This hot spring has a few names, Steep Ravine Hot Springs, Marin Tidal Hot Springs and Rocky Point Hot Springs. Plan ahead by looking for the lowest tides, the more negative the better. We stayed overnight at the Steep Ravine Cabins which is a short but rocky hike to the hot springs from the beach. It can get a little sketchy with rising tides. Alternatively, if you drive right past the cabins, if you see cars parked on the left, it's straight down from there. The cars parked are also a sign that people are soaking. The reason this hot springs is so popular is its location. You can soak nestled in some rocks above the Pacific Ocean. Also it's rarity, you can only use it when the tide is negative. You can't argue with the natural beauty. Many people will take a cold plunge with the ocean water below. The spring fits about a dozen people and the closer you go to the enclosed portion the hotter the water. The reason it doesn't rate higher is the over crowding and the crowd itself. Naked hippies go along with soaking, it's a given, that's not the downside. Generally in your hot spring adventures you meet some really nice folks who are not fake who are all there for the same reason. This crowd here is hostile and overbearing about this spot. There were a few locals that were cool who helped maintain the flow of water which is much appreciated, but they were the exception. If you happen to like to soak in a bathing suit, you may get a public shaming. There was a lot of bad mouthing about anyone from outside of Marin being there. It was very crowded at 5 in the morning and you couldn't help but feel like you were on top of the person next to you because you have 30 people trying to soak in a natural tub meant for 12. For that reason I get why they are protective and don't want to encourage people to find the place but please share. No matter how many negative ratings you put on yelp to discourage novelist hot springers, you will be found. read more

Miss this place despite how much I detest it. First of all you will stink like rotten eggs if you have the courage and fortitude to make it down to the springs. Second of all, the crowds are binomial. Meaning either you've come at the wrong time or you'll be overwhelmed by the silent ohms and having to siphon or the springs will be covered by the ocean. Take pictures and someone will smash your phone. Bring glass and you'll be everyone's favorite! The trek down is short, but can be deadly and gruesome. One misstep and you'll be hitting your health insurance deductible. This place is not for the faint hearted. read more

alone inside cave for 30 plus minutes- fell asleep laying in shallow hot springs heating rocks under my back looking up at bioluminescence of critters on ceiling of small cave. my feet were out of cave. awoke when lovely person started giving me amazing foot massage as i lay in cave. perfect. i sat with masseur in evening sun. warm summer(?) night. other than that time and one other late afternoon when i shared the deep, full springs with one other mud-faced, sweet young california girl; i've never seen the spring with less than a dozen greedy people cramped together in some faux relaxed vibe. DON'T VENTURE THERE unless you happen to be there with no planning whatsoever. may the tide gods be with you! read more

If you enjoy near-death hiking, leering hippies, lukewarm salt sludge, and inappropriate sea anemones, this is the place for you! We parked at the lot along the road and then crept down the craggy, crumbling, nearly vertical litter-strewn trail. At last, we found a tiny flat spot where we were able to lean against the rocks and write out our last wills and testaments before stumbling upon the musty skeleton of some poor sap who foolishly came before us (see photo). It was a miracle when we reached the bottom. We knew we were close when the foul stench stung our nostrils. It was an olfactory assault akin to smelling salts. Ahoy! There it was! A small, tepid tidepool inhabited by salty Stinson Beach derelicts and one small baby great white shark. We held our noses and waded into the dank tarn. The water clung clammily to our shivering skin. The joy! So unappealing! A sea anemone kissed me on the cheek and I had had enough. We hiked away in shame and somehow we had to climb straight down again to get back to the car, this time aided by a thin, antique rope (see photo). The best thing to report about this trip was that we made it back to our car! I loved it so much I'll be back next year! read more

Steep Ravine Hot Spring - This is a piece of cake as long as your fear gene is non-existent. - Hiking Near Me - Bodega Bay, California

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you have to walk down a steep trail, and there's a free hot spring overlooking the ocean as long as the tide is negative 1 foot. I don't understand how that's not 5 stars from everyone? read more

