2005 October « Nude Hiking and Soaking in the Pacific Northwest

Archive for October, 2005

Thank you Rick

Thank you Rick for your outstanding work for returning Scenic hot springs
to the place of joy it has been in my heart!To all that love this place as much as i do,
We need to work as one as we move forword to see Scenic in a new light.
Scenic gave me alot in my life, friendships, peace & joy.
Thank you Rick and all that gave thier time & hard work to see this place come back to the people that are in search of Heaven on earth.
Mike the owner is a Outstanding Soul To those who think he is in it for the money,
Tell us one person you know that made himself rich from owning a hot spring.
It is not the money that drives Mike to do this,
He is in it for the joy of having a peaceful place to share & soak as many of us do!
Fredom is a word that is being taken from us everyday,
Thanks to this man we can say we still have a place to soak & be free to share with each other.

1 comment October 30, 2005

Matt . . .

Contact me . . . so I can add you to the blog contributors

Rick

Add comment October 29, 2005

Cleanup party Volunteers: Did you get your Card?

Most did, but a few wrote their emails and or phones numbers just like my puppy writes and I can’t make it out.

If you did not get a ‘permission’ card, contact me at bangedupshins@gmail.com and I’ll get one in the mail post haste.

Rick

Add comment October 29, 2005

Cleanup Party a Success

Our clean up party on the 15th of October shouls have told Steve Pool of KOMO News Weather that he has no idea of what the weather will be. What a perfect day for climbing around in the mountains and getting a labor of love done.

Twenty-five people showed up and I met them with donuts while Robert brewed coffee at the gate. We then proceeded up to the BPA Easement clearcut area to park securely. Two thirds continued on up in 4-wheel drives vehicles under Mike, the owner; while I took the remainder and hiked up the BPA road for erosion control.

We had three basic agendas that day. Mike’s was to clear and burn brush to widen the existing trail back to its’ original state. His crew went on ahead to get started up near the springs. My crew was to walk the BPA road and lower trail checking culverts and drainage ditches for clogging and effective flow to prevent a repeat of last years serious road erosion with the spring runoff (much of which was caused because of spilling water from clogged culverts.)

The third major project was to strategically place water bars across the trail in locations I had identified during previous surveys. This project was a followup to the success of the five waterbars we had installed last year, and which protected the lower section of the trail where they were. This time we wanted to protect the upper section of the trail. This project took the muscles and strength of all volunteers to move multi-ton logs into place across the cleared trail to direct runoff into the original watercourses instead of sculpting deep channels in the trail.

We started close to 9:30am and continued almost to 4pm . . . a lot of hours, but we got a lot of work completed. Then it was soak time for sore muscles. The tub was full of people and there was The Naked Gourmet there a’cooking away in the tub . . . tempting the Goddesses with his culinary creations. Just like old times.

I have to say that everyone was enthusiastic . . . and there were a lot of new people helping out. Mike thanks each and every one of you.

Rick

1 comment October 29, 2005

Survey of Scenic Hot Springs Attitudes

Survey: Scenic Hot Springs - Tell Us Your Experiences

In order to get a better understanding of the attitudes of the people likely to visit Scenic Hot Springs, a closed online sampling survey was undertaken. The survey was limited to fifteen (15) questions. The survey is still ongoing; these results are as of October 28th, 2005. The survey can be seen at http://www.advancedsurvey.com Survey # 23974.

Participants were invited by three methods:

Visitors encountered at the springs or coming and going were reminded that they were on private, posted property as a courtesy . . . and then asked if they would mind taking an anonymous survey of their opinions once they got home. They were handed a card bearing the online web address of the survey site.
An unbiased message was posted in a number of online forums catering to the interests of Pacific Northwest outdoor enthusiasts . . . including Camping, Hiking and Hot Spring message boards. The posting was carefully worded so as not to influence opinions.
In an attempt to get some perspective on hot springs from outside of the soaking community, flyers were posted in a number of community locations, including coffee houses in Seattle, Monroe and Goldbar.

