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Local hot springs offer ultimate finals relief
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When winter rears its ugly head some of us bury ours. I hate the
cold. The mere thought of freezing temperatures gives me goose
bumps. But in spite of the cold it’s still possible to be
warm and cozy outside in the dead of winter – even in Idaho.
Our state is incredibly geologically active, providing an abundance
of hot springs. There are more than 80 hot springs in central
Idaho. If you are up for an adventure, try soaking in a beautiful
springs during a snowstorm, I know of no experience more
enjoyable.
Two hot springs areas easily accessed during the winter are
found near Lowman and Crouch.
Kirkham Hot Springs near Lowman is well known and well used, but
is still wonderfully suited for our purposes, as most people prefer
to visit in the summer. Kirkham is located four miles east of
Lowman on State Highway 21, on the South Fork of the Payette River.
This spring is visible from the highway. The Forest Service charges
a minimal day-use fee, but it is money well spent. This springs
emerges from the hillside above the river and tumbles down,
creating natural steamy showers and shallow soaking pools.
Another fabulous winter soaking site can be found a little
further down the road. Follow State Highway 21 another 14 miles to
the Bonneville campground and hot springs, it is clearly marked at
the entrance. This springs has undergone drastic changes in recent
years and is now in a campground managed by the Forest Service, it
too has a day-use fee.
What makes this a great winter soaking spot? It has a bathhouse!
An easy quarter mile walk from the parking lot leads to the
bathhouse and the soaking pool. The bathhouse sits above the
springs and the 185-degree water is piped directly into an old tub.
From the hillside the waters flow down into Warm Springs Creek
creating a huge soaking pool of about 25 by 30 feet. The pool has a
sandy bottom and is perfect for soaking in the warmth and
environment. Just lean back and relax!
Now, for the Crouch area springs. Back in the town of Lowman you
will find the junction for the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway, also
known as the Banks to Lowman highway. This is an area of stunning
beauty boasting wonderful recreational opportunities. In the winter
months it is a haven for large numbers of elk and Canadian geese,
especially close to the Danskin river access point.
Flats, Campground Hot Springs and Terrace Lakes Resort. Traveling
west, you’ll reach Pine Flats first. From the junction it is
a mere 5 miles to this spring. Look for the Pine Flats Campground,
and at the west end follow the path about one third of a mile to
the gravel bar. This too is a day-use fee area, so come prepared.
The pools and showers can be found on the hillside. The largest
pool falls over the rocky hill to create a shower and a soaking
pool large enough to hold you and 11 of your closest friends. Be
careful, the water here registers 138 degrees.
To reach the next hot springs continue west on the highway about
20 miles until you find the Campground Hot Springs sign. On one
side of the road you’ll find a pullout, and on the other a
campground. Park at the pullout and make your way down the hill.
You’ll find a shallow spring well above the riverbank with
waters at 113 degrees. From the pool you’ll be able to see
the concrete foundation of an old public bathhouse as well as
another beautiful view of the river.
From this spring it is just a hop, skip and a jump to the town
of Crouch, about five miles. Once in Crouch take the main road
through town and follow the signs to Terrace Lakes Resort. This
springs is the only “civilized” spring on the tour.
Terrace Lakes is a full service resort with cabins, a full service
restaurant, motel rooms, a golf course, and of course a geothermal
pool. Renting a cabin or motel room includes the pool fee, but if
you prefer you can indulge in a dip for a fee of $6, which covers
entrance for a whole day.
All of the springs that I have mapped are accessible throughout
the year. A word of caution: Always check the weather conditions
before taking a trip like this, because it is always better to be
safe than sorry. The scenery here is magnificent and the hot
springs opportunities only add to the pleasure. Try a soak after
finals, I guarantee it will melt your worries away!
Directions: It is about 70 miles to Lowman
from Boise and the amount of time needed to reach the springs
varies with the weather conditions. From Lowman it is about 35
miles to Crouch and again travel time depends on weather and road
conditions. Important contact numbers: Lowman Ranger District (208)
259-3361, Terrace Lakes Resort(208) 462-3250, and Boise National
Forest (208) 373-4007.
Michelle Sells
Outdoor Columnist
The Arbiter
