Sunday, July 25th, 2010
Many thanks to my fellow soak-seekers for sending in the following updates!
The super-soaker at Bonneville Hot Springs near Lowman, Idaho is back in action after being repaired by multiple volunteer groups.- The surrounding landscape at Willow Creek Hot Springs near Pine, Idaho was severely damaged by wildfire in 2008; I recently received word that no soaking pools have resurfaced, and that not much potential remains.
- Deadwood Hot Springs has been cleaned and tinkered with a few times. Despite the attempted improvements, a thorough cleaning and adjustment of the source hoses will most likely be required pre-soak. Spend the night or make sure you have ample time if you make the hike out.
- Multiple reports of Jackhole sightings have surfaced in regard to Skinnydipper AKA Mile Marker 4 Hot Springs near Banks, Idaho. Reports included alleged sightings of public urination/defecation in the parking area and next to the pools.
Side note: Skinny was officially closed at night for 2 years ending in 2009. However, Jackholes either defaced or removed signs and the closure was never really enforced. Very sad because the surrounding area has been abused so much that it was classified as ‘critically endangered’ years ago. This subsequently resulted in management/jurisdiction of MM4 changing hands from the Forest Service to the BLM.
- This season brought about a sizable fee-hike to $25/night for campgrounds in the Atlanta, Idaho area near Atlanta, Power Plant and Chattanooga Hot Springs.
- A little reworking has taken place at Secesh Hot Springs, northeast of McCall, Idaho. Smaller pools have been disassembled in favor of a larger primary pool. Initial qualifications have been favorable.
Please Remember
Pack it In Pack it Out – No Trash or Glass at the Hot Springs!
Travel Tools
| Posted in atlanta, bonneville, chattanooga, deadwood, idaho, jackholes, lowman, secesh, skinnydipper, trail creek, wildfires, willow creek id | No Comments »
Friday, February 23rd, 2007
Chattanooga Hot Springs features one large and shallow hot waterfall-fed pool next to the Middle Fork of the Boise River near the quaint mining town of Atlanta, Idaho. Depending on how strong spring runoff is or was, the pool may be submerged in the river. The key to a stellar soak? Come late season.
The locals have been known to bathe in the hot springs on occasion, and have been known to creep out those unfortunate enough to not be from Atlanta. If you don’t want to raise eyebrows here’s what to do: get a an old beat-up pickup truck, a gun rack and roll around in the mud. Empty beer cans and trash in the truck bed and a squint with a good stink-eye will get you extra points.
Parking may be tricky because the flat area above the hot springs is on private land. The last time I visited it was signed as “No Trespassing”. I had to park near the access road and hike in. Although not personally experienced, I’ve heard plenty of rumors that Red Spider Mites are living large at C-town.
Seasonal Notes
The majority of roads into Atlanta close during winter save for one route which is sketchy, especially given the large amount of deaths that occur on this road during the summer months. Note: The Middle Fork Boise River Road is a rough one – this is one of my least favorite roads to drive on in Idaho due to the insane washboards. Just something to keep in mind. During the summer you can cut down on the drive time by taking one of the many FSRs off State HWY 21 to the Middle Fork Road.
Camping Notes
Plenty of nearby National Forest campgrounds and primitive sites to choose from. Just around the bend from Chattanooga are free developed sites at Powerplant Campground. This might very well be one of the last campgrounds in Idaho that remains free despite having water, tables and an outhouse.
09.17.06 Trip Report
Chattanooga reminded me of a bit larger version of the late-90s, around the bend pool at Pine Flats near Lowman. Let me elaborate. The hot waterfall feeding the pool continuously emits a steady stream of steam as the hot water is cooled by the air and rock on the way down to the pool below. Luckily, the shallow pool is fairly large, providing for complete submersion of the body. The views of the Middle Fork of the Boise River right next to the pool are awesome. This place is seasonally popular, the rest of the time its under water. What more can I say but to watch the video and look at the pics… I think you’ll side with me – this was one sweet soak.
Rating A
| Posted in atlanta, chattanooga, idaho | 1 Comment »
