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Harbin Hot Springs: A Rustic Retreat and Workshop Center
Harbin Hot Springs is a non-profit hot spring retreat and workshop center located in Lake County, Northern California. It is one of the oldest hot springs in California, and has a rich history of being used by the local people, pioneers, and visitors for healing and relaxation.
Harbin Hot Springs offers a variety of services and activities, such as clothing-optional sunbathing and soaking in the spring-fed pools, sauna, massage, hiking, events, and more.
In this article, we will explore the location, how to reach, accessibility, and directions of Harbin Hot Springs, as well as some key takeaways to remember before you visit. You can also read about Harbin Hot Springs History here.
Key Takeaways
- Reservations are required for all visits. You can make a reservation online or by phone.
- Clothing-optional facility. You can choose to wear or not wear clothes in the pools and sunbathing areas, but you must wear clothes in the dining hall, events hall, and health services office.
- Non-smoking facility. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the property, including in the rooms and cabins.
- Quiet facility. Loud noises, music, and cell phones are not permitted. Please respect the silence and privacy of other guests.
- Non-alcoholic facility. Alcohol is not allowed anywhere on the property, including in the rooms and cabins.
- Non-pet facility. Pets are not allowed anywhere on the property, except for ADA service dogs.
- Non-profit facility. It is owned and operated by Heart Consciousness Church, which is a spirit-oriented non-profit center.
Location
Harbin Hot Springs is situated at Harbin Springs, a small valley surrounded by hills and canyons. The springs are 20 miles north of Calistoga, 3.5 miles northwest of Middletown, and ten miles south of Clear Lake.
The elevation of the springs is about 1,568 feet. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers and cool and wet winters. The average temperature ranges from 38°F in January to 91°F in July.
Directions
To help you find your way to Harbin Hot Springs, here is a map of the area with the location of the springs marked.
You can also use Google Maps to get more detailed directions from your current location.
[Harbin Hot Springs Location Map]
How to Reach
Harbin Hot Springs is about two hours northeast of the San Francisco Bay Area by car. There are several routes you can take depending on your starting point and preference.
Here are some of the common ways to get to Harbin Hot Springs by road:
- From San Francisco: Take US-101 N to CA-37 E. Take exit 19 for CA-29 toward Napa. Follow CA-29 N to CA-175 E in Middletown. Turn right onto CA-175 E. Turn left onto Harbin Springs Rd.
- From Sacramento: Take I-80 W to CA-12 W. Take exit 40 for CA-12 toward Napa/Sonoma. Follow CA-12 W to CA-29 N in Napa County. Follow CA-29 N to CA-175 E in Middletown. Turn right onto CA-175 E. Turn left onto Harbin Springs Rd.
- From Santa Rosa: Take US-101 N to River Rd exit. Turn right onto River Rd. Turn left onto CA-128 E/Chalk Hill Rd. Turn right onto CA-128 E/CA-29 N. Turn left onto CA-29 N/CA-53 N. Turn right onto CA-29 N/CA-175 W. Turn left onto CA-175 E. Turn left onto Harbin Springs Rd.
You can also use public transportation to get to Harbin Hot Springs, but it may take longer and require more transfers. Some of the options are:
- From San Francisco: Take BART to El Cerrito del Norte Station. Take WestCAT Lynx bus to Vallejo Transit Center. Take Vine Transit bus 10 or 11 to Calistoga Depot. Take Lake Transit bus 3 or 4 to Middletown Park & Ride Lot. Take Lake Transit bus 2 or 4 to Harbin Hot Springs.
- From Sacramento: Take Amtrak Capitol Corridor train to Martinez Station. Take Vine Transit bus 10 or 11 to Calistoga Depot. Take Lake Transit bus 3 or 4 to Middletown Park & Ride Lot. Take Lake Transit bus 2 or 4 to Harbin Hot Springs.
- From Santa Rosa: Take Sonoma County Transit bus 60 or 62 to Calistoga Depot. Take Lake Transit bus 3 or 4 to Middletown Park & Ride Lot. Take Lake Transit bus 2 or 4 to Harbin Hot Springs.
Accessibility
Harbin Hot Springs is a rustic retreat center that aims to provide a natural and simple environment for guests. However, this also means that some of the facilities and services may not be fully accessible for people with disabilities or special needs.
Here are some of the accessibility issues you may encounter at Harbin Hot Springs:
- The terrain is hilly and uneven, and there are many stairs and steps throughout the property.
- The pools are not equipped with lifts or ramps, and may require assistance to enter and exit.
- The rooms and cabins vary in size and amenities, and some may not have private bathrooms or electricity.
- The health services office is located on the second floor of a building without an elevator.
- The dining hall is located on the lower level of a building without an elevator.
- The events hall is located on the upper level of a building without an elevator.
- The parking lot is located about a quarter mile from the main entrance, and there is no shuttle service available.
If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility at Harbin Hot Springs, you can contact them at (707) 987-2477 or info@harbin.org. They will try their best to accommodate your needs and make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Harbin Hot Springs is a unique and wonderful place to visit for relaxation, healing, and connection. We hope this article has given you some useful information and tips on how to plan your trip to Harbin Hot Springs. Enjoy your stay!
How Hot is the Pool at Harbin Hot Springs?
The pool at Harbin Hot Springs typically maintains a temperature range between 98°F and 105°F (37°C to 41°C). However, the specific temperature can vary depending on factors like the weather and maintenance.
This natural mineral hot spring water is known for its therapeutic and relaxing properties, making it a popular attraction for visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Is Harbin Hot Springs Clothing-Optional?
Harbin Hot Springs used to be a clothing-optional resort, allowing visitors to enjoy the pools and facilities either nude or clothed. However, it’s essential to note that Harbin Hot Springs experienced a significant fire in 2015 that caused extensive damage to the property, leading to its closure.
Since its reopening, there have been changes in policies and management. Visitors should check the current guidelines and dress code, as they may have evolved over time.
What Happened to Harbin Hot Springs?
In September 2015, a destructive wildfire, known as the Valley Fire, swept through the region and severely damaged Harbin Hot Springs. The fire consumed much of the property, including many of the buildings and amenities.
As a result, the resort was closed, and extensive restoration work was required to bring it back to its former state. The process of rebuilding and reopening has been a long and challenging one, and the management has made several changes in the wake of the disaster.
Who Owns Harbin Hot Springs?
Harbin Hot Springs has gone through various ownership changes over the years. Following the 2015 fire, the resort was acquired by a new group of owners and management. It’s possible that the ownership and management structure may have changed since then.
To obtain the most up-to-date information on the current owners and management, it’s advisable to check the official Harbin Hot Springs website or contact them directly.
Harbin Hot Springs Healing
Harbin Hot Springs has a long history of being associated with healing and wellness. The natural mineral hot spring waters are believed to have therapeutic properties due to their mineral content, which can help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
Many visitors have sought the healing benefits of these waters for physical and emotional well-being. In addition to the hot springs, the resort has offered various holistic and wellness programs, including yoga, meditation, and bodywork, to promote overall healing and rejuvenation.
Can You Camp at Harbin?
Camping at Harbin Hot Springs was once a popular option for visitors seeking a more rustic and nature-focused experience. However, due to the 2015 fire and subsequent restoration efforts, the availability of camping facilities and policies may have changed.
It’s advisable to check with the current management for information on camping options, if available. As part of the post-fire renovations, camping facilities may have been altered or temporarily unavailable.
