About 10 years ago the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assigned a team of scientists and physicians to study a recent spike in deaths caused by Naegleria flowleri, an amoeba found naturally in bodies of warm fresh water, such as lakes and hot springs. While this is a unique and rare risk is is still a super nasty one so it is probably not take the risk at all. You’re no doubt in some secluded nature that took a while to get to, peeing can be tricky in backcountry as it is, and these pools are all warm and comforting… but seriously don’t do it. This of course seems like a no-brainer but, look, I get it. Even though these magical, geothermal paradises make you feel alone in your own private oasis, these springs are for all and we must be respectful not just to the springs and landscape but to the people we are sharing them with. Because of both the folklore and the claimed medical value some of these springs have, they are often popular tourist destinations and locations for rehabilitation clinics for those with disabilities. These springs can often contain a very high mineral content, containing everything from simple calcium to lithium, and even radium. While some of these springs contain water that is a safe temperature for bathing, others are so hot that immersion can result in an injury or death. Natural hot springs are produced by the emergence of geothermally heated groundwater that rises from the Earth's crust. These springs are not only beautiful and therapeutic for us but they are also the most epic of places, geologically. The best hot springs I have found take an excursion, long hike, and/or an adventure just do find them. Natural hot springs are healing, soothing, and beautiful destinations.

Deep creek hot springs