First time there in the 80's. It started going downhill in late 90's as the beach washed out and it became difficult to ge to. It's barely 100 on a good day, the water is full of sulpher and you stink for days. The main problem is the locals. They are territorial, rude, loud. I knew most of the regulars and couldn't stand them. I've been to many hot springs and this one is the worst. read more

Compound fracture AND a nasty infection. Worst hot spring experience ever!!! I really wanted to like Steep Ravine Hot Spring. I love hot springs and was so excited to give this one a try. I've been to hot springs all over California but this one is unique because you have to wait for a minus tide for it to be exposed. It's only exposed for a short while and then the ocean swallows it up again. So cool... right? Cool enough to risk the treacherous hike down the springs? No... definitely not. The trail is steep and very difficult. Once I started down the trail, I found myself thinking... "What have I gotten myself into... will this be worth it?" Pressing on I began to smell the telltale sulfur smell of a natural hot spring and was relieved that I was getting close. I had made it to the bottom without slipping and falling, which was not easy, and as a bonus, I hadn't touched any of the poison oak which is prolific on both sides of the trail. Once at the bottom I heard voices and saw other people there... a lot of other people. It seems that even though the low tide was at daybreak, a lot of people were willing to get up at 5:00 am too, and brave the trail. So many people in fact that everyone was squeezed in pressing up against each other. You literally had to wait for someone to get out because it would have been impossible to squeeze another person in. It was jam-packed like a Tokyo subway train at rush hour. I got in just because the hike was so grueling and I didn't want it to be for naught, but once in the water I noticed that the water wasn't hot at all. It's best described as tepid or lukewarm, probably because of all the people squeezed in there. The next thing I noticed was how murky and slimy it was, probably also because of all the people. I immediately announced to my companions... "I'm complete" and got out as fast as I could. Rather than taking the shorter steep trail back, I let my companions know that I was going to take the longer trail back through the campground. They were going to stay in the water for a while longer, which it turns out was a big mistake, more about this later. Even though they weren't done with the "hot" springs adventure, I was. But another adventure was just starting for me... To get to the campground you have to walk through the ocean water, even at low tide in order to get around the rocks that surround the springs, you have to go through waist-deep water. Just on the other side of the rocks, I heard what sounded like screaming. It was difficult to tell because it was faint compared to the sound of the ocean waves. In a few moments, I saw a young woman who was literally dragging herself across the sand, trying desperately to get to higher ground and away from the rising tide. She had broken her ankle on the same rocks I had been climbing over on my way down that steep trail. And it wasn't just a simple break... it was a compound fracture (do a Google image search for that if you don't know what it is). She was clearly in shock from the pain. Her screams were chilling and no one else could hear screams for help over the sounds of the ocean... even though she was only 100 feet from the dozens of people crammed into the tiny spring. Her boyfriend had been with her, but he had to leave her while he ran to a place where he could get a signal to call the paramedics. He returned just as I found her and the two of us carried her up the beach to a place where she could safely wait for the paramedics to arrive. They arrived within 10 minutes and I talked with one of the paramedics and although I didn't ask him directly, I definitely got the impression that this happens frequently. The rocks are slippery and dangerous. I think people fall and get hurt here a lot. I hiked back to the car without incident and was happy to see that my companions had made it back safely. On the way home, we talked about the tragedy and were grateful that we were all ok (or so we thought). Just 24 hours later, however, we realized that there's another danger in the water. It turns out that tepid, unsanitary water, is a breeding ground for bacteria and one of our companions picked up an infection. She got very sick and a doctor friend of ours was certain that she picked up the infection in the spring. I'm pretty sure the doctor was right. That water was nasty from all the people crammed in there. I'll never go there again. There are so many other, much nicer hot springs available. read more

Lots of hippie guys, crowded and you have to get right up close to everybody, naked. So...it could be your thing, or not...water not usually very hot. read more

