I admit it; I've never been to a hot spring! But I'd like to change that so I was wondering if there were any recomendations for hot springs South of Chico and in the Sacramento area? (I currently attend CSU Chico and was considering going to a hot spring when I head back down to Sacramento in October or so). Any and all information is appreciated!
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Re: Hot Spring Virgin
Thu, September 7, 2006 - 3:31 PMNatural hot springs require specific grology to exist. The central valley (ocean basin sedimant) of CA does not create hot springs. There are springs to the North and East of Chico in the Sierras and West in the Costal range. But nothing between Chico and Sacramento. A good start is to peruse www.soak.net. Think about planingn a road trip up or down US 395 or out US 50 through Nevada.
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Re: Hot Spring Virgin
Fri, September 8, 2006 - 7:04 PMwww.sierrahotsprings.org
Sierra Hot Springs is about 30 miles north of Truckee near Sierraville. Nice and relaxed. Not hard to reach from Chico. I love the place!
enjoy!
jim
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Re: Hot Spring Virgin
Tue, September 12, 2006 - 10:39 AMThe closest hot springs to Chico would be Woody's, on the Feather River about 50 miles east. It's small, and a bit sulphury, but right by the river. It's open daylight hours, 'til about 10 PM. you put a dollar in the can by the entrance, to help out the resident who takes care of it. There's a cement tub big enough for 4-6 people, and some grassy areas to lounge or set up chairs, etc. There's a calm spot in the river so you can dip between soaks. I've met nice folks there, no rowdy, alcoholic or broken glass experiences to date. The springs are right next to a little resort called Crystal Springs or something like that. I'll probably head up there this fall, so if you're interested, get in touch. Enjoy your first hot springs soak when you do get to! -
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Re: Hot Spring Virgin
Tue, December 5, 2006 - 2:00 PMI've been going to Woody's for about 10 years now, first as a student living in nearby Quincy, and now as a resident of Chico. Gotta love 'em! -
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Re: Hot Spring Virgin
Wed, January 24, 2007 - 2:30 PMyep woody's is v. good. (forgot about that one) in my book - the more sulfur the better. if you can - don't wash it off - let it stay on your skin overnight - you'll be softer than ever! and you'll stave off any colds or flus that are trying to get you too.
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Re: Hot Spring Virgin
Sun, December 31, 2006 - 11:56 PMI say Harbin in Middletown. -
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Re: Hot Spring Virgin
Wed, January 24, 2007 - 2:26 PMmore than a generous handful of well soaked folks have told me that harbin is better if you go with a pal. i've heard a LOT of people call harbin "hardon" while a few others say that's just the "occasional crowd." all of these people have been women, not men, and the complaints were all about being leered at. i note this because it surprised me how often i heard it - over and over - and i'd love some feedback. we've been thinking of going for years - but always return to orr - we doo love it there!
AT ALL COSTS - avoid Vichy. i went there by default recently when orr was closed. yuck! (chlorinate republicans in swimsuits with laptops. nuf said.) the bubbly water was really wild though - but only 94 degrees. -
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Re: Hot Spring Virgin
Wed, January 24, 2007 - 5:08 PMThere's a tribe dedicated to Harbin:
harbinhotsprings.tribe.net/
A little while ago, however, there was a bit a flame war over the "appropriate" level of sexuality at Harbin. Of course I would want you to draw your own conclusions about the discussion, but suffice it to say, there are others who would share your concern.
Going with a pal, however, seems win-win-win: you get to enjoy Harbin, your pal gets to enjoy Harbin, and you fend off the "hardons" of the "occasion crowd." -
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Re: Hot Spring Virgin
Sun, February 25, 2007 - 10:00 PMi had a negative experience at harbin as well.
it's too bad because it has a really nice set up.
i felt uncomfortable with all the people making out
blantanly in front of the signs saying something
like "no sexual activity". please let us know if
anyone has had a good experience there!
i'd love to go back if i thought it would be different.
from chico i'd recommend woody's or orr. -
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Re: Hot Spring Virgin
Mon, February 26, 2007 - 9:43 AMi have had many, many, many great experiences at Harbin. i suggest going during the winter or when it rains for the fewest people and the least people making out in warm pool.
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Re: Hot Spring Virgin
Sat, September 29, 2007 - 11:37 AMI used to love the old Orr but some legal developments there have made them REALLY strict about children under 18 and as a single parent, it's not worth it for me.
Harbin does have a bit of a too-cuddly-couples-into-the-New-Age flavor sometimes, but I also usually meet people who are really down-home and good to visit with. the Tantra scene is pretty well established there, for better or worse or some of each.I think traveling with a child, including (especially?) one who's approaching her teen years gives a person a differet perspective. it's generally somewhat older people (I'm 50) or those who also have kids that seem to want to socialize...let the cuddlers have their little games, I'm pretty much invisible to them and more or less it's mutual.
there's usualkly enough space at Harbin to maintain silence if ou wish, hang out looking at the animals and plants, catch a yoga class or a movie, and just enjoy the springs despite the Tantric Scene.
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Re: Hot Spring Virgin
Wed, January 24, 2007 - 2:16 PMthere are lots of hot springs not tooterribly far from you. note that for most/many people the pilgrimage to hot water is part of the fun. there are a few springs around clearlake - but they are (mostly) developed in a not so rustic sort of way - (bit shi-shi) or they are chlorinated beyond belief and require swimsuits). --
there are hot springs in lake county also - on the west side of the lake
outside fresno is mercey - a good place for a first soak, but a little pricey. great place though.
best to make a short weekend of it and head to the mammoth lakes area for a whole lotta hot water - start at wild willy's early in the morning (some of my photos here www.flickr.com/photos/572...N00/page3/) and make the rounds. you'll be hooked.
also - in bridgeport - you'll find travertine. 2 pools there. go at a time when local teenagers are in school or you'll be overrun with beer drinking children.
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Re: Hot Spring Virgin
Thu, September 27, 2007 - 9:46 PMI live in Chico too, and I will try out Woody's. Have you heard of Wilbur Hot Springs? I actually work as a massage therapist there, so maybe I'm biased. It is a 1 hour 45 minutes drive from Chico. 1 1/2 hour from Sactown. Make sure you have enough gas when you reach Williams, it is a 35 minute drive from there and no services or cell phone signal once you go into the hills.
It is a very safe place, they do not tolerate any leering or hitting-on or anything overtly sexual. It is a bit expensive but worth it, and it never seems crowded even when the hotel is fully booked. I think it is $45 for day use. The water is wonderful and there are good hikes. Bring your own food, you can cook in the kitchen most of the time.
