Goldmyer Hot Springs

Goldmyer Hot Springs started out life as a mine. I don't think they found any gold or coal or whatever it was they were looking for. Instead, they found water (with a very mild sulfur smell). They stopped mining and turned the place into a vacation destination.

There was a train, which cut the travel time considerably. Part of the trail on the south side of the river is still along the old railroad bed. I blame the forest service for stopping the train, but it might have been economics. Dunno.

Somewhere over the years, the entrance to the mine was blocked off halfway to create a deep pool in the cave. It's proper stonework, with mortared joints and all. There's even a drain at the bottom. The cave has the hottest water, since that's the source.

At the back of the cave, there's a small bench, just above water level. If you sit on that, it's just like a sauna. Unfortunately, it's not nearly comfortable for two people to relax on. The rocks nearby are too pointy to be proper headrests.

Chunlin had an idea to bring an air-mattress raft for the cave. It's wide enough. I think we'll have to try that, next time.

Very steamy.


The water from the cave then spills into a small, middle pool. This pool is all manmade, but of natural rock from the area. Looks good. The water here is fairly shallow, and there's not much room to stretch out. But the water is a perfect temperature. Except for the cold drips off the trees above.

Even when it's not raining, the moisture from the hot springs gets the tree branches above wet, and so they drip. Cold drops.

Chunlin lent me her poncho so I could sit in that pool and not get cold splashed. Very considerate. It worked, too.

From the small pool, the water cascades into a large, shallow pool. This is the coolest water, but it's still bathtub temperature. It's as deep as a bathtub, though, and large enough for four people comfortably.

You can sit under the falls for a hot-water massage. Very nice.


The lower pool gets all the rain, so we didn't spend much time there Saturday. Sunday, however, was much better.

Near the springs is Burntboot Creek, a raging torrent of near-freezing water.


My second time to Goldmyer was in the springtime (my other three trips have been in autumn). That time, the creek level was low enough that you could dunk yourself in it. Not this weekend, though. Or rather, not if you valued your life.


By the way, the springs are clothing-optional, but bring a swimsuit just in case someone has children or you're prone to giving in to clothing peer pressure.