Found only during really low or negative tides, I thought these hot springs were mystical. Make sure you have a headlamp to keep your hands free, good shoes, and are completely sober. It's a doozy if you're not careful. We pulled off to the side of the road and followed a treacherous path down a hill but I heard there was another way by following the waters' edge from cabins nearby. Instead we made it to the wrong boulder where I slipped and fell a few times. I have a few deep bruises and now a stretch mark where I scraped against a rock. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty from just being chubby but this one I'd actually like to show off to my friends. After I pointed out that we were obviously in the wrong place with the lack of hippies and all, we got to the correct trail. When we got to the hot spring, there was a lot of naked people but all very well behaved. Everyone seemed to just be enjoying the clear sky and heat. Tip: if people are trying to get closer to the heat source, tuck your legs in. Someone passed me and touched me with their bits and pieces. Just a warning. Even after all that, it was a good experience under my belt. Well worth smelling like fart and being sore for the next couple of days. read more

Disappointing. Not very warm. Poison oak all over the trail. Slippery dangerous rocks getting in to the pools. Crowded. Don't waste your time. read more

Fantastic spot that only Mother Nature could provide. Amazing mineral hot water while low tide, thanks Mother Nature! I'm sure it has been the place to be even before the Mayflower. read more

Steep Ravine Hot Spring - The real location - Hiking Near Me - Bodega Bay, California

The Hot springs get a 10, The people who hang out there, sorry guys. FAIL. Miserable FAIL. For this reason I have to give it one star. I love hot springs. Picture this. You take off work on a Tuesday, Get out to the springs well before sunrise. As the sun comes up you are sitting on the edge of the pacific ocean, you put your head back on the rock, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. You hear the sound of the ocean, waves crashing on the rocks just a couple of feet way. You think to yourself, this is about the time I would normally be getting to work. Open your eyes and take a look around. The ocean is gorgeous. The birds are flying overhead. You look up the hill towards the road and see a few more people coming down the trail to join all of the other angry middle aged men who feel entitled to sit here naked and give every new comer a hard time about being there. This is a public place. I am grateful to the shepherds of the Marin Tidal Hot springs for taking such good care of it. Otherwise it would be filled with sand and very difficult to find. But, for those who enjoy the place on a more regular basis, who don't do any care taking and still feel like they can go down there and be total jag-offs to others, I have nothing nice to say. If you go on a super low tide this is what you will encounter. A bunch of 35-70 year old naked white guys (I have no problem with any of the demographic details, just for the record.) While they are sitting there naked a younger woman comes up and sits in the shallow part of the pool. (the pool is about the size of a Volkswagen bug) When she wants to make her way over to the deep part they basically refuse to make room for her to move comfortable over to the warmer part. One of them laughs and tells her " you can just slide over the top of us, there is plenty of room." Now as a man I have no problems making room for a lady. As a grown man I also don't have issues with sharing. What am I getting at here, grow up and be a man! Learn to share and don't be a dick. On that issue, better be ready to deal with the nudity as well. Out of the 20 or so people you will be sharing with (hopefully sharing with) if you happen to want some swim wear to cover up just be prepared for some rude comments about it. And with that harassment you have the ego of these hot spring hoarders to deal with. This one guy just could not stop talking about how he loves to swim naked in the nearby off limits reservoir. Dude, not cool, people have to drink that. I gew up in Santa Cruz and the first time I had heard of this place was in High school from my earth Science teacher. I asked him if he had ever been there and he said no. I have heard about it from other people over the years, but on one I knew had been there, I had to check it out for my self. I love the location, the environment and the adventure. The people, you never can tell until you go and check it out. One of the guys down there (the cool one I gave praise to in the beginning) told us that even on a moderate low tide the pools are over the water. So you don't have to go on the lowest tide of the year. If it's a low tide and you see a couple of cars at the turn out go for it. The hike is a bit steep, I would not recommend it for everyone, take a look and decide for yourself. All this ranting, i know I should be more considerate to the locals, even if they come across as spoiled territorial baby's. I think Ian L said it best in his review "it is up to you to manage your experience" so just be prepared and deal with it. Have a great time. One things for sure, it's real and the springs themselves are absolutely amazing. read more

Would not recommend. But if you do choose to visit any hot spring, remember... pack it in/ pack it out, don't bring glass, be respectful ;) read more

