Unveiling the Rich Harbin Hot Springs History: A Clothing-Optional Resort in California

by Justin Douglas
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harbin hot springs history

Unveiling the Rich Harbin Hot Springs History: A Clothing-Optional Resort in California

Harbin Hot Springs is a non-profit hot spring retreat and workshop center at Harbin Springs in Lake County, Northern California. It is one of the oldest hot springs in California, and has a rich and colorful history that spans over 150 years.

In this article, we will explore how Harbin Hot Springs started, what sets it apart from other hot springs, and what are some of the notable events in its history.

How did Harbin Hot Springs start?

The springs had been used by the local people before European settlers arrived. Around 1856, a settler named James M. Harbin took control of the land occupied by the Harbin Hot Springs, and gave his name to the Harbin Springs and the Harbin Mountain that rises above the springs.

By 1870, a new owner, Richard Williams, had built the Harbin Springs Health and Pleasure Resort, with a large hotel on the slope below the springs. This was the first of many incarnations of the resort, which would change hands and names several times over the years.

The Original Harbin: A Look at the Hot Springs Health and Pleasure Resort

The original resort was a Victorian-style complex that offered various amenities and activities for its guests. It had a large swimming pool, a bowling alley, a billiard room, a dance hall, a barbershop, a post office, and a telegraph officeIt also had a hunting lodge, a boxing camp, and a golf course nearby.

The resort attracted many visitors from San Francisco and other parts of California, who came to enjoy the natural beauty and healing properties of the hot springs.

Harbin’s Springs: The Hippy Retreat Center of the Late 1960s

In the late 1960s, Harbin Hot Springs became a hippy retreat center, where people came to experiment with alternative lifestyles and spirituality. It was run as a commune with the name Harbinger, and offered courses and workshops on topics such as yoga, meditation, astrology, ecology, art, music, and philosophy

It also became a free-form university and experimental drug laboratory for some of its residents. The commune was known for its openness and tolerance of different beliefs and practices.

harbin hot springs
@ harbin.org

Community Ownership: Harbin in the Hands of Heart Consciousness Church

In 1975, Harbin Hot Springs was purchased by Ishvara (Robert Hartley), who founded the Heart Consciousness Church (HCC), a non-denominational religious organization that operates Harbin as a spirit-oriented non-profit center.

The HCC established an intentional community of staff members who live and work at Harbin, and who share a common vision of creating a sacred space for healing and transformation. The HCC also developed various programs and services for guests, such as health services, events, workshops, retreats, and ceremonies.

The Role of Harold Dull’s Transformation

One of the most influential figures in Harbin’s history is Harold Dull, who joined the HCC in 1976. He is the founder of Watsu®, a form of aquatic bodywork used for deep relaxation and passive aquatic therapy.

He developed Watsu® at Harbin’s warm pool, using the principles of Zen Shiatsu and applying them to the water. He also created other forms of water shiatsu, such as Waterdance®, Healing Dance®, and Jahara®. He trained thousands of practitioners around the world, and made Harbin a global center for aquatic bodywork.

The Reopening of Harbin: Springs in Lake County Make a Comeback

Harbin Hot Springs was partially destroyed by the Valley Fire in September 2015, which burned most of its buildings and facilities. The fire also damaged some of the hot springs sources and pipes. 

After four years of rebuilding efforts, Harbin Hot Springs partially reopened in January 2019, including the main pools and sauna, and a limited cafeteria service. The reopening marked a new chapter in Harbin’s history, as it welcomed back its loyal guests and introduced its new look to new visitors.

What sets Harbin Hot Springs apart from other hot springs?

Harbin Hot Springs is not just another hot springs resort. It is a unique place that offers more than just a hot pool. It is a place where people can relax, heal, learn, grow, connect, and celebrate life.

harbin hot springs pool

The Unique Harbin Hot Springs Experience: More Than Just a Hot Pool

Harbin Hot Springs offers a variety of pools for different purposes and preferences. There are four main pools: the Heart Pool (a heart-shaped pool with jets), the Warm Pool (a large pool with a trellis and a hot plunge), the Hot Pool (a small pool with the hottest water), and the Cold Plunge (a small pool with cold water).

The pools are fed by the natural hot springs, which contain minerals such as sulphur, iron, and magnesium. The pools are open 24 hours a day, and clothing is optional.

Watsu and Shiatsu: More Than Just a Hot Spa

Harbin Hot Springs is also a place where people can experience various forms of bodywork, such as massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, and energy work.

One of the most popular and unique services is Watsu®, which is performed in the warm pool by trained practitioners. Watsu® is a gentle and nurturing form of aquatic bodywork that combines stretching, pressure points, rocking, and cradling. It can help reduce stress, pain, tension, and anxiety, and promote relaxation, healing, and well-being.