The survey is completely anonymous, hopefully getting open and more honest answers from the participants. The survey was also left “blind” with the thought that if a participant could view previous results, his or her answers might be ‘colored’.

This survey attempts to understand the attitudes on these areas:

Have you been to Scenic?
If so, what did you like or dislike about it?
Were you aware of the closure and if so, why did you go anyway?
What are your feelings on nudity and/or clothing-optional at hot springs?
What are your feelings about treating the hot springs waters?
What are your feelings about being charged a user’s fee?
What would you like to see happen at Scenic?

On some of the questions, participants were given a chance to add comments to their answers . . . and many did so, enhancing the quality of the results.

Total Survey Participants Answering At Least One Question: 198

Survey Question/Answers	Count	Percent	Graph
1. Have you visited Scenic Hot Springs in the past?
Yes	125	63.45%
No, this is my first time	8	4.06%
I have never been to the springs but I’ve heard of them	64	32.49%
2. If the answer to Question # 1 was “Yes”, how often do you visit the springs?
Rarely, maybe once or twice a year	125	66.49%
Moderately, possibly once a month during good weather	47	25.00%
Frequently, I get up to the springs as often as I can	16	8.51%
3. Did you visit Scenic Hot Springs prior to the closure in 2001?
Yes	121	64.71%
No	66	35.29%
4. What did you find the ‘best’ about Scenic Hot Springs in the past?
The views over the forests and valleys below.	109	24.77%
The soaking in the pools.	133	30.23%
Meeting people at the springs.	90	20.45%
Quiet relaxation and spirituality.	108	24.55%
View textual responses for this question.
5. What did you feel was not good about Scenic Hot Springs in the past?
Difficulty of the hike.	45	41.28%
Cleanliness and Sanitation around the site.	37	33.94%
Attitudes of other soakers.	27	24.77%
View textual responses for this question.
6. Are you male or female?
Male	142	81.61%
Female	32	18.39%
7. What is your approximate age?
Under 18	0	0.00%
18-25	7	4.02%
26-35	50	28.74%
36-45	50	28.74%
46-55	36	20.69%
Over 55	31	17.82%
8. If you have been up to the Hot Springs recently, are you aware that they are on private property and officially closed to the public?
No, I wasn’t aware of that	40	23.26%
No, I thought they were still open and free	24	13.95%
Yes, but I didn’t think anyone minded me being there	108	62.79%
View textual responses for this question.
9. How important to you is the clothing-optional tradition at Scenic Hot Springs?
Very Important	117	68.02%
Important	22	12.79%
Somewhat Desirous	12	6.98%
I’m Neutral on Nudity	20	11.73%
Somewhat Unwanted	1	0.58%
Undesirable	0	0.00%
View textual responses for this question.
10. How important is leaving the hot springs water in as natural a state as possible?
Important	140	81.87%
Somewhat Important	21	12.28%
Neutral	6	3.51%
Somewhat Unimportant	2	1.17%
Doesn’t Matter	2	1.17%
11. Would you visit Scenic Hot Springs if the pool waters were treated and chlorinated?
Yes	55	32.16%
No	116	67.84%
View textual responses for this question.
12. It is proposed that a parking area be provided in the lower corner of the hot springs property and that a ‘caretaker’ be hired to control access and provide some security for the site. Would you be in favor of a reasonable user fee to cover the caretaker’s wages?
Yes	119	69.59%
No	7	4.09%
Maybe	45	26.32%
View textual responses for this question.
13. It has been suggested that a portion of the Scenic Hot Springs property be designated clothing-optional outside of the soaking pools. This area would be marked and located away from the general public areas. Would you have any objections to providing this venue?
Yes	27	15.88%
No	122	71.76%
Maybe	11	6.47%
Don’t Know	10	5.88%
View textual responses for this question.
14. Here are a few things that could be instituted at Scenic in time, some sooner than others. Check those items you would really be interested in.
Scenic Walkways and Vantage Points	85	14.00%
Picnic Areas	66	10.87%
Hiking Trails	88	14.50%
Designated Camping Areas	100	16.47%
Restrooms and other amenities	128	21.09%
Interpretive Displays of Scenic’s History	45	7.41%
Geology Field Trips to the spring sources	45	7.41%
Wilderness Preparation Classes & Outings	24	3.95%
Fenced Dog Run Areas	26	4.28%
View textual responses for this question.
15. Would you be interested in become a steward or volunteer for any of the above activities in the future should the opportunity ever arise?
Yes	63	37.28%
No	24	14.20%
Maybe	82	48.52%

