I spent my recent birthday at the day spa, sweating away in a vat of minerals. Now, this isn’t a regular occurrence for me. It was a total treat. But I realized something. It should be a regular occurrence. Because the healing power of hot, bubbly water on a mess of stress is, well–pretty amazing!
Fortunately, the Pacific Northwest is pretty close to paradise for the geothermal-inclined. Here are a few fun overnight destinations for natural hotspring-dipping:
Breitenbush Hot Springs Breitenbush retreat center is a worker-owned co-op community on 154 acres of wildlife sanctuary in the Willamette National Forest of the Oregon Cascades. They offer relaxing pools, yoga, meditation, hiking trails, and more. It is simple and rustic, but not uncomfortable. Take a tour of their website to get a feel for whether or not this place is for you. Lodging ranges from dormitory-style to cabins with private baths, and rates are $61 – $115 per person, which includes all meals (organic, vegetarian) and 24-hour access to the hot springs. Bring your own bedding, towels and toiletries, and leave pets and laptops at home. Reservations required. Contact: www.breitenbush.com, office@breitenbush.com, or 503.854.3320.
Lehman Hot Springs It’s one of Oregon’s oldest hot springs resorts, enveloped in green by the Umatilla National Forest. Lehman offers variety, both in its lodging choices (from nice lodge rooms to RV spots) and pool temperatures, so there is more or less something for everyone here. Rates range from $12 for camping to $95 double occupancy for a lodge room or small cabin. Contact: www.lehmanhotsprings.com, info@lehmanhotsprings.com, or 541-427-3015.
Carson Hot Spring Resort On the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge is this no-frills hot springs resort where a little money goes a long way. The towels aren’t particularly generous or fluffy, but the water is hot and the soaking tubs are private. The massages and wraps are a steal. A king-bed room here is just $75, double occupancy. Contact: www.carsonhotspringresort.com, carsonhs@hotmail.com, or 1-800-607-3678.
Pssst… if Carson Hot Spring Resort just isn’t your thing, the nearby luxurious Bonneville Hot Springs Resort has rooms starting at $179 a night.
So, where’s your favorite Northwest hot spring?
Photo: Breitenbush hot spring pool by Sparkle Glowplug.
