Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs

07/05/2026

Kitson Hot Springs near Oakridge has had a couple of modern-day incarnations, first as a hotel and bathhouse resort, then, for nearly 50 years, as a Boy Scout camp. Now, it’s heading into its third…

06/25/2026

Today, the Forest Service is announcing an interagency effort to monitor recreation use by implementing pilot projects across public lands. This effort is geared towards improving recreation resource management, visitor services, and planning.

“Understanding visitor recreation use patterns is important for the Forest Service to gain a better understanding of the demand so we can improve visitor experiences,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “These pilot projects will incorporate a variety of on-site techniques including activities such as manually counting visitors, summarizing trail permit data, installing mechanical counters, and providing logbooks for visitors to record their use.”

All are encouraged to participate in a 30-day public comment period by visiting BLM’s e-planning website https://eplanning.blm.gov/Project-Home/?id=3240C41B-9A70-F111-AB0D-001DD8084607.

06/23/2026

05/13/2026

Check out this fascinating conversation Soaking in the Future: How Hot Springs Are Reshaping Wellness ♨️ recorded live from the Hot Springs Association Conference in Calistoga with Lisa Starr.

https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/soaking-in-the-future-how-hot-springs-are-reshaping-wellness/

What You’ll Learn
- Why hot springs are shifting from niche destinations to integrated wellness infrastructure
- How operators are designing for human experience, not just amenities or services
- The growing role of balneology, mineral composition, and water as a therapeutic system
- Why purpose-driven development models are outperforming traditional hospitality approaches
- How accessibility, community, and social connection are shaping the future of wellness

Episode Highlights
03:05 – The origin of the Hot Springs Association and its rapid industry growth
10:21 – How collaborative marketing transformed regional hot springs into global destinations
14:39 – Why today’s wellness travelers seek meaning, not just relaxation
20:27 – Building a retreat model centered on personal and community transformation
24:00 – The role of balneology and the science of water as medicine
30:41 – Programming water through temperature, flow, and mineral composition
38:21 – Rethinking spa design: from services to full environmental experiences
47:58 – Entrepreneurship, restoration, and the future of hot springs development

Meet the Guests
Vicky Nash - Founder of the Hot Springs Association
Jordan Menzel - Co-founder & CEO of Maple Grove Hot Springs.
Brynn Foster - Food systems entrepreneur and representative of the Mineral Water Medicine Wellness Education (BANA).
Angie Kies - Director of Wellness at Murrieta Hot Springs
Joe Salisbury
Owner of Veyo Pool Resort

04/25/2026

We’re looking forward to gathering with the Hot Springs Connection Conference community this coming week in Calistoga.

This conference has always been an inspiring experience—one rooted in connection, shared knowledge, and a deep respect for the waters we steward. We’re excited to be part of the conversation this year and to contribute alongside so many dedicated leaders in the hot springs and wellness space.

We hope you can join us on April 30th at 9AM for our presentation:
“Mineral Water as Wellbeing: Building a Wellness Framework for Your Destination Spa.”

Water stewards have always known what science is now confirming: mineral water supports health in meaningful and measurable ways. This session bridges centuries of balneological tradition with contemporary lifestyle medicine research to give hot springs operators a credible framework for the experiences they already provide.

We’ll explore how mineral water experiences align with the pillars of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine—and how this alignment transforms your spa offerings and brand story into credible therapeutic destinations. In doing so, it differentiates your property in a rapidly evolving wellness market, strengthens partnerships with healthcare providers, supports physician referrals, and creates a clearer path to reimbursement opportunities through Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

We look forward to meeting you, exchanging ideas, and learning together.

📍 See you in Calistoga!

https://hotspringsassociation.glueup.com/event/7th-annual-hot-springs-connection-conference-166562/

04/22/2026

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04/04/2026