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
| Posted in atlanta, bonneville, chattanooga, deadwood, idaho, jackholes, lowman, secesh, skinnydipper, trail creek, wildfires, willow creek id | No Comments »
Latest Updates Before Hitting the Road / Trail / Backcountry
Saturday, August 9th, 2008
Warm Lake Access Road Update
Forest Service Road 474 South, also known as the South Fork (Payette River) Road remains closed until November 1st. The East Fork Road from McCall is currently the only access road will get you to the town of Yellow Pine and the northwestern trailheads of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
Area Map showing FSR 474 northwest of Warm Lake
View Larger Map
Hot Springs access restricted by the closure: Penny, Sugah, Lodgepole, Teapot, Buckhorn (1 of 2 trailheads)
View the official news release PDF
Bull Trout Lake Closure
The Fir Creek and Bear Valley areas are now both back open. However, the Bull Trout Lake area is intermittently closed until August 30th.
Bull Trout Lake Map
View Larger Map
Hot Springs access affected: Sitting Bull (trailhead 1 of 2)
View the official Boise National Forest new release
Idaho Wildfires
The last few days have brought some hefty thunder and lightning storms through Idaho. So far, only light wildfires have been reported, and no fire bans have been initiated. Which is really amazing, considering the last 4 years in a row fire bans hit most of Idaho before the start of August.
The best place to keep tabs on Idaho’s wildfires is at InciWeb’s Idaho Incidents area.
Please remember to pick up your trash, don’t bring glass or hassle wildlife. Remember to share, and most of all – enjoy the rest of summer.
Happy Trails!
Side Note: My blogroll has been updated with some incredible blogs: California Camp Bug, Hiker Hell, Idaho Nature Notes, Light Backpacking and the Idaho Incident feed from InciWeb.
| Posted in 16mile, breaking news, buckhorn, commentary, idaho, krassel, sitting bull, warm lake, wildfires | 1 Comment »