hotspringsguy

Last Stand for Rocky Canyon

2009-11-05T20:36:00.013-07:00

Any day now a Boise National Forest crew will be removing the hot springs pools at Rocky Canyon Hot Springs. This is wrong. Here's why:

The improved pools are environmentally safe. I guarantee that within a week of removal, new rock pools lined with blue tarps will reappear. Blue tarps look ugly, draw attention to the hot springs and are not environmentally friendly.
The Boise National Forest has said that they will consider re-building the mortar reinforced pools once the current mortar reinforced pools are demolished. This seems ridiculous, considering the large taxpayer expense and environmental detriment involved.
The tribe complaining about the pools (one of the main reasons they are being removed) is just as responsible as the rest of us for dealing with misuse/abuse situations. The removal of the pools will do nothing to address this, as new pools will be constructed and misuse/abuse will continue.

Take Action to Save the Pools

The builder of the improved pools did an excellent job. His work resulted in clean pools with ample flow that were less visible from the road than the previous tarp-lined pools. He was 'punished' harshly for his actions, even though Boise National Forest employees watched him build the pools and enjoy soaking in the pools themselves.

Sign the Petition!

Call in Numbers

John Erickson ranger station 208-365-7000
His boss-- Cecilia Seesholtz 208-373-4102 Boise Nat'l Forest Supervisor
Her boss--Harv Forsgren 801-625-5605(out of office this week) ask for Deputy Jerry Perez regional Nat'l Forest Service office located in Ogden Utah
Tom Tidwel- Chief Of the National Forest service in Washington D.C.202-205-8439
Senator James Risch office 342-7985 ask for Mike Roach
Congressman Walt Minnick 202-225-3029 speak w/Devon

View the KIVI ABC Channel 6 Story by Lincoln Graves for Boise Green Living

10pm MST KIVI ABC Channel 6 Rocky Canyon

2009-11-04T13:07:00.001-07:00

Tune-in tonight at 10pm MST to watch a segment by Lincoln Graves about Rocky Canyon Hot Springs on KIVI ABC Channel 6! You’ll hear both my thoughts and that of the forest service, along with other information relating to the removal of the improved hot springs pools.

If you are out of the Boise area, you can view the story and video on KIVI’s official website. I will also embed the video clip on the blog once available.

View all posts about Rocky Canyon Hot Springs

View Rocky Canyon Hot Springs on IdahoHotSprings.com

A Rocky Update

2009-10-23T22:00:00.003-06:00

With all of the banter going on about the demise of the pools at Rocky Canyon Hot Springs in Idaho (note the picture currently at the top of this blog - it's Rocky Canyon), I thought I'd chime in.

Let me begin by stating that there are bigger threats to multiple hot springs to consider... all of this focus and attention on one hot springs is great. However, it's important to remember that we could lose a multitude of hot springs if Idaho remains as the only state not protected by the Roadless Rule. I'm not saying the fight to save the pools at Rocky are unimportant, just to keep the big picture in mind. Rocky will continue to exist even after the mortar pools are gone. Natural pools will return soon after.

I sifted through the 8 pages of comments in the Statesman article, checked out the KTVB story and have had conversations with a number of people involved in the situation. I've come to the following conclusions.

Points to Consider

1. Safety

Rocky has been around for a long time. The improved pools have only existed for a couple years. All of the incarnations of previously constructed natural pools presented stagnant water issues due to poor water circulation. The improved pools are well-designed, with plenty of water flow to flush and keep all of the pools continuously clean.

The old pools were often a sketchy soak... I once encountered 'swimming worms' in one of the upper pools. Yep. Rocky was actually on my 'soak with caution' list until the new pools went up in 2007.

The improved pools are also easier to reach. Where the previous pools required a steep, slick ascent up loose rocks and mud.

2. Pollution

Sadly, none of the comments I read addressed this issue. The previous pools at Rocky featured rock walls built in conjunction with the use of plastic tarps. Fungus eventually grows on the tarps and enters the water system where it can't be broken down. Fish eat it. Animals eat it. We eat it, recreate in it... you get the picture. The new pools do not make use of a single plastic tarp.

