Pools and Ponds at Valley View

                    Orient Land Trust
                                   Valley View Hot Springs
                                   Email: info@olt.org

Pools and Ponds at Valley View Hot Springs
Discover eight peaceful soaking spots located across Valley View's naturist open space. Each is altogether unique, clothing-optional, shared among visitors of all ages and walks of life, and available 24/7 for our overnight guests. Our variety of waters range in temperature from the high 80's up to 108°F both naturally and, in places, with help from our hydroelectric system. Spring temperatures are mostly steady all year-round although some grow considerably warmer in the Fall and Winter. Our unusual geology gives us remarkably pure, pleasant water including the chlorine-free drinking water we enjoy, all without odors or heavy metals.

The Swimming Pool, Sauna, Kid's Pool, and Apple Tree Pools are each within easy walking distance of the parking area, geothermal cabins, and dispersed camping. Three of our natural rock ponds are a few minute's walk up a trail, each well-dispersed among the trees and wildlife. Hiking another 1,500' uphill, visitor's are rewarded with our Top Ponds. These rocky trails present an unspoiled wilderness landscape full of scenic spots to pause and take in "the View" that , with your help, OLT works to protect.

Our water means something different to everyone... a place to chat, to relax, to imagine, to find a Monet painting or the surface of Jupiter in the
ever-changing reflections. Valley View's ponds are the perfect environment in which to find warmth, beauty, inspiration and peace... any time of year.

	Top Ponds If you're looking for a short but steep walk, this is it! It is a 10 to 15 minute hike (plus time to catch your breath) uphill from the Soaking Pond - your mileage may vary. The Top "Pond" is actually a series of three shallow ponds each flowing into each other. The Middle Top Pond is unique in that it offers the shade of an old tree throughout the day. Nothing brings you closer to nature like our Top Ponds. Not only are they far removed from the village and Valley 1000' below, but they also demonstrate the most variability in geothermal temperatures. Typically, from late spring to early summer the temperature drops dramatically as it mixes with cooler snowmelt waters. By July it rises significantly. Depending on each year's precipitaion, temperatures can range from the low 90's up to 108° after dry spells. With the view and variety of pools there, the hike is always well worth it! Upper Top Pond Middle Top Pond Lower Top Pond
	Swimming Pool Eighty feet long and without a drop of chlorine, many guests say this is their favorite swimming pool in the world. The constant flow of fresh spring water through the pool keeps it clean. Although this is the "coolest" pool at Valley View, it is still always warm - temperatures range from the mid-80's in winter to about 90° in summer. Please note - the swimming pool is drained and cleaned every Wednesday. In the Summer and Fall it it usually filled and re-opened by evening, but in the winter and spring when our water flow is slow it may not reopen until Thursday. If access to the Swimming Pool is important to you, please keep this in mind when planning your visit.
	Hydroelectric Sauna Valley View is well known for its unique sauna designs--often regarded the best in country. This wet/dry sauna regulates between 140° and 160° and is completely powered by renewable hydroelectric energy. Because all our water is naturally pure and completely chlorine-free, its design includes a basin of tepid flowing water in it's floor. However visitors prefer to sauna, this allows them to enjoy lengthy sauna routines, long conversations, or just cozily soak in the water amongst the company of friends and family. Important - Not to be used with alcohol. Children under 16 must be attended by their parent / guardian at all times.
	Apple Tree Pools and Kid's Pool These pools tend to have the hottest water at Valley View, averaging between 104° and 108°. Here, our naturally warm waters are further heated with the unused electricity from our "off-grid" hydroelectric power system. In effect, the more energy we all conserve, the faster the hot water flow! Learn more about how you can save energy to share warmer waters while visiting. Important - These hot pools may be too hot for small children - please use caution.
	Soaking Pond The largest and deepest of our natural rock ponds and the first along the trail, the Soaking Pond is about a two minute past the Swimming Pool. Temperature range from 93° in winter to 98° in mid-late summer, though it is most commonly about 95° to 97°.
	Waterfall Pond Perhaps the "coziest" of the natural ponds and the second one up the trail, the Waterfall Pond is another two minute walk from the Soaking Pond. The temperatures are similar to the Soaking Pond, usually in the 95° to 97° range. The pond gets its name from the stream of water flowing out of a wooden pipe at the back of the pond, which is great for sitting under and letting the water wash your cares away.
	Meadow Pond Is the "undiscovered" pond as some guests don't even know it's there, another two minutes past the Waterfall Pond. The smallest and shallowest pond, it is also often the coolest so it generally sees more use in the summer and fall than in the winter and spring. The pond sits in an open meadow with expansive views of the Valley, making it a great place to watch the sunset.
	And remember, Orient Land Trust is about much more than warm water, though that's an important and fun part of the experience here. We rely on the contributions of individuals to help us achieve our land conservation mission. Become a member of OLT and learn about the Annual Contributor Benefits available to members. Thank you for your support!