Re: new to this

Here is some basic hot springs etiquette:

1. Respect others' privacy. Please refrain form shouting.

2. Do not bring glass containers, even though you can take the greatest of care, accidents do happen or someone else could accidentally bump into you. No one wants their children to cut themselves on glass you brought in.

3. Pack it in, pack it out. There is no official trash collection at Deep Creek. If you carried it down, you must carry it back up. It is recommended that you pack out a little more than you packed in. Unfortunately, not everyone packs all their trash out.
Remember cigarette butts and melted candles are trash as well. Please do not leave them in the pools for others to take out.

4. Do not cut down trees, or harm the wild life you see at the springs or on the trails.

5. Monitor your dogs. Not everyone is a dog lover. Please respect the feelings of others and restrain your pet if it is being a nuisance to others. Many people do not appreciate a dog in the hot pools with them so please check with fellow hotspringers before allowing your dog into a pool.

6. Historically these springs have been clothing optional. There is no law against nudity on National Forest land. However, you should remember that many people in today's society are not accustomed to public nudity and therefore you should try not to offend other people. To wander nude into clothing compulsive territory may offend many, and undermine our objectives. Please help by respecting their rights, as we would like them to respect our right to be nude in established clothing optional areas.
Transgressions may lead to complaints and us losing this right. The hot springs you save by respecting these standards may be your own.

7. Remember that clothing optional is not a pretext for overt sexual activity. Nude is not lewd. We firmly believe that the springs are a healthy environment for your children and grandchildren. Please help us keep it that way.

8. Do not photograph people without their permission. It is common courtesy to ask first. Not everyone wants to end up in a stranger's photo album. Never photograph any children but your own without their parents (written) permission.

9. There are no bathroom facilities down at the springs. Bring a small shovel and toilet paper for these purposes. Find a private place away from the creek, dig a hole, do your thing, and please cover it up with lots and lots of dirt. The sanitary condition of the springs and surrounding area is a concern to the authorities. Do not give them an excuse to close them down. Please remember that toilet paper is trash as well, please pack it out or bury it deep.

Here is a litst of items you should bring with you: trash bags (extra ones are great to keep your gear dry in a rainstorm, you can wear them to keep dry and keep spare ones to hand out to others who didn't bring a bag for their trash), water container with water, food and snacks, toilet paper, small shovel, flashlight and spare batteries, matches or lighter, towel, warm clothing, water shoes are a good idea if you have them, and sunscreen.

The hike down will take around 30 - 45 minutes and the return hike will take maybe an hour.

Let us know if you have any further questions. And happy soaking!