3. Tribal Concerns

We are all in this together. This is public land, where all of us are equally responsible for making sure abuse and misuse issues are addressed. Unfortunately, this issue will be ever-present in national forests, wilderness and hot springs - anywhere held as sacred. Abuse and misuse will exist regardless of if the pools are rock or mortar reinforced.

4. Other Offenders

I'm not trying to point fingers... but, there are quite a few other hot springs that have illegal, mortar reinforcements - just like Rocky that are even easier to access and have a TON of abuse/misuse problems. Like death. Vandalism. Gang fights... why the focus on Rocky Canyon with other blatant violators in the area? People have died at Skinnydipper. That's right, plural. The Forest Service didn't get sued, and it's way easier to get to.

5. Improved Pool Nuisance Issue

I'd say that the destruction left over from logging, illegal off-trail ORV vegetative destruction or incessant angler trash dumped on the riverbanks are all more of a nuisance than the appearance of a set of mortar reinforced pools.

Final Words

When this all started to go down, my first instinct was to support the return to natural built pools. However, the new pools are overall, better for the environment. Isn't that what is most important after all? Hopefully, some sort of a compromise can be reached. It seems wasteful for the forest service to announce that they will be demolishing the pools, but - afterwards, will consider re-building them.

Snively Sneak-a-Soak

2009-10-19T20:15:00.005-06:00

Underwater view of Snively Hot Springs in Oregon

Occasionally, during the off-season, I like to sneak-a-soak at Snively Hot Springs in Southeast Oregon. Snively is a prime candidate for the sneak-a-soak, with it being only about an hour or so drive from Boise.

Water Level

It's always a good trip when there's hardly any trash to pick up. This place has sure undergone positive change over the years. This visit, the best soak was the only soak - a giant soaker which was a trick to find a suitable soaking temperature in. Hot and cold swirled all around, oftentimes the blasts of hot and cold were too much. All in all, a moderate soak. I'm looking forward to next years pool design, as spring runoff will surely destroy the current setup.

Thermal Creek

Where Hot Meets Cold

Mud Walled

View from the Pool

Snively Hot Springs on SoakOregon.com

Snively Hot Springs on IdahoHotSprings.com

Boise National Forest to Demolish Rocky Canyon Hot Springs in Idaho

2009-10-19T20:09:00.005-06:00

Well, I wondered what was going to become of the Rocky Canyon situation... I just received the following via email:

***********************************

USFS to demolish Rocky Canyon Hot Springs...soon!!

Located just north of Crouch, Rocky Canyon Hotsprings is enjoyed by thousands annually. This relaxing destination has been slated for demolition (according to John Ericson with the USFS in Emmett @ 208.365.7000) to happen within the next 24-48 hours.In a conversation with Cecilia Seescholz (208.373.4102) at the USFS in Boise, I was told that the reasoning that they were to be destroyed was because of building permit violations and tribal concerns.

It is an outrage for this to happen. Please, Please voice your opinion and help save a beautiful piece of Idaho that is enjoyed by thousands annually. Others to contact include...

John Erickson ranger station 208-365-7000
His boss-- Cecilia Seesholtz 208-373-4102 Boise Nat'l Forest Supervisor
Her boss--Harv Forsgren 801-625-5605(out of office this week) ask for Deputy Jerry Perez regional Nat'l Forest Service office located in Ogden Utah
Tom Tidwel- Chief Of the National Forest service in Washington D.C.202-205-8439
Senator James Risch office 342-7985 ask for Mike Roach
Congressman Walt Minnick 202-225-3029 speak w/Devon
Channel 7 Managing editor Lisa 208-321-5614
Idaho Statesman - 208.377.6200
Boise Weekly - 208.344.2055

CALL TODAY - TOMORROW IT COULD BE TO LATE

FOWARD THIS ON!!!!

***********************************

The Return to Skillern Hot Springs III

2009-09-28T17:19:00.010-06:00

09.25.09 - 09.26.09 Skillern Hot Springs

Video Clip

Skillern Hot Springs

The soak at Pries at the end of the day was the icing on the cake.

