The ScenicBoys Visit Slate Creek Hot Springs in Idaho
More video and pictures of Slate Creek Hot Springs in Idaho
Lowman and Sun Valley Idaho Area Hot Springs Condition and Access Updates
Sweet Soak at Sharkey Hot Springs in Idaho
The two resortish-like soaking pools at Sharkey were built by the BLM during the summer of 2001, they were stellar. Even up to 2003, the date of my previous visit, the two pools were still good. After this last visit, I now consider the pools to be in moderate condition. Clear signs of the worsening condition of the concrete housing were visible, and each pool contained a fair amount of slick algae. However, the most blatant difference I noticed is that trash was everywhere! At least the restrooms and changing rooms were in decent condition.
Here's what one of the pools looked like in 2003:
Here's what it looks like now (click to enlarge):
A great soak was shared with a couple visiting the area from Montana. About 20 minutes into our soak we heard quite the commotion. Someone was shooting down the dirt road at a very high speed and came ripping into the hot springs parking area. This pickup drove up to the fence, perpendicular to the parallel parking spots, and almost through it! It was the county Sheriff. Wow, quite the dramatic entrance.
Another view of Sharkey's pool (1 of 2):
After a good sneer and a scowl, the Sheriff ripped on out just as fast as he came in. The Montana couple made a few remarks about the 'law in these parts' after some talk about receiving a ticket recently that wasn't legit. All I know is that wasn't necessary. If the guy was really looking for someone, our vehicles and license plates were clearly visible in the parking lot.
Central Concrete Fire Pit (click to enlarge):
All of that aside, it was a great soak with good company. The hot 102-103 degree water was a welcome contrast to the cold, crisp mountain air. After soaking, the couple even fired up one of the on-site grills and shared some grub and brew. It was refreshing to have such a great soak and meet some friendly folks, a combination I find to be quite rare in Idaho sometimes. They even started picking up trash first, FTW!
Sharkey is also known as Lewis and Clark Hot Springs (along with a few others). Why? Because Lewis and Clark came through here, maybe they even walked down this road:
Rating: B+ (from March 31, 2008 visit)
View more pictures and past trip reports of Sharkey Hot Springs on IdahoHotSprings.com
Map of Sharkey Hot Springs
Boise Roadless March!
The walk will be from the Idaho Conservation League office (710 N. 6th St., Boise) to the Borah Post Office (Bannock St.).
Please, come and join your fellow outdoor enthusiasts as we deliver a clear message to the federal government, that we want Idaho’s pristine forests protected for our future!
What: Deliver Roadless Comments
When: Monday, April 7, be here at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Idaho Conservation League office, 710 N. 6th St, Boise (Corner of 6th and Franklin)
Please let me know if you might be interested in speaking to the press and I’ll make sure you get some follow up information.
One Last Swipe at Millions of Idaho Roadless Public Forests - Loaded with Hot Springs
The Bush Administration and key Idaho Republican political leaders (save for former Governor Risch) have clearly sold out in favor of special interests. They aren't even bothering to hide it this time. Many of the latter are actually former phosphate miners and/or heads of phosphate mining companies, which just happens to be one of the primary reasons they are after Idaho. More >
Quick Facts:
- Idaho has the most roadless land in the lower 48. Less than 2% of all land in the United States is roadless.
- Roadless areas provide necessary spawning grounds for Steelhead and many other fish. Fishing brings in millions of dollars of revenue to Idaho every year.
- Idaho has the most usable, roadless public hot springs in the entire United States. Many of these hot springs have even been used by Indians and settlers, and have historical and medicinal significance. They also provide valuable winter habitat for wildlife. Without the hot springs in the Stanley area, large herds of Elk wouldn't survive the harsh winter conditions.
- GYC - End the Assault on Idaho's Roadless Lands!
- Wilderness Society - Keep Idaho Forests Wild!
- Earthjustice - Stop the Idaho Forest Giveaway!
- Idaho Conservation League Submission Form
Snail Mail them to:
Roadless Area Conservation-Idaho
PO Box 162909
Sacramento, CA 95816-2909
