Respect for The Dipper

Mile Marker 4

The Dipper, more commonly known as Mile Marker 4 (MM4), Deer Creek and Skinnydipper, is facing some tough times these days. AKA, a 5-year closure order that involves the dismantling of the improved pools and trail.

It was inevitable, being an hour’s drive from Boise and featuring deluxe pools improved with mortar and piping for hot and cold water, that the crowds would eventually turn The Dipper into a very popular hot springing destination. Much like that of Deep Creek in California, Bagby, Cougar and McCredie in Oregon and Scenic Hot Springs in Washington, and even another Idaho hot springs – Jerry Johnson.

It was also inevitable The Dipper would face the same type of problems the previously mentioned hot springs have all experienced. Unfortunately, unlike the other hot springs, The Dipper’s options are limited and time is running out.

Once Upon a Time

I started visiting MM4 in the late 90s after reading about it in Evie Litton’s book. Even though I predominately soaked at times when no others were around, I eventually came to know the creators of the pools and the Keepers. After a few run-ins while carting trash down from the springs I was bestowed with a Keeper card. As the popularity of The Dipper grew, I adjusted my soaking routine to very early mornings on weekdays.

By 2005, the trash hauls were getting insane. Although, I never (thankfully) encountered a single needle. The popularity of the springs during the summer was booming – outfitters were hauling busloads of customers to The Dipper as the grand finale of their raft day package.

By 2010, it was clear that a new breed of soaker had taken root, a small group that habitually ruins it for the many known to hot springers as Jackholes. After a couple of awful early morning encounters with Jackholes that spent the night partying in the pools, I reluctantly made the decision to greatly reduce visits to The Dipper.

A Sliver of Hope

The Dipper was under a federal nighttime closure order for two years that ended on May 24, 2009. Nighttime closure was also enacted in previous and more recent years in an effort to deal with continued problems. The BLM manages the land The Dipper resides on, which is on a small parcel surrounded by vast Boise National Forest managed land.

A New Ray of Hope

A group of hot springers has recently formed in an effort to manage The Dipper by use of a special permit. A couple of the core issues on the table, as I understand, are sanitation and Jackhole enforcement.

A Plea for The Dipper

I have experienced countless awe-inspiring moments at Skinnydipper Hot Springs. From watching the sunrise at the crack of dawn to sipping coffee during a snowstorm, the experiences I’ve had at The Dipper have helped me connect with and appreciate nature. I’m not alone. So many others have shared similar circumstances here. We pick up other people’s trash, leave as light of a footprint as possible and cherish this truly unique and special place.

While I understand the decision to revert The Dipper into a more natural state coupled with a 5-year moratorium and appreciate The Dipper not being permanently closed, capped-off or blown-up, my hope is that The Dipper can be accessible for generations to come. There are far few places left that have the power to inspire and connect people with nature.

The Dipper’s official close date is just days away. Please reach out to the BLM and let them know how special The Dipper is to you and support the effort to keep The Dipper open.

Learn more about The Dipper on IdahoHotSprings.com