VTrail

Scenic Hot Springs
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Region:	Skykomish Ranger District
Maps:	USGS Scenic Skykomish Ranger District Map Printable Topo Map	Buy Maps Online
Permits:	Northwest Forest Pass is required

Trail:

October 20, 2001
I have a major update on Scenic Hot Springs...they are no more after today. With these being on private land and having been "developed" and kept up by The Friends of Scenic Hot Springs, the landowner has had enough. I was there today with a group of friends. When we arrived there were already about a dozen or so other people. Within about an hour or so, 4 sheriffs deputies showed up to "escort" everyone out of the area. According to them, the landowner has not given any permission for anyone to be up there, let alone build the decks and tubs around the springs. He wants everyone off of the property as it is a huge liability for him. Also, the building of the decks, etc, were done without any building permits and are against code. All of this is per the King County Sheriff's Office. Although, according to the Friends of the Scenic Hot Springs, the group of volunteers who "maintains" the area, this is totally false. They say this is nothing more than a personal vendetta that Sheriff (or Deputy) Beaumont has with the people who go there. Either way, everyone had to leave today and was told that everything at the springs "would be gone within a week" and anyone else caught on the property would be arrested for trespassing. All of us today were only given a warning. So it sounds like possible bad news for the springs and those visiting. I want to find out what the outcome actually turns out to be. Today was my first visit to these hot springs, so at least I did get to experience them once.

Contributed by Andy Wood