A Soaker's Ps & Qs
One day this summer, I dragged three hot-spring virgins—two Midwesterners and a Southern belle—across the border into Idaho for their first-ever backcountry soak. I didn't check the forecast, though, and it was clear when we pulled up to the trailhead we'd set out on the hottest day of the year. By the time we reached the pool, the mile-long hike had my charges sweat-drenched and skeptical. We had the place to ourselves all afternoon, but I was the only one proud and stupid enough to peel down and slide in. I'm still slightly pinkish from the ten excruciating minutes I spent stewing.
Now that we've swapped fall windbreakers for down jackets, soaking season begins in earnest. For Westerners (and a few in-the-know Easterners in places like Arkansas and Virginia), a dip in a backcountry hot spring is a frequent ritual once the temps have dropped—meaning that if you're planning a hot spring hike (or ski) in the next few months, you're likely to find yourself sharing the waters. A few things worth keeping in mind:
The author's trusty rubber ducky enjoying Weir Creek Hot Spring in Idaho's Clearwater National Forest (Brian Kevin)
* Naturists are people too, and occasional nudity comes with the hot springs territory. Still, nobody likes an exhibitionist, so if you opt to go au natural, try not to give anybody the full-frontal unless they're really asking for it. (And even then, be, er, judicious.)
* A glass bottle at a hot spring is like a Baby Ruth at a pool party—if it ends up in the water, ain't nobody taking a dip for a while (a la Caddyshack). Anyway, it's a barefoot crowd, so if you bring a beverage, keep it canned.
* It's polite to give a "Mind if I join you?" before sliding into an occupied pool, and you may just have to wait your turn. Yelling "Cannonball!" is never an appropriate way to herald your entry.
* Nobody likes a chatterbox. Nobody likes a smoker. Nobody likes someone who's substituting a soak for their bi-weekly shower.
The Soaker’s Bible is the best online resource for hot spring seekers. Don’t forget your towel.
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