What more can I say that hasn’t already been said about Kirkham Hot Springs? Which is excellent, in terms of textile soaking. When driving past the full pullout for Skinnydipper on the way in, I noticed that even the pullouts before and after were akin to overflow parking. Pine Flats and Hot Springs campground had a couple vehicles and sole campers each. Timing for Kirkham was just right, as four groups of people all left upon approach. Two other groups pulled-up and parked as my ride sped off down highway 21, long after a great soak was had.

Minimal trash was a welcome surprise and all people encountered were of the friendly lot. There was about four pools prime for soaking. The largest pool had some nice depth to it as well. Watching the sun set and moon rise from the hot springs was the icing on the cake.

Sadly, just like the rest of Idaho and the northwest, there was a severe lack of snow evident for this time of the year. It practically looked like September outside. Unless paramount snowfall occurs, this summer will see a multitude of wildfires.

View Kirkham Hot Springs on IdahoHotSprings.com

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Keeping in tune with publishing unpublished, past trip reports – here is one for Jerry Johnson Hot Springs in Idaho, from July 2011.

Special note: Jerry Johnson is Idaho’s most popular hot springs – and as such, is heavily abused. Please pack out all trash and don’t bring glass. This hot springs is already under nighttime closure. If we don’t take care of Jerry, we risk losing the right to visit completely. Overnight, illegal campers beware, the Forest Service will catch and fine you. They routinely send out patrols after dark ISO violators.

Just Jerry

On Sunday, July 24th 2011, we arrived bright and early at the Warm Springs Pack Bridge in the Clearwater National Forest, AKA the trailhead for the brief jaunt to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs. The parking area was half-full of overnight campers, and there was even a Rainbow bus with a handful of folks sleeping in their bags underneath.

The ‘Buffalo Tribe’ was heading back home, but had to detour around Oregon. Apparently, one of their tribe has an Oregon warrant. After crossing the pack bridge we were treated to the same sight over and over again. Jackhole overnight campers… sound asleep amongst their piles of trash, camping illegally, in areas desperately in need of recovering from years of abuse. A new jackhole sub-type was discovered here as well… the meth jackhole.

Long story short, we documented the illegals and lectured a bunch of kids drinking Boone’s that had strewn trash in a perfect circle around their little ‘hot tub’. The little jackholes took off running with our backs turned and left their trash, of course. We finally found a good soak, which was eventually shared with a photography class from MSU in Missoula, MT and a few other random people that wandered in. All good people, and all in all a great soak.

Aside from the jackholes, the soak was stellar and the people we chatted with were very friendly. We passed a handful of rangers on our way out, on their way in (to drop the hammer). I enjoy backpacking and camping near hot springs too, but when unique places like this are heavily damaged, hot springers need to respect that damage by not adding to it.

The first source was still submerged, no surprise here given the insane late spring runoff this season. The second and third sources were good to go.

View past trip reports, pictures, video clips and more on IHS

I try to be timely with trip reports, but inevitably, some slip through the cracks. Here is one of them from last July for Weir Creek Hot Springs in the Clearwater National Forest in Idaho…

Ole Weir Creek can be a crap shoot this time of the year. A time when many geothermal brethren answer the call of spending warm summer nights amidst a thick forest veil and star filled sky, soaking away life’s pain in a natural hot spring. As do I.

Upon arrival, our party encountered a mix of folks camping at the trailhead and primitive sites (along the access trail nearest to the parking lot). Some nice, others, not so nice. We counted 14 overnighters, all crammed into the small primitive sites along the trail except for 3 sleeping in the parking lot. The second night, aside from our group, saw only 2 trailhead campers. Whew! The hot springs saw a steady stream of traffic on all 3 days.

I detected 3 types of recreational users that were present; the traveling folks, road bicyclists and straight-up hot springers.

The traveling folks let their dogs run amok, crap all over the trail and didn’t bother to call them off whenever someone wanted to hike past to reach the hot springs. These folks knew or cared little of camping, backpacking, traveling and hot springing. The kind with no respect for the land. My party ended up picking up all of their trash once they finally left. This included a sopping wet mattress. Yep. They dragged mattresses from their ride out into the forest before it rained on them heavily. Brilliant.

