I heard from the owner of Gold Fork yesterday that Burgdorf had been evacuated due to a wildfire and just heard from the owner of Maple Grove that their access road is now closed due to wildfire. When I was at Gold Fork yesterday, I discovered the road is closed just past the hot springs …read more.

At first, I started to compile a list of hot springs not accessible due to wildfires, but then I realized that almost all of the hot springs in Idaho, especially backcountry (ones you have to backpack to reach) hot springs are blocked by wildfire. My best advise to you; check the Interagency Fire Center Incident …read more.

“There’s hot water aplenty in them thar valleys, and like undiscovered gold nuggets of yesteryear it’s about to be tapped by modern-day prospectors. Investors back these “prospectors” with big bucks hoping that renewable geothermal energy is the hot ticket for the future.” More… I wonder how long before public hot springs are just something in …read more.

“Money from a federal grant should be flowing soon so that Ketchum can look at ways geothermal power from a local hot spring might be harnessed for public benefit.” More…

Wildfires are blocking access to many hot springs in Idaho, at last look, there was currently 18 fire complexes in Idaho. Each complex represents a group of fires. Make sure you check out the Interagency Fire Center before leaving, and have a backup or four. Keep it safe.

Well, I’m back. Fresh from a week of backpacking to remote hot springs in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. I think I’m still feeling a little culture shock. It was a different kind of drive back home from the trailhead. The sky was stained dark orange from all of the wildfire smoke. …read more.