Orvis Hot Springs has not only hot springs, but a small campground and six (I think it was six) rooms for overnight guests. Overnight guests have 24-hour access to the hot springs, while it is closed to non-overnighters from 10:00 pm to 10:00 am. There are three private tubs on the facilities, an indoor soaking pool with temperatures approximately 98F - 100F, and an outdoor soaking pool (clothing optional). All guests, whether overnighters or day-guests, also have free access to a small kitchen where they can cook their meals. If you plan to stay for the day, you can use the kitchen to prepare your own lunch.

Orvis Hot Springs has a very welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. The employees are gracious and even put out some heart-shaped cookies for their Valentine's guests and supply free coffee year-round. In the spring and summer, the flowering landscape is gorgeous and the views of the nearby mountains are incredible. The temperature of the outdoor pond ranges between 102F - 105F. The setting is very natural since the pond is constructed of native rock. As in most hot springs, algae grows freely on the rock and it is just a bit slick so caution when entering or leaving the pond is in order. However, it is not choked with an abundance of algae so it is by no means gross or bothersome -- the water is so clear you can see the pebbles on the bottom of the pond. Since it flows through the pools at a constant rate, the water does not need chemicals added to keep it clean. If you like to soak in water that's hotter than hot, jump in the "Lobster Pot", a separate small pool with temperatures from 105 - 110 F next to the outdoor dry sauna. Randy tried the lobster pot and loved it -- and it's easy to see where it gets its name. He indeed looked like a lobster when he got out!

If you love the outdoors and soaking in a natural, peaceful setting, Orvis Hot Springs is ideal.

All-day admission costs $8.00 and you may come and go at your leisure the entire day once you have paid. This is handy if you would like to go to dinner after your soak and then go back to soak some more after dinner or run out to pick up some snacks -- you will not have to pay the admission fee again to re-enter. If memory serves me, the overnight guest rooms cost approximately $56. You share two bathrooms with other guests and there are no telephones or TVs, which makes Orvis a perfect place for an overnight or weekend escape. It costs about $17 to stay on the campgrounds. The rooms must be reserved and the camping spots are first come, first serve. Since I cannot remember the exact prices for overnight stays, you should give the above number a call for further information.