Three Western Hot Springs to Try

I'm a big Hot Spring fan. When I'm traveling and there's an option to find a little time for a soak then that's what I'm going to do. There are so many in the Western United States - some that you pay to use, some that are by the side of the road and some that you have to hike to get to - that it makes for some fun excursions and a good relaxing soak. Here are three that I've enjoyed in Colorado and Oregon:

Cougar Hot Springs (aka Terwilliger Hot Springs)
Willamette National Forest, Oregon
Cougar Hot Springs is located at the end of a quarter mile walk in the Willamette National Forest. (The closest road is 126 and the closest town is Rainbow -  it's really in the middle of nowhere) It's a series of five rock pools with the hottest being 112 degrees at the top and the coolest at 90 degrees at the bottom. There is a $6 fee to soak, a pavilion for storing your things and..... clothing is optional. Closed from sunset to sunrise - and heavily patrolled - and on Thursday mornings for cleaning. 

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Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Iron Mountain Hot Springs is a series of 16 geothermal soaking pools and a freshwater family pool set along the Colorado River with views of the Rocky Mountains in Glenwood Springs. There are changing rooms with showers, a a restaurant to provide refreshments, water bottle filling stations around the springs and piped in soothing music for your relaxation. Each pool is different - some are pebble bottomed, one has a waterfall and some have infinity views. Temperatures range from 99 degrees to 108. Umbrellas provide shade in the summer and heated walkways keep the snow off in winter. Adult entry is $20 off-peak and $25 in peak season for a day pass.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
These all natural mineral springs are located outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The Springs are a consistent 104 degrees and though you must pay to enter, they are located in a very natural setting of rock pools. Facilities include a heated cabin for changing, picnic areas, private areas for table massage and beverages available for purchase. Adults cost $15 for entry except on holidays and holiday weekends when the cost is $20. Open til midnight on weekends and 10:30 pm on weekdays.  And not only can you soak in the hot springs, you can rent a camping cabin on the property or a tent site in the summer and enjoy an overnight visit. 

So if you're in Colorado or Oregon and want to take a dip in a spring, then check one of these three out. 

If you're interested in more hot springs in Oregon, here's a comprehensive website: Soak Oregon


How about you? Do you enjoy visiting Hot Springs?


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