Question Comments (unedited)

4. What did you find the ‘best’ about Scenic Hot Springs in the past?

The opportunity to relax and be away from the stress of the everyday world… tranquility through seclusion
Daytime users were of generally of like mind, freindly and mellow.
The totally natural setting, the natural unchlorinated waters, heated naturally within the earth and delivered with only the minerals from the earth.
The combination of all of the above.
clear water
The whole NATURAL experience that comes from soaking in natural mineral waters.
I’’ve been going to Scenic for 32 years, since 1973, and wish it to remain nautral, and not over developed or overused
It was the most beautify scenery I had ever had the experience of viewing.
A friend who passed on last year visited the hot springs often. I would like to visit to help me feel close to him again.
It’’s a great hike, and a good excuse for some hard exercise, with a wonderful goal at the top.
all of the above ’’97 first trip left seattle at ~3am, stayed at the springs until dawn, beautiful fog clearing away to vistas in early morning light
It was cliquey, never felt safe.
Communing with the natural world and other people without conflicting barriers (chemicals, clothes) allow me to accept the position of humankind.
The natural beauty of the setting.
The hike is great, and the springs are the payoff.
Scenic Hot spring is amazing in it’’s natural state. That is being able to soak in natural mineral water in a beautiful forest.
I’’ve met a lot of wonderful people there.
The healing mineral water.
pristine water supply without any added chemicals
It is my intent to visit within the next four months.
The most memorable thing was that it was a magical place that was not quotmodernizedquot and all the effort it must have taken to get the decks built!
Yes to all of the above. Each trip was unique.Some visits were quiet, others more social, but soaking was the the original reason for making the trip.
It’’s an oasis from the city that offers a healing and rejuvinating environment. A magical place that helps me connect with nature.
Fresh air, sunshine
it is a beautiful natural spring
An astounding monument to the love and dedication of the volunteers who created this special place.
I loved relaxing in a comfortable, natural setting that was close to Seattle.
enjoying bonding moment w/good friends
One of a kind place!
To say that any one of these things was best is not possible, the springs were beautiful in so many ways.
The smell or the fresh air and the naturalness of the place.
The water of scenic is so healing adding any chemicals would be wronge! All the years of soaking Sometime for 8 hours quotHealing waterquot Mother earth
The best things for me were the beautiful location and the beautiful pools and decks themselves.
It has the right balance of being accessible and not being overcrowded. Everyone there had respect for the location, just a wonderful place to be.
Being away from modern civilization and enjoying the primitive experience of mineral springs soaking was why I came.
to be able to enjoy nature
Scenic is/was one of the most incredible places I have ever been. I nearly cried when it was destroyed.
Well worth the climb. A wonderful way to spend the day.
Though I have never been there the photos I have seen have shown this to ba a beauthiful place to soak naturally
