Deadwood Hot Springs in Idaho Revisited

Well, it took me 2 years to get back here but it was definitely worth it. First off, I have to start by reporting an incident that occurred when we arrived at the hot springs.

Just before we arrived we passed a couple in their 40s or so on their way out. Shortly after passing them we arrived at the 1st pool to find a huge fire BURNING! The area was also littered with cig buts and candy bar wrappers! It was in the mid-80s outside and these people were having a large fire two feet from the hot springs and approx. 4 feet from the creek! Need I say how easily a fire could have started in this scenario. This complete disregard for the environment shocked and appalled me. I did all I could do; clean up their mess and report them to the local ranger with a description of their vehicle (blue pickup/white camper). Please keep fires/fire-pits at least 200 feet from any water source – not only does it damage the environment but it is also illegal. I can’t believe this needs to be said but -put your fires DEAD OUT!

With that said, let’s continue on. Aside from the remnants of a fire-pit next to it, the 1st pool looked to be in fairly decent shape. It was also sporting temps between 96 & 98 degrees. The second, smaller pool around the bend next to the 3rd pool was somewhat ‘out of order’. It was loaded with silt and a section of pipe lay in it’s shallow bottom (see pictures here). The 3rd pool was in great condition with only a minor amount of slit; my only complaint is that the water wasn’t very hot – only around 96 degrees. The scenery was spectacular, and we bore witness to many deer and grouse on the hike in and out.

On the way back out we were hit by a wicked summer storm about 1 mile from the trailhead. Within 5 minutes we were drenched from head to toe. Soon after the wind and rain bombarded us from every direction, the thunder became so loud we couldn’t even hear each other yelling! It was one heck of a scramble back to my truck at the trailhead. I’ve been in many a storm before, but this one is right up there.
Rating: A