Testing Teapot Hot Springs in Idaho

Teapot Hot Spring lies at the base of Teapot Mountain nestled between the South Fork Salmon River and Forest Service Road. Teapot features seasonal pools that submerge during spring runoff. The smattering of 5 to 7 pools are typically composed of rock and sand walls, are quite mucky and algae laden and feature sand and gravel bottoms.

Seasonal Notes
Accessible all year - note Warm Lake HWY and FSR 474 N traveling during winter will require a 4x4 to get though safely. The streamside pools at Teapot submerge during spring runoff.

Camping Notes
There is plenty of Boise National Forest camping nearby - no camping at the springs.

Nearby Attractions

• Sounds of Spring Frogs in Julie Creek (video clip)

03.24.07 Trip Report

As I neared Teapot I slowed down and looked out the window - I didn't plan on stopping, but the sight of a promising medium sized, well-built pool lured me in. Although not quite spring runoff, this new pool was just a smidge below the river water level making it a tad chilly. I bet this new, deep soaker will be good to go come late summer.

However, the South Fork Salmon River Road (FSR 474/674 North) will be closed the majority of THIS SUMMER due to road construction. So, from June through mid-October 2007 all of the hot springs in this area will get a break.
Rating: C

View the Complete Listing for Teapot Hot Spring in Idaho

Mile-16 Hot Springs in Idaho Revisited

03.24.07 Trip Report

What a weird and wonderful place Idaho is. Where else can you soak in a hot springs, get some sun and play in the snow all on the same day? The air temperature was about 65 and the water around 104. This was one of those rare times where there's still mountain snow on the ground, the roads are clear and sun is warm. This is the small window before spring runoff; which last year buried Mile-16 for one of the first times that I'm aware of.

The soak was stellar, and I found NO trash and a freshly filled pool to boot. Did I say there was no trash! Awesome! M16 has some great caretakers. However, I found tons of angler trash along the South Fork and a couple creeks nearby. Shame on you fishermen - I've found so much angler trash over the years. Get it together and show the land you take from basic respect. Sheesh.

Please note, the South Fork Salmon River Road (FSR 474/674 North) will be closed the majority of THIS SUMMER due to road construction. So, from June through mid-October 2007 all of the hot springs in this area will get a break.
Rating A+

View the Complete Listing for Mile-16 Hot Springs in Idaho

Help Protect Public Lands - Where the Majority of Hot Springs are Located

No More Sales of Our Public Lands to Special Interests!

Help the Bush Administration Learn Its Lesson: Tell your Senator to support the Bingaman Amendment

Last Congress, corporate interests and their Congressional champions tried to legalize huge sales of our public lands to mining, oil and gas companies. They failed spectacularly. They were even voted down by the majority of fellow Republicans.

Unfortunately, the Bush Administration has not learned their lesson. Please help teach them. Send a letter to your Senator opposing the sell-off of public lands to special interests.

This year the Bush Administration proposes to sell off millions of dollars worth of our National Forests and other public lands under the guise of attempting to balance the federal budget. They are once again utilizing disinformation to dissuade the public from their true agenda.

Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) will be offering an amendment to the Budget Resolution TODAY (3/22) to stop the perverse calculations in the federal budgets that allow our federal lands to be sold to special interests. This amendment should stop the efforts by the Bush Administration to sell our public lands.

TAKE ACTION. Please urge your Senator to support Senator Bingaman's amendment to the Budget Resolution bill. Urge your Senator stop the inclusion of the sale of public lands in the calculations of balancing the budget.

Soak Season Approaches

Ahh yes, it's that time of the year again.

The weather is warming up, and thoughts of hot springs, hiking, backpacking, camping, festivals and road trips begin to plague the mind on a daily basis.

Some things to remember:

Spring Runoff
This is a big one. The majority of the best hot springs in the northwest are inaccessible until late June through early August because of spring runoff. That just means that the water runoff from the melting snow in the mountains creates dangerous river fording conditions - not to mention submerges every hot springs located next to a river or creek. Which is just about all of them. Each of the hot springs listings on IdahoHotSprings.com indicate the best time of year to visit.

Mile 16 - Submerged!


Trail Creek - Submerged!

Ticks
Early May though June is tick season. Make sure you and your canine compadre are ready to deal with those nasty little buggers.

Forest Road Closures
The majority of forest service roads do not officially open until mid-May. Even then, depending on elevation, some roads may not open up until early August.

Wildfires
Last summer was Idaho's worst in regard to wildfires. In fact, the condition of a few hot springs is still unknown as many were in fire zones last season. The HotSpringsGuy.com keeps pretty good tabs on the latest wildfire threats in Idaho and Oregon, and the Interagency Fire Center is the place to go for all of your wildfire info. Last summer, each fire was given a blog.

Hot Springs Resources
Idaho Hot Springs Map and GPS Coordinate Listing
Guide to Roadside Hot Springs
Guide to Backcountry Hot Springs
Listing of Hot Springs in Idaho

Best wishes and happy soaking!

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