There are private homes along the dirt road. Hotels near Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Education Center, Hotels near Lewis & Clark Back Country ByWay. When we were leaving around 11 there were several large groups with children headed up. Goldbug Hot Springs is located in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Soon the beautiful waterfalls begin and you know youre getting closer. Flip flops are probably not going to make it any easy hike. From Stanley, youll take Highway 75 N eastbound. Gilmore Ghost Town. Some are hotter than a hot tub. Wear closed-toed shoes with gripping soles, as you will need these for the rocky steep climb up the ravine and across the rock slide. Explore the most popular trails in my list Goldbug Hot Spring Salmon, Idaho with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Lemhi County Idaho United States Coordinates 445418N1135544W / 44.905N 113.929W We are starting to plan a trip to California & on our way out we will be going thru Idaho so I am starting our list of places wed love to stop at. On your way down as you leave the hot springs, probably about 50 yards or after a couple minutes walking, there is a little area with a waterfall that cascades over a ledge. And if you want to be extra amazing, pick up any trash you see and pack it out to keep this place beautiful. Began trail around 9:45 a.m. and there were only 3 people when we arrived (lucky us)! Enjoy hiking in the snow or in the hot summer weather. Just take your timefrequent breaks with lots of water. The hike in can be difficult, climbing a total of 1,350 feet. Please remember to pack out. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission, for which we are extremely grateful, at no extra cost to you. Be thoughtful about what you put on your body. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. The Dyrt has a collection of over 5000 drive-in accessible locations that include free campgrounds and free dispersed sites, which is so nice in this part of Idaho!Plus, the Free Camping Collection shows you boundaries of free dispersed camping areas on a map and tells you when a camping permit is required (and if so how to get one). They apparently have mini donkeys which means I may have to stay there next time. After a steep climb (about 10-20 minutes) youll know you have reached the hot springs when you start to hear the water rushing and you see the first sets of waterfalls. The view is unrivaled while soaking in your 'victory' pool looking over the valley that you just conquered all the way up. From Rexburg, the drive to the trailhead is about an hour and a half. in a Hydroflask bottle. It's near mile marker 282 on Highway 93. We prefer ones by Nomadix, but also love these stylish ones by Slowtide! Thats not to say Goldbug hot springs are not well known, but they thankfully didnt seem overrun or trashed when I was there. One of the awesome things about Goldbug is that you can visit them year round! Ive heard this area is pretty heavily patrolled and given that this is a residential area and the trail actually crosses on private property, please respect the rules so that others can continue to enjoy the hot springs! Reaching the Goldbug Hot Springs trailhead is pretty straightforward. But I do love the uniqueness of Airbnb stays. It really was, and the pools vary in temperatures. Hiking shoes or hiking sandals, and boots and spikes in the winter are ideal. The trail to the hot springs is well traveled and very easy to follow it's ~2 miles in, and !2 miles out. Once you breakaway from this magical sight, you'll push yourself up the last leg of steps and cross a small wooden bridge. Hiking Shoes/Trail Shoes: The beginning of the trail is relatively flat, but the final 1/3 crosses boulder fields and gets pretty steep. It is almost like it was man made it is so perfect. July 4. A hike to Goldbug Hot Springs is easily done within a day, but plenty of primitive campsites line the trail. No Fees! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. How warm were the hot springs? There are only about 6 pools! This is not sponsored, I just love GoMacro bars more than any other protein bar! Patches of shade, but mostly open. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. ). From outdoor adventures to offbeat experiences, follow along as we help others travel more and adventure boldly! Find the best adventures near Goldbug (Elk Bend) Hot Springs. Do you have any questions about visiting the springs? Goldbug Hot Springs is a popular hiking destination during all seasons. Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen. There are multiple hot springs. The rest is easy walking. It is more private and still has great views. Autumn is a lovely time to visit, thanks to the crisp weather thats perfect for soaking in warm water. This area is monitored frequently, so make sure to follow the rules. Bring a good amount of drinking water and food with you. One of the most magical things Ive seen in my life and my jaw was basically dropped the entire time. There is one pool on the right side of the bridge where hot and cold water both mix, so its a useable pool, but the hotter main pool is down below the bridge after you cross it. This hiking/biking/horse trail along an old railroad grade features trestles, tunnels, and a roadless stretch through the scenic Susan River canyon. There is a vault toilet there. A high clearance vehicle required. Spring is a great time of year as well because everything is greener, but then you have more chance of rain and slippery muddy trails. Most people will be in the big main pool. All in all, there is no bad pool here at Goldbug Hot Springs, because all of them have epic views of the valley! Lovely hike. For about a quarter mile, there is a lot of stair-stepping up big rocks and finally an actually long wooden staircase. Skis might be OK for part of it, but there are some sections with stairs and rocks that wouldn't be ski-friendly. Just remember that youre not permitted to camp within 500 feet of the springs and to always follow the leave no trace principles when choosing a spot! Riverfront Green Gypsy Wagon on Mini Donkey Ranch! But for a bench near the heart-shaped hot spring, there really are no other facilities here to speak of, like bathrooms, changing rooms, or places to store your stuff. This post may contain affiliate links. My husband, Justin, and I did this hike when it was completely dry and this hill was still super slipperyso make sure to wear proper hiking shoes with good traction, like hiking boots (Justin has this pair and I have this pair) or hiking sandals (we both have a cult-like love for our Teva sandals- check out his and hers). After hiking up the side of a mountain, you'll be soaking in cliffside natural hot springs that are fed by a creek and sprawls out into waterfalls. Walk along the creek until you see the pool. Soaking in these pools makes you feel as though youve escaped the real world and transported yourself to your own little slice of wild paradise. Here, you'll find the start of the trailhead that will take you to the springs after a two mile hike. Several pools and temperatures to choose from. On hot summer days, we recommend packing a sun hat to keep your skin protected from the harsh rays. . Goldbug is located near Elk Bend, Idaho. 