View the full trip report for Skillern Hot Springs on IHS

View Preis Hot Springs on IHS

It's Time to Take Action for Idaho Roadless Forests

2009-09-22T22:36:00.002-06:00

Idaho's pristine roadless areas need a little of your help. The majority of roadless land in the United States is shared between Idaho and Alaska. FYI, roadless land only represents approx. 2% of all land nationwide. There isn't much left.

Why Idaho?

Idaho is the ONLY state not covered by the Roadless Rule. Over 9 million acres are at risk! Please sign the Roadless Idaho Petition asking President Obama to restore Roadless Rule protections to the state of Idaho.

Petition powered by ThePetitionSite.com

Hoodoo Hot Springs, Lake and Mine

2009-09-22T00:15:00.001-06:00

August is a great time to visit the White Cloud Mountains, located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA), northeast of Stanley, Idaho.

Hoodoo Hot Springs is also located in the White Clouds, and is near multiple backcountry trailheads to alpine lakes that are anywhere from a 2 mile jaunt to a 20 mile expedition to reach.

While Hoodoo Lake is a mere 2 miles/2K ft hike, the trail is … rustic to say the least. Twists, snags, deadfall, huge boulders, jagged cliffs, scenic waterfalls and incredible views of the White Clouds; this hike has it all.

Bring lots of water, there’s any icy cool lake waiting at the top and a stellar soak at the bottom near the haunted Hoodoo Mines. J/K. Or, am I?

The access road, appropriately numbered FSR 666 is a tire killer. I made it in and out ok, but 3 of 6 other vehicles that drove into the area took on flat tires.

And, the bugs! Were insane! I’ve been out here a few times a few different years and this one took the gold. Luckily, I had a mesh shelter that I finally got to put to the test … it was so awesome to be able to take a bug break, especially when eating. At least it was only during the day, shortly after nightfall they thinned out quick. High altitude has that effect.

The hike to the lake was a surprise challenge. The reward at the top made it more than worth the brutal scramble during 90 degree heat. And, the hot spring at the bottom felt good on the muscles and took the chill out of the evening mountain air.

Visiting Jerry in Early June

2009-09-20T02:12:00.004-06:00

After Revver held up the processing of this video for a couples months due to the large amount of awesomeness involved I finally gave up and uploaded to YouTube.

I'm actually quite chatty early on in the clip, but then dwindle off for some reason. Sweet low-quality footage of a beautiful national forest and hot springs, however.

More about Jerry

A Tasty Tiramisu Treat

2009-09-13T13:00:00.004-06:00

Backcountry Tiramisu Camp Recipe

Super delish Tiramisu can now be your next favorite backcountry treat!

Serves 2-3

Here's what you need:

1/3 cup water
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
2 tablespoons Kahlua (get one of those mini-bottles from the liquor store)
3.4-ounce packet of instant white chocolate pudding
2 cups milk (use 2/3 cup powdered milk plus 2 cups water)
16 ladyfingers
Dark chocolate

Here's what to do:

Heat water to a boil, then mix in espresso and Kahlua.
Make pudding according to package directions.
Place six ladyfingers in the bottom of a pot; drizzle with half of the espresso mixture, then half of the pudding over it. Repeat to form a second layer.
Use a pocketknife to shave thin strips of chocolate on top and serve.

And, a video to show you how:

If you try this out please post a comment! I am planning on it in a few days.

On a Lighter Note...

2009-09-13T12:01:00.003-06:00

Just when I finally figured out how to reduce this blog's ranking for the search tearm "hot guy" (ugh) another blip on the radar appeared...

Now I've gotta figure out how to separate traffic from the good ol Hot Springs Hotel franchise.

Idaho Wolf Hunt is Unfortunately a Go

2009-09-11T11:49:00.002-06:00

The Idaho wolf hunt officially started on September 1st, 2009. I’ve blogged about Idaho’s misguided, misunderstood and uneducated views about wolves a few times in the past.

