Deadwood Hot Springs in Idaho Revisited

Deadwood Hot Springs

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

Deadwood Hot Springs

I Agree - "Keep the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) INTACT"

The majority of Idaho's republican politicians (current/most recent) feature an agenda that involves developing public land in favor of trophy-homes and/or business means. Of course, this enlightened thinking cleverly dodges important considerations relating to the land, locals and wildlife affected by politicans that champion such agendas.

Disinformation - this is what is used by some political leaders to trick the public into thinking they are acting for the greater good. Take the "healthy forests" load of crap utilized in the face of public fear and concern about increasing wildfires. My goodness; we better build roads into ancient old-growth forests and log those trees that have been a fire danger for the last 400 years.... oh please! -They think we'll believe anything! The real cause of the issue is never addressed (global warming/greenhouse effect); instead, band-aids are used that typically result in a greedy party profiting in some form or another while the environment suffers. They (the Bush Administration) are using fear to motivate the general public to accomplish their directives.

The republicans of the past were not like this, at least to a certain degree. They actually were dedicated to protecting the land. They took extra pains in order to complete protection of Idaho Senator Frank Church's most important work - the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. After Frank was hospitolized due to a pancreatic tumor Jan. 12th, 1984, Senator James McClure (R-Idaho) introduced legislation and President Reagan signed into law the renaming of the River of No Return Wilderness Area to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area (BSU Source). Can you believe it, Idaho politicians actually taking steps to PROTECT public land instead of keeping it in limbo in case there needs to be some future logging or development.

About Frank Church
Early in his career Senator Church struck a balance between preservation and development of the nation's dwindling wilderness areas. His sponsorship and support of the Wild and Scenic Rivers and National Wilderness Acts helped ensure the preservation of the most beautiful regions in the nation. To honor his efforts, the River of No Return Wilderness Area in Idaho was re-named the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area (BSU Source).

Read about Bethanie, Frank, the Sawtooth Society & the SNRA >

Please read the article linked below; it is yet another example of how our elected officials are "selling us out" time and time again. Thanks goes out to David Kimpton, the writer of the article and a longtime resident, community volunteer and retired Sawtooth National Recreation Area Forest Service deputy area ranger. Our only chance is to educate eachother and stand together.

> Article Link: Keep the SNRA Intact

Happy Soaking!

New Traffic Updates Posted!

New traffic updates have been added to the hot springs below:

Vulcan Hot Springs in Idaho >

Molly's Tubs Hot Springs in Idaho >

Happy Soaking!

Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Back from Presumed Extinction

Very awesome indeed! This species of Woodpecker has not been seen since the 1930s! Click on the link above or below to read the full article courtesy of NWF: the National Wildlife Federation.

> Article Link: Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Back from Presumed Extinction

> NWF Link

Hot Springs Article Posting "Testing Spirits Around Hot Springs"

Click on the link below to read the hot springs related article.

> Testing Spirits Around Hot Springs

Indian Bathtub II Hot Springs Trip Report

Here is some updated information about Indian Bathtub II (AKA Lower Indian Bathtub) in the form of a June 4th trip report. Click on the link below to view.

> June 4th Indian Bathtub II Trip Report

View Indian Bathtub II on Idahohotsprings.com >

Happy Soaking!

Molly's Hot Spring in Idaho Revisited

Molly's Hot Spring

We were stoked to have Molly to ourselves after passing the jam-packed tubs just up the road. No trash! Woo Hoo! Great work everyone; keep picking up trash and utilizing low-impact techniques as this hot spring is in a very sensitive area. The pool was back to its original size, and finding the right mix of hot water to come out of the right hose proved to be quite difficult. After more hose fidigiting we were able to warm up the pool enough for a quick soak. Had we more time I believe we could have engineered a better setup. All in all, a nice trip.
Rating: B-

Mile-16 Hot Spring in Idaho Revisited

Mile-16 Hot Spring

Excellent! What more could you ask for? I found out on this particular trip that the National Forest (Payette) cleans and cares for this hot springs on a regular basis. Please help do your part by not bringing in glass containers, refrain from using any kind of soap (including bio soap), pack out what you pack in and pick up any trash you see. The law in this neck of the woods are quite liberal and proud of it - expect a ticket if you are caught littering or doing worse.

Tarps, soap and bio soap do not break down completely in the wilderness. Instead, their remnants grow fungus that is foreign to this type of environment. This foreign fungus soon overtakes the natural fungus and hence dramatically effects the waterways, fish and animals that all depend on it. If you must use a tarp take care not to leave it behind. If you must use soap please use bio soap, but wash yourself at least over 150 yards away from any creeks, rivers, lakes or any other water sources or channels.
Rating A+