Miracle Hot Springs will close temporarily after seeing two people die in two years, the U.S. Forest Service announced in a Feb. 26 press release.
“Public safety is of utmost importance to Forest Service officials,” Kern River District Ranger Al Watson said in the announcement. “With a second death that can be attributed in part to the hot springs, the area will remain closed until a sustainable long-term solution is reached.”
Mr. Watson told California Insider that as the sheriff and coroner investigate, “in my role as district ranger, it would be irresponsible to keep it open. ... There were body fluids in the tub when the person expired. It is a public health issue.”
According to the Forest Service, both Miracle and adjacent Remington Hot Springs are managed by Kern River Conservancy, the Forest Service, and the Hot Springs Angels—a group that helps keep the place safe and clean.
Mr. Watson said that if the hot springs open again, “special groups such as the Angels would be in charge. The Angels have done an outstanding job.”
The recent body was found Feb. 17 in the tub area—where multiple tubs made of stone once existed, before being removed in 2022—according to officials. The area had been flooded and inaccessible after last winter and spring flooding, but with recent river levels dropping it is now accessible again, officials said.
A body found in October 2022 prompted removal of the tubs, officials said, despite the springs’ being known for their mineral waters and “miraculous” relief powers, according to a website for the springs.
A hotel was constructed near the springs in 1927, prompting the Forest Service to lease the land, but it was burned to the ground in 1975. After hazardous waste was cleared, a few trails and some rock tubs were left, according to the spring’s website. The tubs’ reputation grew as they were used by professional therapists from Finland, who added deep massage to the “soothing effects” of the mineral water.
One year before the stone tubs were destroyed, the Forest Service said in a 2021 press release issues such as vandalism, overcrowding, after-hours use, drug activity, and unauthorized camping had led to management issues.
Officials said in their recent announcement that an area closure will be posted soon.
Sandy Flat Campground, near the Miracle Hot Springs day use area, is open to the public and currently accepting reservations, they added.
Citing information from Sequoia National Forest, officials also noted that under federal law it is prohibited to construct, place, or maintain any structures such as roads, trails, structures, fences, or other such things on National Forest System lands.
Located 42 miles northeast of Bakersfield and eight miles outside Lake Isabella, the Miracle Hot Springs sit along Kern Canyon Road and the lower Kern River.
A boat launch for small rafts is located nearby, but swimming in the river is dangerous and unadvisable, according to officials.
“We do not recommend anyone to go swimming in the Kern River. The Kern River can be dangerous. There are three rafting companies in the area that you can go rafting with and wear a life vest and personal floatation devices,” Mr. Watson told California Insider.
