Orient Land Trust
Valley View Hot Springs
Email:
info@olt.org
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Orient Land Trust Logo
The name Orient comes from the name of an abandoned iron mine on the northern part of the property. The Orient Mine had a small company town and narrow gage railroad track to it. The area was active from 1870 to 1932 with a rich history. Today the mine houses the summer colony of over one hundred thousand Mexican free-tailed bats that migrate each year. The bats eliminate mosquitoes in the nearby area which is very much appreciated by the campers and soakers at the hot springs. The center of the logo shows the bats flying near the hot spring ponds to get a drink or catch a nocturnal insect. The natural body temperature hot spring ponds are located on the southern part of the future trust property. Named Valley View Hot Springs, the area developed a small rustic resort and swimming pool during the 1920's. By 1955 it was abandoned until discovered by hippies. This laid the foundation for operating the hot springs as a peaceful low-key clothing optional retreat. Through the last twenty-five years, besides soaking, the water was put to use heating the buildings and operating a hydroelectric plant located on the far western edge of the property. See maps. |
