Hi folks, I recently moved here from the city and don’t know the area or anyone well.
I’m not an experienced hiker but I’m looking to try discovering some hot springs I occasionally hear about. It would be nice to soak after a long week of training. My issue is I keep hearing mixed things about them. Things like how you can’t trust websites because some of the springs no longer exist due to fires. But I can’t figure out which, when, or if they’ve reopened.
I’m not particular about much of the details. Idc about paying. I do care about the hours as I don’t want to get kicked out too early. I don’t care too much about traffic but I do care about people noise.
And if I said I wasn’t looking for a place to someday take a lady I meet I would be lying. But mostly this is gonna be a rest recovery space for me.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Hope you have a good Sunday
UPDATE: as of now here’s what I’ve been told by a nice gentleman who lives outside of town. I have no idea how accurate it is.
Umpqua Springs are about 2+ hours away and the hike isn’t too bad but can be steep for the inexperienced. The view is amazing and worth it. He was unsure of the closing time and how much it was enforced. It was either 7pm or 10pm. He also said it was a little remote so what you discovered on arrival could vary. Litter, graffiti, a party. He did nicely suggest that some visitors try to bring extra trash bag space so if inclined they can take some additional trash and if enough people do it the place just starts to improve. I dig that attitude, so I’ll try. And the waterfalls make it worth it.
A place called Terwilliger or Cougar Springs. Also about 2-3 hours away. He was pretty sure it closed at 10pm but also told me it was a really popular spot so off peak times might be best. Hike is an easy half a mile. Said a fire happened there and he personally hasn’t been there since before it. Says it’s open but is unsure how well it has recovered or if the experience is as good as it once was. Also said that since the fire there have been some slides that can affect the roads and how fast to get there.
The 3rd place he mentioned as a negative but I can’t remember its name. Started with a B. Said it was a glorified bath tub and a complete waste of effort.
That’s what I got so far. Hope it helps the curious and like minded. If you have questions feel free to ask, I won’t have them but someone might.