Since the dawn of time, humans have been attracted to the healing waters of hot springs. Most hot springs, which are heated by geothermal heat rising from the earth's crust, have a high mineral content and are thought to have medicinal and restorative qualities. It's no surprise that people continue to travel to these natural waters for relaxation and renewal, especially given the frequently breathtakingly beautiful settings of many of these hot springs. Explore the finest natural hot springs in the United States, as well as surrounding camping options.
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1. Bagby Hot Springs
Bagby Hot Springs, discovered in 1880 by a hunter called Bill Bagby, remain almost as primitive now as they were when Bagby discovered them over 150 years ago. Visitors pay a $5 bathing charge and then walk 1.4 miles to the bathhouses, which are located amid Oregon's thick and beautifully green Mount Hood National Forest. Choose from eight private log baths or two 6 foot circular tubs once you arrive.
Bagby's tubs and plumbing are both constructed of cedar, giving the impression that the whole setup sprang naturally from the forest. The main spring's water is blistering 138 degrees, but buckets of cold water are nearby to help chill it down. Bagby does not allow alcohol, and nudity is not permitted in public places. Bagby Hot Springs is open all year, but check the weather forecast before visiting since snow may make the route to the hot springs impassable.
2. Deep Creek Hot Springs
Deep Creek Hot Springs and the surrounding area are both hot, located in the northern Mojave Desert of the San Bernardino National Forest. Because tourists must walk a tough 2 kilometers to reach the springs, it's better to come in the winter or early in the morning during the summer, when temperatures may easily exceed 100 degrees. It's also worth noting that the road leading to the parking lot is rough and uneven, and it's better to do it with 4-wheel drive. Bowen Ranch allows visitors to park their vehicles, however, there is a $5 parking charge. Those who endure the difficult walk to the hot springs are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of rocky desert mountains covered in scrub vegetation, enormous natural bathing pools surrounded by massive boulders, and panoramic views beyond. Soakers often bring inner tubes with them to float in the natural waters. While children are welcome, this is not necessarily the ideal setting for them. Nudity is frequent, and big groups may become boisterous at times.
3. Chena Hot Springs
In 1905, gold prospectors looking for a solution for the health issues they were having as a result of the physically demanding nature of their job found Chena Hot Springs (there is evidence that native peoples used these waters before them). China Hot Waters had become a popular resort in less than ten years, and tourists traveled for days by stagecoach to reach the springs. Chena Hot Springs is still a popular tourist destination today, although it's now just a two-hour trip from Fairbanks.
Despite the fact that these hot springs are situated in a resort, tourists are not required to spend the night to enjoy them. There is a hot springs lake accessible to people 18 years and older, as well as hot springs, pool appropriate for children. Adults pay $15 per day, while children pay $12. Children under the age of six are admitted for free. While the hot springs are warm and welcoming, the northern lights may frequently be seen blazing in the sky above at night, making this location really unique. Chena Hot Springs is the spot to see the aurora borealis if you want to cross it off your bucket list.
4. Trail Creek Hot Springs
Trail Creek Hot Springs is a wonderful place to relax in the wilderness. Despite its popularity among Idaho residents, there are so many hot springs to select from that it's possible to turn up at this location and have it all to yourself. Two walled pools with views of the surrounding rock and tall pine trees are available to soakers.
The spring remains a blistering 116 degrees, but the pools are equipped with valves that enable cold river water to enter to chill them down. There is plenty of camping nearby for those who wish to pitch a tent and enjoy a midnight bath beneath the stars (the designated spots are identifiable with fire rings). This quiet little location will not disappoint you no matter what time of day or night you come.
5. Wild Willy's Hot Springs
Wild Willy's Hot Springs may have an amusement park feel about it, but it is everything but. This primitive hot spring, near Mammoth Lakes, bursts up in the midst of a beautiful and unpopulated natural environment. Visitors park their vehicles in a specified area and then stroll along a raised wooden boardwalk. The hot springs are about 0.2 kilometers away.
Even though the walk is short, take time to appreciate the sights of the green plains and the mountains rising beyond them. Make yourself at home in one of the two small pools after you've arrived at the springs. The first pool is approximately 10 feet long and 10 feet broad, and it's nice and warm. The second, approximately 50 feet behind the first, is deeper and hotter, and it has a lovely heart-shaped form. Because these hot springs are so readily accessible, they may quickly become a weekend party destination. On a weekday, if you want to avoid the throng, go early.
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