am a lot of party to the matter
Most of the folks that use the Springs are great people that take a person quotas isquot. It doesn’’t matter if you are nude or not at the springs. It’’s a great place for my lady and I to relax with friends
My answer is based on photos taken from the spring area
Memorable in every sense of the word. The community around those springs was simply remarkable.
I really enjoyed the unregulated nature of the springs. It was relaxing to get away from all the rules in life and just sit, talk and soak.
The experience of all the above made Scenic one of the best Hot Springs.
I have skin reactions to clorinated water so finding a natural soak is always a pleasure.I enjoy meeting people but eventually block them out to relax
The hike up and down with the seculsion of the springs to enjoy.
Soaking in the pools is definetely best!It is a very difficult hike for me, and the pools were an unspeakable reward.
Scenic Hot Springs is a hidden treasure, so I have been told and look forward to the opportunity of going there.
I absolutely loved natural hot springs when I lived in Japan and I am looking for the same experience here.
There are very few natural hotsprings in Washington. This is one of the finest in the world! It should be both preserved, and open to the public.
The natural hot water, heated by mother earth without chemicals
A great spot for a great soak!
When it only had hand made pools it was a spiritual place. Recall an eagle calling out when daughter and I hugged in the pools the week her mom died.
The openness of the community and the healing waters.
Great forest location
I think it should be noted that I vacationed every summer in this area UNTIL Scenic was closed and have not been back since. Miss my tourist dollars?
Cooking and sharing food.
Enjoyed the hike through the woods to get up to the springs then enjoyed the primitive nature of the pools
A surrealistic commune with the natural environment, sharing some of that with others, teaching respect when warranted.
I visited Scenic twice in 1996. I treasure my experiences there. It is a wonderful place for too many reasons to describe in such a small space.
Everything. The water, pool setup, the layout (Decking, etc…), I was amazed at how much the volunteers had accomplished considering where it is.
Scenic was the first hot spring I had ever visited. The first time was in the late ’’90s and it was a very special experience…I miss it…
Very peaceful and low key
the seclusion and ’’eagles aerie’’ aspect of scenic is unique amoung the dozens of springs i’’ve visited over the years
Have not yet been there.
The hike created a barrier ’’tween the other world (work/city) and a peaceful space… clearly to be cherished
I especially enjoy the special comraderie found with soaking nude with 5-20 other strangers who have all traveled far to enjoy remote rustic springs!
good exercise, great soaking, all in all a great family place to go.
Natural resources need to be preserved, with out chlorine!
Went only in Nov usually solo.There were a few others even wkdays.Still a spiritual experience that I miss. Understand how popularity ruins things.
While I have met many great people at Scenic Hot Springs, nothing beats the quiet relaxation from when you are the only person there.

