Travertine Hot Springs
nearest town: Bridgeport CA
part of: Humboldt Toyiabe National Forest
A Forest Service Campground, Hot Soak in the US 395 region.
Number of visits: 7
GPS: 38.2471,-119.2049
Bathroom: no • Water: no
There's a very nice tub at the parking lot, holds 1-3 folks - adjustable temp, great soak.
Down the hill is a travertine mound that starts with a pretty hot one person tub (109°-ish?) on the uphill side, which feeds into progressively cooler tubs as the water flows clockwise around the mound downhill. The last two have a spectacular view of the valley, but are too cool and have creepy stuff growing in them.
This place is too accessible from 395 and too well known. It's usually busy, and sometimes straight-up creepy with weirdos straight off the highway.
The camping spot is handy even without the hot springs.
When the hot springs road turns left, take a right and park at any of the several rough camping spots.
Notes on each visit (posted cost • senior cost):
I arrived on foot a little after dark. There were 4-5 cars around, but I didn't see many people. There was one fellow in the nice tub by the parking lot. I joined him and we chatted away for a while. He left, and I had the tub to myself for a while. A couple came and almost joined, but decided to move on. Worked for me!
I hd a nice hassle-free soak with only nice people, and a nice walk back to the campsite.
Creepy locals here this time. Dudes in the wild with teardrop tattoos creep me out. I did my friendly harmless thing and it was ok.
behind the ranger station, 2-3 pools, unshaded, great view of the valley