The Impact of Harbin’s Clothing-Optional Policy

Harbin Hot Springs has a clothing-optional policy for its pools and most of its grounds. This means that guests can choose to wear or not wear clothing as they feel comfortable. The clothing-optional policy is based on the principles of freedom, respect, and acceptance.

It allows guests to experience a natural and authentic way of being, without judgment or shame. It also fosters a sense of community and connection among guests, who share a common appreciation for nature and the human body.

Harbin Mountain and Hillside: Natural Attractions Beyond the Hot Springs

Harbin Hot Springs is not only about the pools. It is also surrounded by beautiful natural scenery that guests can explore and enjoy. Harbin Mountain is a 2,200-foot-high peak that offers panoramic views of the valley and the lake. 

It has several hiking trails that lead to different points of interest, such as a meditation hut, a labyrinth, a fire lookout tower, and a sacred spring. Harbin Hillside is a wooded area that has several camping sites, cabins, cottages, and domes for guests who want to stay overnight. It also has a yoga and meditation space, a library, a bookstore, and a gift shop.

What are the notable events in Harbin Hot Springs history?

Harbin Hot Springs has witnessed many events that shaped its history and character. Some of these events were tragic, some were triumphant, and some were transformative.

The Valley Fire Tragedy: How it Happened and Impacted Harbin Community

The Valley Fire was one of the most devastating wildfires in California history. It started on September 12, 2015, near Cobb Mountain, and quickly spread to nearby towns and communities. It burned over 76,000 acres of land, destroyed over 1,900 structures, killed four people, and injured many more.

Harbin Hot Springs was one of the hardest hit areas by the fire. It burned almost all of its buildings and facilities, including the historic hotel, the pool complex, the health center, the temple, the office, and the staff housing. The fire also forced the evacuation of hundreds of guests and staff members from Harbin Hot Springs.

How Harbin Managed to Swim Against the Current: The Rebuilding After the Valley Fire

After the fire, Harbin Hot Springs faced many challenges and uncertainties. It had to deal with insurance claims, permits, regulations, environmental issues, financial difficulties, and emotional trauma. It also had to rebuild its infrastructure from scratch. Despite these obstacles, Harbin Hot Springs managed to swim against the current and overcome adversity.

It received support from its loyal guests, donors, volunteers, and staff members, who contributed their time, money, skills, and love to help Harbin rise from the ashes. It also received guidance from its spiritual leaders, who helped Harbin maintain its vision and mission. It took four years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance to rebuild Harbin Hot Springs.

The new Harbin has a modern design that incorporates fire-resistant materials, solar panels, and water recycling systems. It also has a new layout that enhances accessibility, privacy, and safety. The new Harbin preserves the essence of the old Harbin, while adding new features and improvements.

The Role of Bay Area and Sonoma County in Harbin’s History

Harbin Hot Springs has always had a close relationship with the Bay Area and Sonoma County. Many of its guests come from these regions, and many of its staff members have roots in these regions.

Harbin Hot Springs has also influenced and been influenced by the culture, lifestyle, and values of these regions. Harbin Hot Springs has been a part of the counterculture movement, the environmental movement, the wellness movement, and the spiritual movement that emerged or flourished in these regions.

Harbin Hot Springs has also been a refuge and a resource for people who seek peace, healing, growth, and inspiration in these regions. Harbin Hot Springs has also been a partner and a supporter of various organizations, projects, and causes that serve the community, the environment, and the humanity in these regions.

State Recognition: Harbin Hot Springs in The Eyes of State of California

Harbin Hot Springs has also received recognition and appreciation from the state of California. In 2019, the California State Assembly passed a resolution that honored Harbin Hot Springs for its contributions to the state and its resilience after the fire.

The resolution stated that Harbin Hot Springs “has been a source of healing, relaxation, education, and community for generations of Californians” and that it “has demonstrated remarkable courage, strength, and determination in the face of adversity”. The resolution also commended Harbin Hot Springs for its efforts to rebuild and reopen, and for its commitment to sustainability and stewardship.

Harbin Today: The New Look of the Resort After the Reopening

Harbin Hot Springs today is a new and improved version of its former self. It has a fresh and modern design that blends with the natural surroundings. It has a spacious and comfortable pool area that offers a variety of temperatures and experiences. It has a cozy and inviting cafeteria that serves healthy and delicious food.

It has a serene and sacred temple that hosts various ceremonies and events. It has a friendly and helpful staff that welcomes and assists guests. It has a vibrant and diverse community that shares and celebrates life.

Key Takeaways

Harbin Hot Springs is more than just a hot springs resort.

  • It is a place with a rich history, a unique culture, and a noble vision.
  • It is a place that has survived many challenges, changes, and transformations. 
  • It is a place that offers healing, learning, growth, connection, and joy.
  • It is a place that deserves to be visited, experienced, and appreciated.

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