[pct-l] swimming holes

[Steve Courtway]

Don't forget Iva Bell hot springs on the fish creek alternate route 
approaching Red's Meadow NoBo.

For the non-purists who plan on walking down through tunnel falls 
approaching the columbia river as well, it is quite possibly the greatest 
place in the world.  Natural perfect temp hot spring water bubbling up from 
sandy bottomed "bathtubs" in a nice meadow surrounded by an ampitheatre of 
granite walls.




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Judith G" <twolegs at adelphia.net>
To: <pct-l at mailman.backcountry.net>; <mary.moynihan at gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2007 10:51 AM
Subject: [pct-l] swimming holes


> Hi Spirit,
>
> As I recall, the times hiking north from Campo I was able to put my
> suffering bod into water were:
>
> 1)  Warner Springs.  If you are hiking in the "season" the resort opens
> its doors (for $$ of course) to thru (and section) hikers.  You can get
> a room, eat in the pub or restaurant, and use the hot springs, for a
> modest fee.  You can also (I believe) pay for a day-use pass and hop in
> the hot spring. (mile 110)
>
> 2) Whitewater Creek.  After crossing I-10 and hiking in a ways, you
> will come to, and must cross, Whitewater Creek.  It was 98 degrees at
> noon the day I arrived there and I just lay down in the creek fully
> clothed and let the water run over me.  What relief.  (mile 218)
>
> 3)  I don't know if swimming is allowed, or where it's allowed, in Big
> Bear Lake, but ....   (mile 265 or so)
>
> 4)  Deep Creek hot springs has both hot and cold immersion
> opportunities  (mile 306)
>
> 5)  Silverwood Lake.  The trail goes right along the shore.  (around
> mile 325, I believe)  The trail was rerouted around it after the fire
> in late 2003, but has now I believe been restored.  But before the
> fire, there was a nice spot to camp along the lake, with great early
> morning bathing right at tentside.
>
> I don't recall anything between Silverwood Lake and the High Sierras
> that you could actually get into, but then I haven't hiked the section
> between Wrightwood and KM yet (but will be doing this section in May).
> If you are in the Sierras in June the lakes and rivers might be a touch
> cold for enjoyable bathing.  Also, hikers tend to be slathered with
> DEET and sunscreen, and it is poor form to wash this off in fragile
> alpine lakes.  It's not good for the other life forms.  Wipe all that
> stuff off first with a wet bandana.
>
> There are hot springs near Muir Ranch (mile 856) and free hot spring
> showers at Reds Meadow campground (mile 906 +/-).
>
> I have not yet hiked the sections between Tuolumne Meadows and Oregon.
> However, in Oregon I frequently jumped into an inviting lake for a
> swim.  I wiped off the DEET and sunscreen first of course.
>
> The phrase you use, "swimming hole," reminds me of my childhood when we
> happily splashed in a wide spot in a creek outside of town.  I've never
> enjoyed being in a chemicalized swimming pool after growing up with
> that kind of natural experience.
>
> Hope you have an opportunity to enjoy the wet spots along the trail
> mentioned above, and any that might be mentioned by others.
>
> Happy Trails,
>
> Two Legs
>
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