wilbur hot springs

Wonderful Japanese style hot springs. Don't believe the negative reviews. I was there today and it was very relaxing soaking in the three temperature flume pools. The woman at the front desk was nice. I enjoyed a few leisurely hours. I found the pools and deck area very clean. The only downside were some chatty Polish women in the silent area. This is a nice quieter alternative to Harbin. I like the layout better than Orr.

I had high hopes for the Wilbur Hot Springs, but ended up being quite disappointed. Even though the landscape was very beautiful and peaceful, the bathing area was very small. There were only 3 very small baths. All sulphur baths. The smell was very intense and I could not stay in there for more than 2 minutes. I just could not relax, I guess I just prefer eucalyptus and lavender scents to soak in. The larger pool was not heated and way to cold to enter. The vibe I got was that the whole setup was quite old and cheap. You had to bring your own food, which could be ok (the kitchen is nice), but overall, I think it was just not worth the high price we paid for it.

My wife and I have stayed numerous times, both together and separately. First and foremost the atmosphere is quiet, respectful, and rustic -- and while clothing optional in the flume (as the hot-spring baths are called) area, it is not the "pick-up" scene found at the hot springs mentioned in a prior review. Our stay in October was our first since the main building burned in March 2014. During the reconstruction guests now stay in the Solar Lodge (that previously housed staff) which is a bit of a trek up a hill. Accommodations were comfortable with the bathroom facilities a short distance down the hall. The commercial communal kitchen is in the "Red House" building and remains as fully equipped as before. Other lodging options include the bunk room (also in the Solar Lodge) and several camping sites, both priced on a per-person basis. With the discounted mid-week rates it made more sense for us to get a private room. You need to bring your own food -- and guests do everything from quick and simple to gourmet feasts. This is part of the fun! There is refrigerator space and dry-food storage space assigned to each guest/room.The hot springs themselves are unique in that the waters contain lithium. There is a bit of sulfur smell, but in less than a day I barely notice. There is a "quiet area" with 3 covered flumes at various temperatures, plus an outdoor conversational flume and a large plunge/swimming pool, a tub-sized cool pool, plus a large sauna. There is an abundance of outdoor seating.The entire facility is off the grid and far away from cell signals. All electricity on site is generated by PV solar panels. Wilbur is located in an 1,800 acre nature preserve with many miles of hiking trails for those who choose. A favorite walk follows the trail up to a hilltop medicine wheel -- a great place to see the sun rise above the surrounding mountains. On the way one goes by the "geyser" hot spring source that now has a rustic hot tub and a shade structure. There are many old mines dotting the hills, and on the way back from the medicine wheel there are interesting artifacts of the mining era. It is not uncommon to see several small groups of deer in the valley.All in all, it is a bit pricey to stay at Wilbur, but it is a unique experience far away from traffic and the daily grind of life. When we need to get away, Wilbur is the first place we think of. Sadly, it is a 12 hour drive for us, so we don't get to go as often as we'd like.

it is a great place. Romantic and fantastic. I like the overall environment and the scene is beautiful. The water is great. They have 3 pools with different temperature.You will enjoy it for sure.

My wife and I have been here many times. Prior to today we have never had to make a reservation for "day use" of the soaking tubs of the springs.Today we drove hours to get there only to be turned away because they required a reservation. Never mind that there is no mention of that nonsense on their website, they refused us access to the property.Have you heard of Harbin Mineral Springs? That is where we went and Harbin is so far surpior, I'm grateful Wilbur turned me away.,