Synopsis
Hot Springs and Hot Pools of the Northwest by Marjorie Gersh-Young is a comprehensive guidebook that serves as an authoritative resource for those seeking to explore the natural and commercial hot springs across the Northwestern United States, Canada, and select other regions. Published by Aqua Thermal Access, the book builds upon the foundational work of Jayson Loam, who authored the original guides to hot springs in the 1970s and 1980s. After Loam’s passing, Gersh-Young, who had collaborated with him for over fifteen years, took up the mantle, revising and expanding his work with fresh insights, updated information, and her own extensive experiences visiting the majority of the springs listed. The book is celebrated for its detailed descriptions, practical directions, and rich visual documentation, making it an essential companion for adventurers, travelers, and hot spring enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the therapeutic and scenic beauty of these natural wonders.
The guide covers a vast geographical scope, including Alaska, British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and even extends to some Central, Eastern, and Southern states, as well as Puerto Rico, though the inclusion of the latter has sparked some debate due to its geographical distance from the Northwest. For each location, Gersh-Young provides meticulous details to enhance the visitor’s experience, such as reliable driving directions, GPS coordinates, and accurate maps to ensure accessibility. The book includes hundreds of photographs that vividly illustrate what to expect at each site, from the rugged beauty of undeveloped wilderness springs to the polished amenities of commercial resorts. For natural hot springs, the text describes the surrounding environment, types of pools, water temperatures, and bathing suit customs, while also noting distances to nearby campgrounds, RV parks, and other services. For commercial establishments, it covers water treatment practices, handicap accessibility, and available amenities, catering to a wide range of preferences, from rustic retreats to upscale spas.
What sets this book apart is its blend of practical utility and cultural reverence for hot springs. Gersh-Young, who has been visiting and documenting hot springs for over two decades, infuses the guide with a passion for preserving these natural resources, a commitment she developed while working with Loam. The book also includes unique entries, such as rental tub establishments and naturist resorts, broadening its appeal to diverse audiences. Readers appreciate its user-friendly approach, with many noting that the directions and GPS coordinates are more reliable than scouring the internet, though some caution that older GPS data may occasionally be slightly off. The guide’s emphasis on both remote, undeveloped springs and developed facilities ensures it caters to adventurers seeking solitude as well as those desiring comfort and convenience. Praised as a “don’t leave home without it” resource by hotspringsandpools.com, the book not only facilitates planning but also inspires readers with its nod to the historical and spiritual significance of hot springs, such as Native American beliefs in their “Big Medicine” properties. With its detailed, accessible, and enthusiastic approach, Hot Springs and Hot Pools of the Northwest remains a definitive guide for exploring these rejuvenating destinations.