I've been dragged to these springs on more than one occasion and have always had a less than pleasurable experience. The hike down is extremely tedious and treacherous (don't even think about bringing your kids down it). The tub is always overcrowded and to move through it, one must alligator, meaning slide your naked body across those of the creepy, touchy-feely, territorial natives. I noticed an abundance of broken glass in and around the tub, a great addition to the bacteria prone warm water. Many of the locals find the need to chant loudly which definitely takes away from the serene location. Occasional rogue waves make this spot very dangerous. Don't say I didn't warn you. read more

wow... I'm generally a hot spring enthusiast but this place..ugh. For one the people, who often overcrowd the doggie pond are pretentious, conservative, bolinas snobs. They have no idea how to interact with others and are often selfishly assertive and probe their bodies into a hot spot. Which brings me to my next point, there is no hot spot. After the siphon got confiscated by the state parks service and citations were issued, the water on an extremely low tide barely gets above seventy degrees. In addition to the lukewarm water at best, the hike down is extremely treacherous and poison oak ridden. The only time I visited I slipped and my wound required stitches at the ear. read more

Note the dates on the positive reviews. Most of them are back from '14, shifting coastal dynamics and perhaps sea rise, which is also causing huge problems on OB http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Long-term-solution-sought-to-problem-of-Ocean-6843541.php#photo-9420059 have made timing on these springs harder then ever. Even at the lowest of tides the window is so tight that there isn't enough time for the pool to heat. Once upon a time there was a syphon system that pulled the cold water out, but this is gone, as are many of the locals that are derided in other reviews, gone too are the sea levels that made this soak pleasurable. You're much better heading up to orr hotsprings, or some of the springs around Shasta - car pool if you can, the climate depends on it. read more

This place sucks. Overrated. The hike down is slippery. Then when you get there it's overcrowded and you literally have naked strangers climbing over you. And not in a good way. In a poke you in the eye accidentally sort of way. read more

SO SAD!!! The landslide from last year fully wiped out what used to be a nice little warm spring. Got poison oak for nothing : (

What a wonderful spot ! Just wanted to say that after reading all the reviews about how unfriendly it was I was tempted to skip it. Glad I didn't. Spectacular hike down to the springs and people were entirely nice, considerate, made room for the newcomers. It was very sulphur and mineral rich and the monkey climb back up to the road was a breeze - and I am not the super fit type. Fantastic experience. read more

Chances are you wont find this place and if you do its not worth it. the hike down is extremely treacherous with cliffs and dangerous rocks. parking is not allowed anywhere near the spring and rangers are known to have cracked down in recent times. The water is like a lukewarm 65 and it smells like rotten eggs. The view may be okay but it isnt worth it at all. The locals are extremely territorial and dont even think of getting in the water if you arent naked and attractive. The rocks are extremely slippery and one miss step could be a gash. There's no cell phone service so good luck getting out. Tensions fly. I would definitely not recommend this place. Ive been there once and would never plan on going there. this place has become extremely and is not worth the twisty and turny drive. read more

Really steep climb to the small lukewarm pool. Always overcrowded and smells horrible.

After visiting a few times, here is my review: Challenging hike to get there, it can be dangerous in the dark or when intoxicated. Unpredictable crowd in the springs, including touchy/feely hot spring guys who are generally harmless but can be uncomfortable to be around. I've heard from others and experienced myself that people there can be too protective and exclusive. All in all I'd say it's a better idea to chill out in your friend's hot tub in the city or head out to the Eastern Sierra for some epic, pristine springs. Happy soaking! read more

Mystical? Maybe. I planned my trip well. Chose the day before a full moon (full moon tides are the lowest of low), figured out when low tide would be (approx 6:54am) and drove out before the crack of dawn. I found the steep trail down the cliff that is supposed to lead to the springs, and upon reaching the bottom, smelled sulfur. HOWEVER: there were no springs. During my time clambering over slippery treacherous rocks far to the left and far to the right of where the trail ends to scope out the springs, I never saw another soul, nor did I ever find the springs. I touched the water, and it was icy cold. I never saw any sort of pool of water, just lots of strong waves crashing against the rocks. Was I in the wrong place after all? Did I come at the wrong time of year? Wrong time of day? Should I have climbed farther over the slippery rocks? I did see a big blue hose hanging out towards the right of the trail..... I was so excited to experience this place, but left very disappointed. read more