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5. What did you feel was not good about Scenic Hot Springs in the past?

Late night quotparty peoplequot seemed to have no respect for the property.
Only that it takes 2 hours to drive to from my home in Federal Way. Parking could have been better.
Only minor issues with cleanliness.
Some other soakers took advantage of the quiet and solitude to drink and take drugs. With controlled access these people will be less likely go visit.
some people leave a lot of trash
too much construction
It was worth the Difficulty of the hike though. The place was very Clean and Sanitary (which was something I had not expected being so isolated)
There is a stretch of trail that is very difficult and could be very dangerous. All that I would ask is putting up rails to prevent falls or injuries
I enjoy the difficulty of the hike, and I think you have to be pretty dedicated to get there, which weeds out bad attitudes.
I heard stories of pushy, loud quotfrat-boyquot types. Coming back from overseas in 2003 hearing it was closed not going since
It wasn’’t so much the difficulty of the hike, but the safety aspect. Footing can be treacherous in late fall through early spring.
Bad attitude bothered me. Never felt safe.
I always found it pleasant. Except for the local (skykomish) meth users who would stay up there for days… and wouldn’’t shut up.
Politicans attempting to dictate how I dress, (or don’’t).
Careless actions of others that don’’t respect the natural setting.
worried about leaving our car alone
The interference by the authorities was not good.
Didn’’t care for folks smoking around the pools.
I visited Scenic shortly after the destruction of the decks and pools, etc. and it was in real need of having someone take care of and manage it.
Occasionally there were some loud and obnoxious people.
Parking was hard to find
Have not been there but plan to. Have heard the hike is difficult.
All damage that KCSO did when they destroyed the decks!The damage left behind was WORSE to the environment than the beautiful tubs that used to exist!
nothing
The lack of respect of some of the soakers. People who went there to party and left their garbage behind.
The distruction done by the sherrif’’s department.
nothing bothering from what i have read
I only had good experiences the 3 times I visited.
The occasional jerk that had little regard for people or the place itself. The same person you may run into anywhere.
I appreciated the dificulty of the hike because I think it helped keep the quotriff-raffquot out.
I thought the difficulty of the hike was about right. It filtered out the lookieloo folks who didn’’t come to soak, but to gawk.
People who use, but do not clean up, dogs, crowds, access is too easy.
I never got into the few who thought of scenic as a place to go and party, drink lots of beer, and have sex in the pools.
Was bothered by a very small percentage of the soakers who just came there for lack of a better place to get drunk and party.
Relative to the other answers, the hike was the least enjoyable part.
The destruction and vandilization of the springs was a terrible event. This indicates how informed some of the public is.
the attitude King County has taken
I had no complaints other than the ocassional parking issues and break-ins.
Drinking and rampant drug taking made the environment feel somewhat unsafe at times.
seems as though some folks don’’t quotpack out what they pack inquot
From what I have read post closure, none of the above would have been an issue
Nothing!! I found it an almost perfect enviroment before the closure. I never had a bad experience.
The occasional overly intoxicated person.
Many people where there to PARTY. Not my scene. Soak, enjoy and like minded people that was good times.
Nothing has bothered me at the springs other then if there are too many people.
The building of the elaborate decks. It created the out of control camping and over use of the springs
nothing
I haven’’t visited, so this is just a concern I would have in general.
Before it got closed down, it got pretty busy there on weekends. That wasn’’t as much as a problem, as long as everybody was well behaved.
People abusing the privelage of using the springs!
the blue tarps! i would like to see pools that blend into the suroundings.
Post 1997ish, more and more people appeared to be going to party and meeting people rather than communing with nature and enjoying like companions.
About the time it closed, there seemed to be more of the quotjockquot stereotype of guys making a big deal about female nudity and asking for drugs.
The occasional car break-in
Usually it was the teenagers partying. Litter was sometimes bad but other users also cleaned up. Vehicle security was a concern. Avoided weekends.
It was clean, the people were wonderful, and the hike only made the HS seem more worth it! I loved everything about it.
Actually, it was very clean when I have been there but I have a very strong stewardship ethic and can be a bit of a quotclean freak.quot
More people showed the place less respect.
There was talk of people getting harassed by the cops.
Inconsiderate visitors who left trash
Most other soakers were great. Just a few bad apples that spoiled it. Sounds like they don’’t show as often, now.
trash, gross hippie slobs
If there is a constant flow of water in and out of the soak area, santitations issues will be greatly reduced.
The pools were clear and clean (we even quotvacuumedquot the pools with cyphen hose). There was much litter to be cleaned up.
I was occasionally bothered by those who would come and try to force the spring to be clothing required.Hot Springs are meant to be used without suits
The police should have not bullied the owner into submission.
Not much to complain about
NOT A SINGLE COMPLAINT, except it became too popular. Can’’t imagine commercialization but quotgo for it.quot
Ideally there would be several tubs that have a degree of separation, so that you can be social or have privacy.
Attitudes of officials who were against the public soaking.

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8. If you have been up to the Hot Springs recently, are you aware that they are on private property and officially closed to the public?

