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.
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.
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
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The No Trespassing sign scared me off should have been more assertive i guess. Trying to figure out the significance of the red spider mite.