I’m not entirely sure they knew about Weir Creek. These folks were creepy, and would try to hide when people passed by on the trail. The only decent thing I can say about the jackholes is that one of them was an alright guitarist.

The road bicyclists and soak seekers treated this area with a great deal more respect. They even helped clean up after the jackholes. Which, unfortunately, took the liberty of depositing human flowers directly on the trail to Weir Creek, with TP strewn all about… it was so nasty… the image is still burned into my mind.

Prior to arriving, we had just finished up a full day of backpacking 10+ miles in heavy rain through the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, and needless to say were very ready for a hot soak. After parking, we strapped on the packs and got as far away from everyone as possible before setting up camp for 2 nights.

Weir Creek Hot Springs in 3 Minutes

All camping and soaking was excellent. There was little to none in regard to trash at the pool, plenty of friendly hot springers – and was exactly what summers in Idaho are all about. Minus the traveling jackholes. Long live the Clearwater National Forest.

View More Pictures, Video Clips and Trip Reports on IHS

The number one post of 2011 was … Holiday Hot Springing in Idaho, posted in November 2011.

Number two goes to … Loftus Hot Springs Near Boise, Idaho is No More, posted in May 2011.

Number three … Dippin’ @ Skinny, posted in October 2011.

I thought it would be a grand idea to focus on the mother of all geothermal states, in terms of ‘soakable’ hot springs, for the 3rd edition (year) of the Natural Hot Springs Wall Calendar.

Nothing But Idaho

Idaho is home to about 130 ‘soakable’ hot springs of around 340 total hot springs. That’s a lot of hot water!

Click to preview and purchase the 2012 Natural Hot Springs Wall Calendar, which features photos taken from my hot springs adventures in Idaho!

Best New Year Wishes!

2012 Natural Hot Springs Wall Calendar Index

January: Trail Creek
February: Molly’s
March: Atlanta
April: Skillern
May: Weir Creek
June: Weir Creek
July Weir Creek
August: Molly’s
September: Rocky Canyon
October: Bear Valley
November: Frenchmen’s Bend
December: Rocky Canyon

Miracle Hot Springs Renovation FAIL Delay

Miracle’s grand reopening was on December 15th. I finally made a break for it on Saturday, a couple days later. After arriving I chatted with the front desk agent and found out that the two new public pools were complete, but awaiting to pass inspection. Hence, the emptiness. The new private rooms? Nope, not finished yet. They are coming along nicely, however. No offense Miracle, but I could have hiked around the forest and soaked in a non-commercial soak for much less $ in gas and fees. But, no. I just had to see the goods…

The entire complex had new paint on the stucco, many pool cracks mended, new restroom facilities (actually open and super nice) and was looking pretty good in general. Sadly, the view from my little window in the private soaking room was of garbage, cig butts and construction debris. There was a little bird…

… and of course the soak too, which was stellar, as usual per Miracle. pH tested at 7+

That concludes my once a year sojourn to Miracle Hot Springs. Until next time…

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View Miracle Hot Springs Pictures, Video and Trip Reports on IdahoHotSprings.com

The Warm Springs Resort in Idaho City, Idaho is Set to Re-Open Summer 2012 as “The Springs”

Warm Springs Resort January 15, 1884

This is indeed excellent news! It was originally posted on The Springs Website that they would open this winter. However, paying attention to detail has moved the launch to this summer. To be honest, it is really awesome to see The Springs reach-out and involve the community.

I’ve been very fortunate to have been involved with a number of commercial hot springs in the northwest over the years, and was pretty stoked when contacted by the General Manager of The Springs, Wyatt Sharpley, for input and an invite to The Springs prior to opening. Are you kidding? Yes please! How could I resist a backstage pass like that. Regardless, I am really looking forward to visiting. This crew definitely seems to have their stuff together.

Classic Warm Springs Resort Photos

From what I’ve learned, The Springs are very interested in hot springer feedback and making sure their geothermal establishment plays an integral role in both Idaho City and Boise communities. In fact, the grand opening has been timed to match-up with Idaho City’s 150th Anniversary. Join the conversation on The Springs Facebook Fan Page.