aware I respect the wishes of the property owner. It broke my heart when the springs were destroyed by the sheriff’’s deputy I never returned is not quite true - I know they are on private property and officially closed, so I have not been there since their closure in 2001. permission invited stopped going after it was closed. (I had to pick an answer but I was aware so I haven’’t been there. Great lost.) they were closed, and haven’’t been since the closure heard rumor about them being closed, but I have not seen any official statement on the status of the hotsprings. been up there since the closure. You should add an option to that effect. haven’’t been since I heard they were closed in ’’03. This question requires an answer, but that wasn’’t an option haven’’t been up there since they closed because I consider that trespassing. But I miss it terribly! specifically: Yes, and I haven’’t been there since its closure. past they were open to the public,but were closed by the owners due to the public’’s treatment of the springs and surrounding property. can’’t continue this quiz without giving the right answer, I went but I KNEW what is going on. but I hoped the owners would accept my use. been since the closure been to the spring after it closed they were on private property and never were officially open to the public and the quotfriends,quot kept the place just fine. not been there since the clousure. This sounds like a trick question… aware at the time that they were closed.I am an avid hot springer and was mostly interested in seeing the condition of the site and the springs. wasn’’t a choice for being aware that they are closed so I haven’’t been there. haven’’t been to Scenic since the 2001 closure. been recently springs are a historicly open and free site! It is sad that commericial interests are trying to capitalize on such a beautiful undeveloped place! not been since closed (but that option was not above)but would have gone if I thought others were getting away with it met the owner and gotten permission. been there for several years prior to closure haven’’t been there since the closure. invited by NG to come up. but my friend Jeffery Pankry is a memeber and has a key not been to the Hot Springs in the past year, as I knew they were on private property, and officially closed. aware the property is private, thus I no longer go. Ability to reserve a private pool is something I would pay for. last time I went was right after thier destruction, it was so sad I thought I’’d never go back. If I could return, I would if it was rebuilt safel state needs to care for nature hot springs adding chemicals would do harm to water, plants living things in the forest. invited and attended with the new property owner. think they should let people in as long as they jnow the rules and keep the area clean and help police the areas survey doesn’’t have a way to answer quotNo I haven’’t been there recentlyquot nevertheless it is a required question… not gone since it was private. not gone back to Secenic since the No Trespassing signs were posted that somthing was changing. The gate was there but opened and my lady and I seen no one eles the entire day. This was in August,2004 august of 04 and the gate was wide open and we seen no one eles all day long not been to the springs, that an inspired landowner would consider the wisdom of a long-term lease to a non-profit organization! the official closure, I was not up except by invitation. sign says enter at your own risk. If I am going there it will be at my own risk. an outdoorsman,I cleanup and don’’t leave a mess and enjoy the natural for what it is and leave it as it is.Making the access easy will destroy it been up since they closed, but had to answer this question! they are privately owned but, I miss them.. I was called up to the springs by the springs not been to scenic recently I presumed that people were not supposed to be on the property without permission. haven’’t been there recently, because they were closed down, but would enjoy them once they open again. I’’ve been to Goldmyer in the meantime. not visited since the ’’closed’’ signs were put up. have been following the closure and hopeful re-opening. place is a gift from the earth. we all need to recharge at a place like scenic! (can anyone really own a gift from the earth?) not been there since closed as announced in press. stopped going when we saw the signs. not been up to the springs recently. SHS is closed not been recently but answer is not provided not been there since it closed, but did not realize it changed ownership. not been up since the closure, but would understanding that activity is limited and needs respect. Don’’t want to tarnish the efforts. visited twice in 1996. I was aware that the land was privately owned, but that we were allowed access contingent on our respect to the land. been recently N/A, I knew they were closed and didn’’t go back after access had been restricted. haven’’t been since it’’s been closed. obeyed owners desires and not visited the site that no one is supposed to visit the site quotofficiallyquot, but it’’s still unclear to me how often decently behaved people are asked to leave. I was tresp. but couldn’’t stay away. sorry. been there yet not been there since the closure knew they were closed, thus I haven’’t gone. not been there recently survey is not set up for a person who has not been there yet.. I still want to see natural habitats remain natural, with out chemicals. ANSWER APPLIES** 11/09/04 got to gate and turned back

out of respect for owner. I would like a quotdonate for reservationquot system. only gone up once since closure, and that was with Mike’’s permission. Mike, and have to work parties in order to soak there member of Friends of Scenic Hotsprings and volunteer at work parties. Helped Mike last weekend style="text-align:right;" align="right">Return

