Idaho Hot Springs Access and Condition Updates
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
- Check road reports/conditions
- Check the weather forecast
- Check listing of hot springs with Red Spider Mites (RSMs)
- Learn about how to test if a hot springs is safe to soak
- Submit access and/or condition updates
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Skinnydipper Hot Springs Federal Closure Order – No Joke!
Saturday, October 27th, 2007
Here’s the link to the federal nighttime closure order for Skinnydipper Hot Springs AKA Mile Marker 4. The nighttime closure order remains in effect until May 24, 2009, and cites public safety as the reason for the closure.
The 2004 order was enacted in response to a surge in disorderly activity; gang fights in the pullout, tires slashed, windows broken… etc. However, signs posting the sunrise to sunset closure are continuously defaced and/or removed; making it difficult for officers to write tickets. To my knowledge, all posted closure signs have been either removed or have been defaced, and the hot springs/pullout has been in full swing. So, I don’t know. It’s been awhile since I’ve been up at night, but I’ve seen the aftermath in the a.m. many, many times.
This particular hot springs is actually administered by the BLM, despite being located in the Boise National Forest.
Why? Because the land around Skinnydipper is considered to be in critical condition. Did you catch that? CRITICAL CONDITION. This means pick up your trash, don’t deface federal signs, don’t even bring glass, don’t take switchbacks (stay on the main, most-used, marked trail), pick up trash (even trash that isn’t yours!!) and maybe, just maybe Skinnydipper Hot Springs can be saved.
Give them one more reason and they’ll take it away.
Peace, HSG
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