Essentially the state is issuing a ton of wolf tags in order to reach the kill threshold of 220 wolves. If just a portion of the tags are used, Idaho’s entire population of approx. 1,000 wolves could all be slaughtered. There are no stipulations regarding wolf pups and mothers nursing pups in addition to alpha male and female wolves. If too many of the wolves are killed, the grey wolves will return to the endangered species list and reintroduction efforts will begin anew… costing taxpayers a ton of money for reintroduction – again.

Here’s a couple quotes I pulled from a Defenders of Wildlife statement:

“No other endangered species has ever been delisted at such a low population level and then immediately hunted to even lower unsustainable levels. This clearly is not responsible wolf management.”

“Idaho’s wildlife agency has stated that its intent is to reduce the population to only 518 wolves, while the Idaho state legislature’s official policy is that all wolves be removed ‘by whatever means necessary.’”

- Suzanne Stone, Northern Rockies representative for Defenders of Wildlife

Send a Message to President Obama Asking Him to Take Action to Stop the Idaho Wolf Hunt!

Politico FAIL

The Idaho wolf hunt sparked off the “Obama Tags” controversy with yet another example of stellar political representation of Idaho. Honestly, it is getting more and more difficult to tell people I live in Idaho. Read this NYT Opinion piece : Hunting Wolves, and Men for more.

The Bottom Line

Wolves are a natural part of a thriving, healthy ecosystem. Since their reintroduction to Idaho deer and elk numbers have actually increased. Many hunters mistakenly blame the devil wolves for killing off the deer and elk (and on occasion stealing their women and whiskey) available for hunting when in fact, their numbers are rising. Fear and lack of education is a dangerous mix.

Many of the anti-wolf crowd think wolves are going to eat their children – seriously. All things considered, one has a greater chance of being struck by lightning. Yes. Lightning.

My personal experience with wolves have all been positive. I’ve backpacked, hiked and camped all over Idaho in areas with wolves and have never once experienced a problem. Wolves do not like people – at all. Wolf encounters typically occur in areas where human habitation has overtaken wolf habitation. Meaning, they’ve got no place to go.

Bad News, Good News

Environmental groups were recently told by a federal judge that wolf delisting from endangered species act protections was likely illegal. Despite this, the judge won’t grant an injunction against the hunt, however, a future lawsuit may restore the wolves to protected status. As of this writing 8 wolves have already been killed.

Learn more about how to help wolves, visit SaveWolves.org!

Ask Obama to Stop the Idaho Wolf Hunt!

Anglers Leave a Heavy Footprint

2009-08-16T01:24:00.001-06:00

The following trip report is from a mid-July Boise and Payette National Forest venture, that took place northeast of Cascade, Idaho in the Krassel Ranger District.

Trail Creek = ultra slammed! A brief stop revealed less trash in the pullout than my last visit. On down the road.

Forest Service Road (FSR) 474 South was under heavy construction. ALL official and primitive camping areas are still off-limits due to area restoration efforts. Why the National Forest doesn’t just close the road to recreation traffic, or AT LEAST post 474 S as being under construction (massive mud/rocks) and that no camping is allowed, is beyond me. You would think they could work more efficiently with less traffic. Plus, aside from visiting (not camping) Vulcan (only roadside parking), Molly’s and Molly’s Tubs all other areas are off-limits.

The tubs at Molly’s Tubs are really, truly … gone. And, (big surprise) so is the trash. I recently received a trip report about the formation of two natural pools, however.

In regard to Molly’s Hot Spring… red spider mite alert! More and more people have been letting me know about this, and a recent email entailing of a spider mite infestation got me thinking it was time to ring the alarm. Why are so many of Idaho’s hot springs afflicted by the mites? Here’s the complete list of hot springs that have reported red spider mite activity… if you have more to add – please comment!

FSR 474 North was under pending construction. Nothing was going on, but the signs stated that construction would begin soon and would completely shut down the south fork road for about a month. They are going to replace all of the main culverts that run underneath the road.

