The First and Best Hot Spring
Years ago I discovered, almost by accident, an incredible hot spring flowing out of the ground, over a waterfall, through a chasm divided into several pools, and then into the freezing ocean north of Tofino, British Columbia.
The only way to get there was by seaplane or mailboat. We camped for several days right on the ocean in a small, protected, beautiful cove. That taste of paradise was my initiation into the pursuit of natural hot springs throughout the western U.S. and beyond.
Very hot mineral water, about 108°F, flows out of the ground, down a slope, and over a small waterfall. It passes through a short chasm containing a series of pools, each one slightly cooler than the one above it. The lowest pools are level with the ocean, and when the tide rises, incoming waves blast freezing cold water into them. The whirlpool effect is wonderful.
A week later I met a German traveler named Anna, and after backpacking much of the West Coast Trail, we spent three more nights camped at Hot Springs Cove. This place is absolutely incredible.
Hot Springs in Panama
Not all hot springs are tucked away in the mountains of the western U.S. Some of the best travel memories happen when you stumble into warm water, new friends, and a nearby river to cool off in.
Trail Creek Hot Springs, Idaho
We soaked at dozens of hot springs during the 1992 road trip. Some were easy to find, others took a bit of searching, and the best ones felt like a reward after long days of hiking, climbing, driving, or wandering.
Hot Springs Links
Some of these old links may have moved or disappeared over the years, but this section preserves the spirit of the original page as a starting point for hot spring exploring.