Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest by Evie Litton & Globe Pequot Press

Author:Evie Litton & Globe Pequot Press
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FalconGuides, day hikes, hiking, hikes, hiking trails, day hikes, wilderness, national forest, national parks, wildlife, nature
Publisher: Falcon Guides
Published: 2014-08-05T16:00:00+00:00

Finding the trailhead: From Kamiah take US 12 about 28 miles east to Lowell and continue 26 miles to Wilderness Gateway Campground. Go past Loops A and B and the amphitheater, and drive across the bridge to the Trail 211 parking area. (The trailhead is visible on the left as you cross the bridge.)

The Hike

Trail 211 climbs a few switchbacks and then traverses a hillside well above Boulder Creek to enter the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness at 2.0 miles. The elevated route lacks shade but provides a number of pleasant views up and down the wide valley. Bracken fern and thimbleberries line the path and cover the surrounding slopes between islands of Douglas fir and pines.

At a signed trail junction at 4.5 miles, take the right fork (2210), marked to Seven Lakes. From here it’s 0.6 mile to the springs. The path drops downhill to cross Boulder Creek and enters a dark forest with a plush green carpet. Continue south along the edge of Huckleberry Creek; you’ll find the soaking pools in a large clearing above the trail.

Warning: There’s no longer a footbridge spanning Boulder Creek, so you must now ford the broad stream on foot. Don’t try it when the water level is high.

The Hot Springs

Water steams out of a canyon bank at 120°F, tumbles through a chain of hot pools, then continues past the trail to the creek below. Each pool is lined with logs and rocks, and, as is usually the case, the lowest ones are the coolest. Enjoy your stay, but please treat the fragile ecosystem around the springs with the respect it deserves. Remember to practice low-impact camping techniques.

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