Also worth noting, 474 N currently does not grant access to Yellow Pine and the Mule Hill trailhead to hot soaks in the Frank Church Wilderness (Kwis Kwis and the Middle Fork hot springs). Bridge out. To reach the afore mentioned destinations, take the Stanley-Landmark Highway instead. Drive past the 474 N turnoff towards Warm Lake and look for it near the lake heading north. There are plenty of signs to help you along.

This brings me to the title of this post. After turning onto FSR 474 North (AKA the South Fork Road) I began to notice a trend that made me feel very uneasy. Trash. Everywhere. Yep. Animals got into it.

I’ve been coming up here for almost a decade and have never seen it this trashed. Not even close. Not even after (or during) a fourth of July weekend. Campsites, both primitive and official – trashed. Garbage on the roads, trails and riverside. Fish entrails everywhere.

Apparently, this week a particular tribe is granted access to this area for fishing rights and free camping. Sadly, this type of behavior was something I’m accustomed to from other groups. I know so few fishermen that respect the land these days. Gotta give the Krassel crew a pat on the back for the cleanup. I picked up a ton of trash myself… it’s a compulsive habit nowadays. It barley made a dent though.

This was also the first time I have witnessed pimped-out cars bumpin gangsta rap in this area. Lovely to say the least. It was especially fun having a car pull into my campsite late at night just to be rudely asked “where are the hot springs?”. Oh joy. You can guess what I did. Played dumb. :)

Keep in mind, great soaks under the stars were had along with excellent mild-weathered hiking during the day. Wildlife was abound everywhere. Including the bugs. Even with bug juice on they ate me alive. Mosquito bites on my hands and face, a big (itchy) spider bite on the inside of my palm (still visible) and a mutant bug bite on my belly that left a scar! After a trip like this I’ve decide to look into garlic tablets.

“Keep close to Nature's heart...and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” –John Muir

A Round of Idaho Updates

2009-07-13T19:38:00.003-06:00

Summer Greetings!

Apologies for the lack of updates... however, that only means one thing - I've been out and about. I would have had a video clip of Jerry to post, but Revver has been gummed-up lately. Looks like I'll have to go with YouTube when I've got some time to re-upload the clip.

Not hot springs related, but here's some incredible pics of Coeur d'Alene Lake that I recently took while traveling...

I just received an email update from Will about Loftus (Boise National Forest) Hot Springs stating that the springs are clean save for glass in the upper pool... most was removed (courtesy of Will, many thanks friend) but not all was completely removed.

Rnspringer posted on the forums about a recent visit to Pine Burl and Moondipper (Boise National Forest)... you can check that out here...

A good friend of mine, Conedog, just returned from the Warm Lake area where last weekend was the once a year weekend when the Nez Pierce and Shoshone tribes are granted fishing rights to the area. My knowledge is pretty weak regarding the ordeal, and will be researching this soon, but it sounds like the rights are granted as part of a treaty or some kind of agreement for tribes that inhabited the land prior to the deal making. Please chime in if you've got some knowledge to share. Anyway, Conedog was fortunate enough to share a soak with a Nez Pierce family that enlightened him of the situation. The family also told him that there was a tribe hunting in the area that shouldn't be... i.e. they were not involved in the agreement, but are taking advantage of the right. Conedog mentioned that they used nets to trap the fish, then a modified spear to bring 'em in. I had no idea.

The Roadless Area Conservation Rule AKA RAC Rule AKA Roadless Rule controversy is heating up again... thank goodness! I've gone on and on and on about this... and decided to create RoadlessIdaho.com, please visit, take action, link-up and spread the word. Let me know if you link-up, and I'll add you to the supporters list on the site. Please take a minute to send a message to the prez - Earthjustice style - Ask Obama to Protect America's Roadless Forests!

I've also received brief, positive reports for Goldbug, Molly's Tubs and Juntura (Oregon). Overall, it seems I'm getting more reports of cleaned-up hot springs vs those that are trashed. I would love to see that trend.

Hope you are all out enjoying the great outdoors, or have got plans to do so. Please remember to pick up all trash and never bring glass. Happy Trails!

