
the larger (and hotter) soaking venues in the Oregon Cascades such as
McCredie, Bagby, and Terwilliger, but they're still worth visiting if
you're driving through the McKenzie River Valley. There's only one
soaking pool at Deer Creek Hot Springs, but it's a beauty.         
http://rideoregon.schtuff.com/mckenzie_river_trail



Belknap Hot Springs (private) McKenzie Bridge, Oregon  N 44.193 W
122.049 160?F / 71?C $4.50 for one hour or less (Shower and Bathroom
Facilities) $8.50 per day per person. Pool hours are 9:00 AM to 8:00
PM (Bathing suit required) Belknap Resort & Hot Springs, offers a 19
room Lodge and seven cabins with accommodations ranging from $85.00 to
$185.00 per night, 20 Tent sites. Two wonderful swimming size pools
naturally fed with hot springs mineral water, kept at approx. 104
degrees. The 160-acre resort offers some of the most spectacular river
views in the Valley and approximately 80 acres of ornamental flower
gardens   PO Box 2001 59296 Belknap Springs Road McKenzie Bridge,
Oregon 97413 Phone: 541-822-3512 info@belknaphotsprings.com      
http://www.belknaphotsprings.com





Terwilliger Hot Springs (Private)  Willamete National Forest, Oregon, 
Approximately 11.5 miles southeast of Blue River As you walk the 1/4
mile trail to the hot springs, you are enveloped in the dark hues of
primeval woodland, touched by mottled light filtering down from
treetops high above and the invigorating scene of the lagoon with the
gorgeous Rider Creek waterfall spilling into it. There are six soaking
pools space apart by rock walls laid out in steps down a ravine. The
water comes out of a spectacular rock formation and water temperature
of the pools ranges from 105 to 116 degrees. Directions: From Blue
River, travel 4 miles east on Hwy 126 to Aufderheide Drive (Road 19).
Continue on Aufderheide Drive for 7.5 miles to Terwilliger Hot Springs
parking lot. The hike is 1/4 mile to the hot springs. OPERATED BY:
Hoodoo Recreation Services
P.O. Box 20, Hwy 20 Sisters, OR 97759 541-822-3799

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/recreation/tripplanning/dayuse/terwilliger_hot_springs.html





Breiten Bush Hot Springs (Private), Willamette National Forest, Oregon
N 44.782 W 121.975 198?F / 92?C
Reservations & Info: 503.854.3320 Monday thru Saturday 9am?4pm
Reservations are required for overnight stays and Day Use. This place
is expensive (try $55 to camp in your own tent!), please see their
website for details. Hot Springs & Steam Sauna. These prolific hot
springs have long been a destination for those seeking healing,
rejuvenation, and community. Three Meadow pools that are lined with
smooth rocks and overlook the river. The four tiled Spiral Tubs are
aligned in the cardinal directions with increasing temperatures. They
are adjoined by the cedar tub cold plunge. The Sauna is a whimsical
cedar cabin resting atop the bubbling waters. All are clothing
optional and available for your use 24 hours a day.

http://www.breitenbush.com/index.html
http://www.breitenbush.com/reservations/location.html


Bagby Hot Springs, Mt. Hood National Forest , Estacada Oregon, GPS: 
44.936N  122.173W there is a roofed, enclosed and totally private row
of five bathhouses, each with a hollowed-out cedar log for a tub. By
removing the wooden plug from each flume, one can quickly fill the
tub. Then by adding buckets of cool water (obtained nearby) one can
regulate the temperature. Once everything is settled, you can lie back
in your private tub and enjoy one of the loveliest spots in Oregon.
Warning: If a number of others are filling the tubs at the same time,
it may take a bit of time to fill your tub. Just below the private
bathhouses is a public, roofed bathing area which has three cedar tubs
(each big enough for two) and a round cedar tub which accommodates
four. These tubs are filled in a similar fashion. Bathing suits are
optional here.
http://www.nwhotsprings.net/bagby.htm

Mccredie Hot Springs, Oakridge, Oregon . GPS:  43.708N  122.288W
Located at about 2,000-foot  altitude, just a few steps from Highway
58 in the Willamette National Forest, the springs are open
year-around. It has a large parking lot and riverside picnic tables,
with a Forest Service campground less than a mile away.  There was
talk several years ago of expanding the hot springs into a rustic
resort which would take advantage of the hot springs and nearby Salt
Creek.  However, nothing ever developed and the hot springs remains
natural and woodsy.  The shallow pools, lined with rock and sand, are
just right for a morning or afternoon soak anytime of year.  Located
at about 2,000-foot altitude, in the Willamette National Forest, the
springs are open year-around.
http://www.nwhotsprings.net/mccredie.htm


Washington

Sulphur Creek Hot Springs, Glacier Peak Wilderness, Washington
Latitude 48:14.92 N by Longitude 121:11.56 W (note that this is the
trail head location) This area supposedly has some sulphur hot
springs, but they are not easy to find. The trail starts on the north
side of FR #26, opposite Sulphur Creek C.G.. The trail starts at a
shiny, new trail sign on the north side of the road opposite the
campground and gains a few hundred feet to the Wilderness boundary at
0.5 miles. From here it drops and reaches the creek at mp 0.8 near the
site of the hot springs which are on the opposite side of the stream.
Frequently you can smell the rotten egg odor of the hot springs, but
they can be hard to find. During the spring melt runoff, it is not
safe to wade the creek here. The unmaintained trail continues, but is
blocked by many large fallen trees and crosses several washouts until
it eventually peters out at approximately mp 2. One section of the
trail offers a nice view of cascades in the creek where it forms an
island. Directions: Drive Highway 530 north from Darrington or south
from Highway 20 near Rockport. Turn east on FR #26. Drive Suiattle
River Road FR #26 22 miles to the Sulphur Creek Campground and park
off the road, but not in the campground.
http://www.wta.org/~wta/cgi-bin/wtaweb.pl?3+tg+fetch+english+1110