Quite a few of my hot springs brethren have fond memories and stories of the old Warm Springs Resort in Idaho City. I never had the chance to visit before it went offline. Back in those days, I was traveling a lot and wasn’t too interested in commercial soaks.

There has even been discussion about making The Springs clothing optional, which would make it the first commercial hot springs in Idaho to do just that. The only other clothing optional option in Idaho is a private soak at Miracle Hot Springs, where you can acquire a private pool. Miracle is re-opening on December 15th (this Thursday) with upgraded facilities in the form of new public and private pools.

The Springs Lowdown

Overnight accommodations? Yep. They’ve got two Airstream trailers with future plans for a tree fort, yurt and geodesic dome, which may even be available summer 2012.

Natural pools? You bet. Check out the photo below… you gotta love this, a rare treat for a commercial hot springs dare I say? They took what Gold Fork has done in terms of keeping it natural a step further with this little soaker.

Natural Pool at The Springs

From the Official Press Release

The Springs will be a significant upgrade from the old Warm Springs Resort. The main Olympic size pool remains, but will be resurfaced and more underwater benches will line the deep end for soaking. Next to the deep end of the main pool there will be a 15 foot round hot pool filled the hottest spring water of about 105F. Along with a fire pit, it will help create a winter outdoor space. There will be a cold soak feature and a new kiddie pool and well as a large rock water fountain that will provide a calming background sound.

The new building is one story, with a flat roof, so no matter where you are in the pool you can see the full night sky and watch the stars as you take an evening soak.

The modest building is only 2,400 sq. ft. and is constructed using Faswall building blocks, a green building material made of recycled wood fiber and concrete. The thick walls and natural plaster interior finish help create a cozy and warm environment. The building has a large glass wall entry that leads to an open reception area with a wood burning stove. Men’s and Women’s changing rooms offer private lockers, hot springs showers, and small amenities like complimentary hot teas and spring water, large towels and luxury shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer.

“There will be a lot of nice, simple touches that make guests feel well taken care of, but nothing fancy or pretentious.” Said Sharpley. “It’s about being warm and hospitable and exceeding guests’ expectations. When a guest comes here they should not have to worry about anything, least of all having to remember to bring a towel or having a safe convenient place to stash their things.”

The Springs will have a small snack bar and a place to grab a drink.

There are plans for an ongoing summer music concert series and well as live music by the pool. Quarterly celebrations will mark the seasons and create memorable annual events, including a winter festival of lights and a fall harvest festival.

Pricing for The Springs has yet to be finalized.

The Springs Idaho City Full Press Release PDF

The Springs Olympic Sized Pool

So, you’ve finally got some extra time and hot springs have been on your mind. Good news ole chap, there are plenty of options for the intrepid soak-seeker!

Old man winter may be hindering access to many of Idaho’s geothermal delights, but not all of them.

The quintessential hot springs listed below are usually accessible during Idaho’s winter months. Just to be safe, make sure to check road conditions before rolling out.

Boise, Idaho Area Winter Hot Springs

Fairly accessible, family friendly, privately owned, with facilities of some sort and with a usage fee:

• Gold Fork Hot Springs - view all posts
• Miracle Hot Springs - view all posts (has private pool options)
• Roy Stone Hot Springs - view all posts

Accessible via short hike (snowshoes may be needed), family friendly, located on public land, no facilities, no fees:

• Bonneville Hot Springs - view all posts (snowshoes advised)
• Pine Flats Hot Springs - view all posts
• Kirkham Hot Springs - view all posts
• Hot Springs Campground - view all posts

There are, of course, many other public and commercial hot springs. However, the springs listed above are the most (relatively) accessible from the Boise area during the winter months.

First time hot springing in Idaho? Check out the guides, pick up all trash and don’t bring glass – and enjoy!

Since Autumn, Miracle Hot Springs in Idaho has been undergoing a half million dollar renovation. The family owners have added two additional public outdoor pools and have upped the number of private pools. The new facility is set to reopen on December 15th. Read the full article…

View Maps, Directions, Pictures, Video Clips and Trip Reports on IHS

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It’s Winter! Don’t forget to check Idaho Road Conditions, Webcams and Weather prior to departure!

An early morning, fall visit to Skinnydipper Natural Hot Springs, located in the Boise National Forest in Idaho.

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