9. How important to you is the clothing-optional tradition at Scenic Hot Springs?

Clothed people have plenty of opportunities for recreation. People who don’’t want their kids to know about the human body, should go to a public pool!
The natural setting and unchlorinated waters from the earth demand that I use them naturally (nude) and if not available I would not go.
If this is a natural hot spring then you should be able to enjoy the springs naturally. Nudity has never been a problem in all the HS I have visited.
It is the premier clothing optional springs in the state
It is important that people have the opportunity to skinny dip in wilderness situations. Skinny dipping opportunities are getting very rare.
it is much more difficult to relax completely when you are clothed naked is the way to be
Although some might feel more comfortable clothed, for many of us nudity is the easiest way to get in touch with our spirituality.
who wears clothes in a hot-spring? It just doesn’’t seem right to.
It’’s absolutely essential! It definitely lends an air of acceptance whatever your nationality or beliefs.
I’’d prefer it to be on one day of the week or alternate Saturdays.
If I have to wear clothes, I will go elsewhere.
The key word is ’’optional’’, it is an individual choice how much we need to shield ourselves from ourselves.
Nudity is a natural state and is in complete harmony with the natural setting of Scenic. To require clothing to be worn is unhealthy and anti-nature.
The unrestrictive freedom of scenic is important. People made their own rules about clothing optional. Some did and some didn’’t.
Soaking in hot water while wearing clothes is about as uncomfortable as it comes…
I personally prefer to go nude, however I like a clothing optional policy for the benefit of everyone who wants to soak, however they choose.
It’’s the natural thing to do.
Part of the reason I would go through all the effort of hiking into the mountains. If I wanted to wear a swimsuit, I’’d go to my local pool.
if i wanted to wear a suit, i would go to a swimming pool
The springs have ALWAYS been CO! It is remote and everyone who goes there EXPECTS it to be CO! If Scenic is no longer CO I would NEVER visit again!
Naked is natural, this is a nature experience. Besides telling people they MUST wear clothing just adds to the temptation to disregard the rules.
it keeps the crowds down
Nudity at wilderness hot springs is a very strong tradition in this country. People who are uncomfortable with nudity need psychiatric evaluation.
Nudity is so repressed in our society, it was refreshing going somewhere where it was accepted.
I like it nude, but it always optional
Absolutely important.
Nude is OK. Nothing beat’’s the feel of a soak in the buff. Known nude sites attract fewer families with children a good thing for sanitation.
Soaking is a cultural thing. I feel that most of this culture is prone to soak nude, and to insist on suits is an infringement on our spirit.
i have no problem with nude people. Was born that way.
Its important to know that you’’re not the only one without a quotglamourquot body it builds community and positive body image that lacks greatly in the US.
Clothing optional allows people to develop self confidence in themselves by not being ashamed of our natural state.
Clothing optional practitioners seem to be more friendly and easy going.
Because it is a natural hot springs. There are plenty of other places to wear textiles…
Being nude is an integral part of a natural soaking experience
In our opinion, the only way to truly enjoy a soak,by yourself or with others, is to be minus all clothing. It is much more relaxing and healthier.
it is very relaxing to soak in the nude. especially after the hike.
It is the only way to soak in a natural hotsprings. Being naked and soaking strips away the tensions of everyday life and enhances the relaxation
The optional status allows for a choose for all.
I prefer the option, the choice should be mine to decide.
I enjoy the liberty of being able to soak in the nude if alone or others are in agreement.
It is my preference however, I am respectful of others’’ feelings and will enjoy a good soak either way.
Although I am not a naturalist, my experience with hot springs is that you do not wear clothing when soaking.
Most American’’s are really too uptight about nudity, but since it takes a long hike to get there, there should be no problems.
It is part of the natural, undeveloped hotsrpings experience.
I would not frequent the springs if it was not clothing optional.
do you take a bath or sauna in clothes? soaking natural is a part of my religion and i’’ll be damned if anyone trys to take that away!
Only those pure in heart and soul should enjoy the natural gift of the springs.
For Freedom’’s sake
The free spirited nature of Scenic was part of what made it so unique and beautiful. Why ruin that?
More convient than having to worry about a change room and alot more relaxing.
I prefer in gathering of strangers that clothing would be neccessary
The communion with nature and others in the natural state is freeing to the mind and healing to the soul.
That was the best part of my first visit. 50 people with only 3 wearing anything. And it was totally comfortable. The people were all so wonderful.
A natural soak means soaking au naturalle
Don’’t you think it’’s far more comfortable?
I like being in the buff. Maybe a clause asking people to not have sex in the water. Certainly no people with STD’’s
It is part of being so connected with nature, nothing sexual at all, just being au naturale etc…
If they are not CO, I won’’t come! The public needs to understand that modesty is a personal choice. You don’’t need to look at me! Enough