Pete Creek Hot Springs Revisited

General Description
Seasonal, user-built rock-walled pools, usually August through October (when the river is low), look on the far side of the Middle Fork of the Boise River for small, rock-walled pools below the waterfall.

Wildlife Sighted: Deer, Elk & Fox

Seasonal Notes
Fording the river is only advised during low water (late season) conditions, usually late July to November. Majority of roads into Atlanta close during winter save for one route which is sketchy at best most winters especially given the large amount of deaths that occur on this road during the summer months.

Hot Waterfall - Cold Soak

Camping Notes
Plenty of nearby National Forest campgrounds and primitive sites to choose from.

09.16.06 Trip Report
Foiled again! There were no pools below the waterfall as I had hoped, it looks like soaking this one requires a river ford and soak in the cold river just below the waterfall. Hmmm, maybe during the warmer season, but not today... too cold.
Rating: X

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Layoff Loftus - Increase in Partying is too Problematic

Main Semi-Cave Pool

General Description
Loftus features two, sturdy user built rock pools (top pool reinforced with mortar) with sandy bottoms located along the Middle Fork of the Boise River Road.

Wildlife Sighted: Deer, Elk & Cougar

Seasonal Notes
Usable all year - note winter access via the only route open (usually) can be very dangerous. Check road conditions with the Forest Service before committing to a winter journey to this area.

Another look at the main pool

Camping Notes
There are a handful of campsites near the hot spring, not to mention plenty of nearby National Forest campgrounds and primitive sites. Expect wild partiers here - at times I've even encountered multiple kegs with groups of 20+ people. This hot springs has become a favorite party spot for young hunters and ATVers.

Lower Pool

09.16.06 Trip Report
I almost ran over a drunken hunter guy on approach to Loftus. After finally finding a spot amongst the myriad of partiers, I realized that there were at least 2 kegs present. The partiers were a combination of hunters and ATVers from Boise. It was around 10am and most everyone was wasted and there was trash everywhere. You can imagine how shocked I was to find the pool empty. I admit that I was a bit skeptical though, trying not to let my mind wander about what went on in the pool the night before. That thought alone was probably why my soak was short. Or, it could have been the cold looks from the inebriated, so called 'outdoor enthusiasts'.
Rating: D

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Smith's Cabin Hot Springs in Idaho Revisited

General Description
Smith's Cabin hot springs 1, 2 and 3 all have potential, and are located on both sides of the Middle Fork of the Boise River near Troutdale Campground. The first one is located on the road-side of the river, while the second is on the other side of the river slightly upstream and the third about 100 yards upstream from the second and originates approx. 20 yards above the river (unlike the first two).

Smith's Cabin Hot Springs #2

Seasonal Notes
There are seasonal forest service road closures on the best access roads into this area. However, all-year access is available via the insanely wash boarded Middle Fork Boise River Road - one of the most irritating road I've EVER been on.

Camping Notes
There are 2 excellent primitive sites nearby along with the official Troutdale Campground as well as plenty of other official and primitive camping sites along the Middle Fork of the Boise River.

09.16.06 Trip Report
I found a couple somewhat suitable pools for soaking at the first source of three, but with so many other, sweeter, soaking opportunities nearby this one only warranted a short foot soak. Across the river, #2 and #3 were quite visible during this particularly brisk autumn day. No soaking pools could be found, so I continued up the road - I was in search of something a bit more accommodating to my tastes.
Rating: C-

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Sheep Creek Bridge Hot Springs in Idaho - Yuk

Small and shallow rock-walled and tarp dammed pools with a dirt & rock bottoms. Pools are a short hike from one of the points where the Middle Fork Road bridges the Boise River. There are also light to moderate amounts of algae present in the water of all the pools.

Seasonal forest service road closure on best access road, all-year access via Middle Fork Boise River Road off HWY 21.

Plenty of NF camping sites/areas are available nearby.

My high hopes were doused upon arrival, the well-constructed pool that was present during my last visit was dismantled. The only soaking opportunities were two, small silt and mud filled pools with luke-warm water and one riverside pool filled with cold water and silt.
Rating: D

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Twenty Hot Springs in Four Days...

That's right, 20 hot springs updates will be up soon complete with pictures, video and trip reports.