JMT swim/clean question

[Sam Sockwell]

Can you just hop into streams and lakes to clean off? How welcome would a hot shower at VVR be, or is it always easy to find a spot to clean up? Sam

[stephan q]

Howdy,

The water is cold…

The Park Service is now requesting that you rinse off your sunscreen and/or bug juice away from the stream or lake before swimming.

On a side note, Permethrin treated clothing will disperse chemicals into the water source when rinsed. These in turn will bio-accumulate in fish and other aquatic life. No pinche bueno. I've asked Backcountry Rangers about this, and am told studies will be forthcoming. I don't think it will ever be banned, but I'll never use any.

stephan

[Author]

Posts