A little hot springin'

All hot springs have a source. It can be a small underground stream or a large geothermal area like this one just past Vulcan Hot Springs. This geothermal area has steam rising up that is visible from at least 100 yards away. Its bubbling pools remind one of Yellowstone. Water from these pools bubbles into little streams that mix with the creek forming the hot spring below.


Although many hot springs aren't deep enough to cover your entire body when sitting, Vulcan will cover you and a good number of your friends up to your necks. Speaking of being covered, official Forest Service policy prohibits nudity at hot springs. However, a generally common practice that occurs is the first people to arrive at the springs determine whether or not to wear clothes.


Some hot springs require a considerable amount of work to keep running. Vulcan contains a small dam. Others use river rocks to form tub walls. Some springs utilize pcv pipe to run water to built tubs. The main courtesy to keep in mind is that generally it's best to leave the adjustments up to the people who did the main work. It's ok to let in cold or hot water to adjust temperature, but in general, it's best to leave no trace in the area.

This is my first entry on hot springs. In the future I'll try to describe specific springs and the features of each.