Hangin w/ Jerry

2009-06-23T00:59:00.004-06:00

The lower sign no longer exists

It has been awhile since visiting, what I like to call, the highway 12 region. Three stellar soaks, all accessible off the same highway.

Sadly, Weir Creek was overrun with soakers. Not that I mind the company of fellow hot springers, but Weir Creek can only hold so many. Which lead to the logical conclusion - Jerry Johnson. I would have spent the whole week at Stanley Hot Springs, but fording Boulder Creek was out of the question.

Interesting to note; the trailhead to Stanley Hot Springs was actually posted clothing optional. While the signage that has been up at Jerry that states the hot springs and trail are both clothing optional has ... evaporated.

From what I've read, all National Forest in Idaho is in fact clothing optional unless otherwise posted. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Anyway, visiting Jerry was an enjoyable reunion.

Source 2

I've never actually soaked at the second source pool before. This time, the temperature was just right. The soak was indeed stellar. Visiting early yielded to having the entire complex of hot springs to oneself for a handful of hours. Not bad, considering the waterfall pools at the first source were submerged.

All in all, Jerry was a great soak. I think the main reason why I has such a good time was that I didn't have to cart hardly any trash out (!). Remarkable, considering the nature of this particular soak.

Learn more about Jerry Johnson Hot Springs:

View flickr pictures of Jerry

The official IdahoHotSprings.com Jerry listing

View 2008 video and 2006 video clips (2009 coming soon)

Pics of Jerry

2009-06-11T03:31:00.001-06:00

More about Jerry...

Kirkham Hot Springs Kybosh

2009-06-11T03:20:00.002-06:00

Kirkham natural Hot Springs in the Boise National Forest. This video is from visiting Kirkham on the way back from a trip to Stanley, Idaho. The hot springs campground was almost free from winter snow and signs of spring were plentiful. As always, pick up all trash and please don't bring glass to hot springs.

Trashed Trail Creek

2009-05-24T00:57:00.003-06:00

Trail Creek, usually a stellar soak, and usually littered with a moderate amount of trash. This time however, the entire surrounding area was trashed. Is it really that hard to pick up after oneself? Why come out to the woods to begin with if that's the mindset?

View more info. about Trail Creek Hot Springs in Idaho

Mountain Village Resort Hot Springs

2009-05-15T02:40:00.002-06:00

Mountain Village Hot Springs Resort in Stanley, Idaho pictures...

View the complete listing on IdahoHotSprings.com

Pics of Kirkham

2009-05-15T02:37:00.002-06:00

Pictures from a recent visit to Kirkham Hot Springs in Idaho...

View Kirkham on IHS

The Fate of the Yellowstone Grizzly

2009-05-15T01:44:00.007-06:00

BTW, Today is Endangered Species Day!

The following essay snippet was written by Doug Peacock, and is in support of returning Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections to Yellowstone Grizzly Bears.

Some 54 grizzly bears were known to have died in 2008, the highest mortality ever recorded; this number probably exceeds the extensive killings of forty years ago, when Yellowstone National Park closed down its garbage dumps and bears wandered into towns and campgrounds. The Yellowstone grizzly population sharply declined in the early 1970s and, consequently, the bear was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1975.

In 2008, hunters and other humans shot bears in record numbers. People killed grizzlies because they could—sadly, a not uncommon human attitude in the American West—and since Yellowstone’s grizzlies had been removed from the protection of the Endangered Species Act, there were virtually no penalties for shooting them. Bear management had been turned over to the Fish and Game agencies of Wyoming, Idaho and Montana who tend to accept any hunter explanation of self-defense in grizzly country. In short, the grizzlies were easy to kill because their lives were made less valuable by delisting.

Continue reading - The Fate of the Yellowstone Girzzly on Counterpunch

Learn more about Endangered Species - Save Grey Wolves from Extermination - Stop Yellowstone Bison Hazing Operations

Earth Day - Everyday!

2009-04-22T21:16:00.010-06:00

It's hard to explain the importance of intact ecosystems, wilderness and habitat conservation land planning to folks these days. Environmental education is weak, and so few of us have real relationships with the great outdoors.

