Hello everyone,

I'm hiking the PCT next year, so if you know of any hot springs within walking/hitching distance, I'd love to hear about them this is what I have so far..

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 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.
www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanberna.../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.
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 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. 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. www.topozone.com/map.asp
Hot Creek Mamoth 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. thesierraweb.com/generalin...ekfaq.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. 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. 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 127ª 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 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 topowest.com/cgibin/map.cgi
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.
www.angelfire.com/or/bonnys...racle.html gorp.away.com/gorp/resour...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. www.parks.ca.gov/


Red’s Meadow Hot Springs N 37.618 W 119.074 115°F / 46°C





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 www.goldmyer.org/
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 www.ohwy.com/or/j/jackhscg.htm
www.topozone.com/map.asp
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. rideoregon.schtuff.com/mckenz...r_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 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
www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamet...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.
www.breitenbush.com/index.html
www.breitenbush.com/reservat...tion.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.
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.
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. www.wta.org/~wta/cgi-bin/wtaweb.pl