On the way back from the Homestead, we stopped by the very reason the Homestead was founded where it was.
The Jefferson Pools are a local attraction, and a real treat in winter. The hot spring that feeds the baths keeps the water at a cozy 98 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, a little sulfuric natural phenomenon that attracted people to the area for centuries.
The buildings that house the baths are still the same shacks they’ve been for ages. Meaning that we changed into bathing suits in the 20 degree winter weather that met us there, protected from the elements only by thin wooden walls. Meaning that there was an inch of ice on all walking surfaces surrounding the pool, a real natural hazard.
Yet the experience is really fantastic, regardless of the weather outside. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Something about floating around in perfectly warm water while steam comes off of you in every way possible, something about knowing that sticking your arms up exposes them to sub-freezing weather, that something is really magical. The baths are somewhat small and not secluded in any way, but it’s still fun to float around with a bunch of fellow tourists. I really recommend going. The only thing I would do differently next time is make sure that we have some sandwiches and a thermos of hot tea waiting back in the car for the trip back.
