Featherville Area Hot Springs

[brookie83]

My family & I are going to be camping next weekend in the Pine/Featherville area, and we are looking to enjoy a hot spring that's not too out of our way. Last year we went to the Baumgartner one, and were disappointed with the crowds and the fact that to us, it just seemed like a giant jacuzzi.

I'm interested in Elks Flat, Lightfoot, and Willow Creek Hot Springs. Are there any other hot springs within the area that you recommend? I would like the pros/cons of each hot spring, and the distance from Featherville. Also, exact directions to these hot springs would be much appreciated. We know where Nester's Market is, so that would be the perfect starting point.

[brookie83]

Anyone?

[brookie83]

Looks like we'll have to ask one of the locals about either Elks Flat or Paradise Hot Springs. I hope we don't get disappointed again.

Thanks, everyone for the help. We really appreciated it.

[idahomaddog]

I'll take a shot at this. In my opinion, not a lot of good stuff in the area. Elk Flat is right at the bridge and just across the river from the campground by that name. It consists of pools that form each year with hot water/river water mix. It changes dramatically each year because of the runoff. Best bet is up by the culvert that comes under the road. Paradise is now a private pool so no soak there. Last time I was at Willow Creek, the bugs (red spider mites) nearly ate me alive. But I know some folks have been there since without complaining. I could never find anything worth soaking at Lightfoot but that was several years ago so maybe that has changed. I think the best bet is to drive to Worswick or to Skillern. Both would require a drive of around 25 miles (?) on a bumpy dirt road, and Skillern involves a very nice hike of around 3 miles (6 round trip) to get to. But both provide very good soaking opportunites. Hope that helps.

[idhsl]

I think you will find that a lot of soakers will sometimes hesitate to just blurt out exact directions to their favorite springs - so as to keep traffic to a minimum. I know this is not what you wanted to hear, and I don't necessarily agree, but I can see their point due to the recent "social problems" not to mention garbage issues. My advice is to invest in a good hot springs guide as they are well worth the minimal expense.

There is a series of books by Evie Litton that are excellent and there are several volumes that different kinds of springs and various areas of the country. His Hiking Hot Springs of the Pacific Northwest (2004) is the best one I have come across and contains very good directions to virtually every spring worth visiting. Jayson Loam's Hot Springs and Hot Pools of the Pacific Northwest is another good resource that includes resorts that feature hot tubs or pools.

ENJOY!!!

[kymebrlily]

There is a series of books by Evie Litton that are excellent and there are several volumes that different kinds of springs and various areas of the country. His Hiking Hot Springs of the Pacific Northwest (2004) is the best one I have come across and contains very good directions to virtually every spring worth visiting. Jayson Loam's Hot Springs and Hot Pools of the Pacific Northwest is another good resource that includes resorts that feature hot tubs or pools.

ENJOY!!!

Evie Litton is actually quite an amazing woman. I had the pleasure of meeting her at a spring early one morning and felt like a flushing fan when i recognized her and told her what an honor it was to meet her. she's like a rock star of the hot springing community. on that note, her guides are very good but make sure to get the most current edition- as you know, springs change over time and the updates can sometimes prove vital information.


Any current recommendations for Featherville area springs?