In truth; "Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man." - Stewart Udall

Protect Earth Everyday:

Take every opportunity to preserve what's left of our roadless lands. Stand against invasive mining, logging and road building in every form. Sign the No Dirty Energy and No Dirty Gold pledges.
Eat local food and less or no meat. Everything has a transportation cost attached. A pound of beef typically equals a pound of oil. The oil went for transport, antibiotics, hormones (to make the beef bigger, faster, in unsanitary factory farm conditions), fertilizers, pesticides, plastics (styrofoam tray) and of course the energy to make them all. Each and every one of these uses of carbon is unnecessary and directly contributes to global warming. Every meal you eat that doesn't contain any meat is far better for the environment in every way. Eating less or no meat also helps the last herd of genetically pure bison left in Yellowstone...
Defend the Endangered Species Act, Endangered Species and threatened wildlife vital to healthy ecosystems. Join the national outcry to Save Wolves before May 4th!
Always pick up trash and leave a light footprint when visiting the great outdoors.
Keep good stuff out of landfills, take advantage of websites like freecycle and craigslist.
Unplug electronics and appliances. Computers, coffee makers, TVs, cell phone chargers etc. all have one thing in common. They suck power even when turned-off. Unplug 'em, and pick up a special green surge protector.

"Keep close to Nature's heart...and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." - John Muir

Mountain Village Resort Hot Springs Video Clip

2009-04-12T13:52:00.003-06:00

Video Features: The hike out to the soak shack, inside the soak shack overview, hot springs pool and soak

View the complete listing for the Mountain Village Resort, located in Stanley, Idaho.

Natural Hot Springs - Big Mountain Views

2009-04-09T00:00:00.004-06:00

Stanley, Idaho is well-known for being a tad chilly. It has even been, at times, the coldest place in the United States. My good friend that works at Denali National Park will surely contest this.

So, you might be thinking - why on Earth would anyone want to spend spring break in such a place? Well, for starters, Stanley is quiet and engulfed by the mighty Sawtooth Mountains. Other benefits include: hot springs (of course), lack of people, snowshoeing, incredible scenery, wildlife and yes - homemade blackberry pie (this one was a bonus).

One evening spent soaking and gazing at the Sawtooths involved watching a live episode of the playful coyote. In this episode, the coyote romped and rolled around in crunchy snow amongst a gaggle of nervous Canadian Geese. Much better than any talk box show I could think of.

This particular natural hot springs is rather deluxe, and is only available to guests of the Mountain Village Resort. Which I ended up calling 'Mountain View' a few times in the video clip. It's rather difficult not to think 'Mountain View' up in Stanley when surrounded by the majestic Sawtooth Mountains.

In a nutshell; staying at the Mountain Village Resort was better than expected thanks to friendly staff, clean rooms and good food (homemade pie!). I can also imagine that cleaning up their guest-use hot springs facilities is quite the chore. I thought it was rare to see a garbage can at a hot springs. Despite the presence of the receptacle, many guests still opted to throw their trash everywhere else. One would hope that those visiting areas like this would be least likely to be trash mongers. One would hope.

Here's the skinny on Mountain Village Resort; includes additional pictures and video.

Stanley, Idaho Map

View Larger Map

If you liked this post, please give it a ThumbsUp by clicking the button below!

References

Sawtooth Mountains on Wikipedia

Stanley, Idaho Chamber of Commerce

Stanley Idaho on Wikipedia

[where: Stanley, ID]

Commercial Hot Springs Updates in Idaho

2009-04-07T18:15:00.006-06:00

It is surely Spring. The time when Idaho commercial hot springs owners and operators begin sending in their updates to IdahoHotSprings.com.

New info. has been added/updated for the following commercial (fee use) hot springs located in Idaho:

Indian Springs Hot Springs Resort and RV Park (see previous post for info.)
Easley Hot Springs in Idaho: listing and link update
Durfee Hot Springs in Almo, Idaho: Google Map location update and new listing added
Riverside Inn & Hot Springs in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho: listing update
Riverdale Resort Hot Springs in Idaho: listing and link update