5 Places Where You Can Get Your Soak On
Soaking in hot springs and hot pools is more than just relaxing. Natural hot springs provide nourishing minerals and negative ions that draw toxins out of the body. The hot water helps boost metabolism and improves circulation. Make a visit to one of these five destination outdoor hot pools this year.Burgdorf Hot Springs, Burgdorf, Idaho Burgdorf was built as a resort for miners back in the 1800’s, and some of the original cabins still stand. This mountain resort, surrounded by the Payette National Forest, is organized around a large spring fed swimming pool that maintains a water temperature of 100 degrees fahrenheit, with two even hotter pools adjacent to the main pool. Stay overnight at one of the 15 historic cabins and explore this magical area. Accommodations are rustic; there is no running water or electricity, only wood burning stoves and common outhouses. Burgdorf is open 365 days a year, however the 21 miles of dirt road leading to the resort are only accessible by snowmobile or cross country ski during the winter months. Burgdorf is Cabin rates are $35 per adult, swim only rates are $6 for the day. Burgdorfhotsprings.com
Kennedy Soaking Pool at The Kennedy School, Portland, Oregon
The Kennedy School is the 1915-school-turned-hotel run by Oregon’s famed McMenamins chain. Fortunately, you don’t have to be an overnight guest to relax in their heated soaking pool. This ceramic tiled pool is situated in a luxurious courtyard garden. $5 for adults. McMenamins.com
Goldmyer Hot Springs, near North Bend, Washington
For the more adventurous soaker, Goldmyer Hot Springs is located in a “minimally developed” area of the Cascade Mountains 45 minutes outside of Seattle. Fifteen miles of unpaved, unplowed road leads to the trailhead, where the hot springs are still a four and a half mile hike away. Once at the hot springs, you’re surrounded by 900 year old trees and beautiful, rugged terrain. The hot springs are naturally separated into several pools of varying temperatures, with the hottest running 125 degrees fahrenheit. Overnight camping is available. $15 for adults, $5 extra for camping. Goldmyer.org
Gold Fork Hot Springs, Donnelly, Idaho
When I visited Gold Fork Hot Springs as a child in the 1970’s, it was frequented by naked hippies and even had an old school bus nearby, presumably used as some sort of living quarters. The school bus is gone and nudity is no longer allowed under the new management, but Gold Fork Hot Springs remains a beautiful sanctuary tucked away in the Payette National Forest, an easy drive off of Highway 55. Open year round and closed on Tuesday. Rates are $8 a day. Goldforkhotsprings.com
The Esalen Hot Springs, Big Sur, California
No discussion of West Coast hot springs is complete without mention of the Esalen Hot Springs. These spring-fed pools are situated on the side of a cliff overlooking the ocean. The history of Esalen’s Hot Springs dates back to the 1880’s and boasts such notable guests over the years as Henry Miller and Hunter S. Thompson. While these hot springs are primarily available to guests of The Esalen Institute, the public is allowed access to soak late night from 1am – 3am. Reservations are required. These hot springs are handicap accessible. $25 per person. Esalen.org