4. This is a great stop to add with other spots nearby, so keep reading for more recommendations while youre in the area! Warm water from above spills over to heat this one, as well as warm water sourced from the ground. A series of hot pools on the top of a waterfall up a mountain. Guided Scenic Float Day Trip on the Salmon River, River Whitewater Rafting Day Trip in Salmon, Full Day Whitewater Rafting the Salmon River. Let me know in the comments below! A chain of 6 or so waterfall-fed pools is the reward for intrepid soak seekers willing to endure a grueling 2-mile hike up . The start of the hike begins with about a quarter mile of thigh burning switchbacks thatll get your heart pumping for a few minutes too until you cross through the gate onto public land. If the lot is full, follow the example of other cars and park alongside the road, pulling all the way off and making sure not to block any private driveways. (Bonus: on your hike back down, you can use your trash bag to pick up any pieces you see along the way!). The first 1/4 mile is an uphill series of switchbacks, but it quickly flattens out. From the trailhead, youll start hiking up the path, which gently slopes uphill. Well, we can attest that it is, and it's every bit as beautiful as you might imagine. Goldbug Springs lived up to the hype! Expecting a natural spot of solitude. It pays to head out early! Choosing a natural, chemical-free product can protect the river below the springs. The area is almost a secret because of the time it takes just to get to the trailhead. Get the deal here! The almost 4 mile hike in and up with over 1,000 ft elevation gain will make you appreciate/need the hot water reward. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Give a general hello, and then choose another pool for the time being. This spot looks dope. For some, this can be a very grueling hike. The hike is approximately 2 miles each way with around 1000-1,350 feet of elevation gain (depending on the source). As mentioned above, youll find three campsites within the first mile or so of the trail on the right hand side. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). So if you happen to be exploring any of the epic hot springs in Stanley, like Buckeye, Sunbeam Hot Springs, or Boat Box Hot Springs, Id highly recommend considering tacking Goldbug on as an additional stop. So there is always an ethical debate that goes on within me when I write about a pristine place. Water Sandals: Climbing over rocks and hopping between pools can do a number on your feet, so we suggest packing some type of water sandal to protect them. Trips. Just take your timefrequent breaks with lots of water. How to get to Goldbug Hot Springs: Drive about 35 miles north of Challis on Highway 93 and exit on Warm Springs Road. I wore my bathing suit under my clothes and it worked. Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! The spring is along Warm Spring Creek and there are about six waterfall-fed pools. Each season brings its own unique perks as well as challenges. Goldbug is located near Elk Bend, Idaho. Accordingly, you may want to consider bringing along a drybag. It's a truly rural hike and is thirty miles from the nearest town Salmon, Idaho. If its full, find parking alongside the road, paying attention to any no parking signs and being mindful to not block any of the residential driveways. Limited parking, waaaay too many people, and Bluetooth speakers playing loud enough for everyone to have to listen to "your" preferred music. Green moss and wildflowers border the pools, waterfalls tumble into the pools below, and the range of pool levels, sizes, and temperatures make it a magical place to explore. Pack it in, pack it out. This remains as one of my favorite locations to visit. Directions to the "trailhead": From Mackay, Idaho take Highway 93, approximately 2 miles past Mackay reservoir, turn right on Upper Cedar Creek road (FS rd 127). Kids and families started to arrive around 10am. Goldbug really is one of the most stunning hot springs Ive ever seen (and Ive been to, like, a lot of hot springs). In this guide, well show you exactly how to get to Goldbug Hot Springs, what you can expect once youre there, and all the insider tips. Is this hike too difficult for kids to hike? The strongest earthquake in Idaho occurred along the fault line in 1983 and rose the peak of Mt. Discover Dugout Dick Memorial in Salmon, Idaho: An Idaho legend carved out a cave village with his own two hands. Previously a hot spring, this park remains a site of unique history, wildlife, and geology. My swimsuit is from Londre Bodywear, and they are made from plastic bottles too, so you can look cute and save the planet at the same time! Yue and I had September 27-29th off, so we wanted to do something together. Many people at top soaking just before dark, who hiked down after dark. It is the largest of the pools, so youll often find separate groups congregating in different areas. The best seat in the house is the big pool overlooking the mountains after crossing a small bridge. ), Bathing suit, or whatever youre comfortable soaking in, Clothes that are easy to change in and out of, Snacks (As long as you dont leave any wrappers or scraps and pack out your trash! Water Bottle: Water is essential when soaking in hot springs! Right after you cross the bridge at the top, it will be on your left, overlooking the vast valley below. Has anyone been to this in the winter (Dec-Mar) ? The pools are also deep enough to soak your entire body in. Heaven. Here are some important things to know before visiting Goldbug Hot Springs: There are six different soaking pools that are fed by small waterfalls. Goldbug Hot Springs is arguably one of the most stunning, bucket list-worthy hot spring soaks in the Pacific Northwest. However, because of the added challenge, the crowds are significantly reduced! The closest "big" town (and I use that term very loosely) nearby is Salmon, found about half an hour north, which is known for its epic white water rafting and slightly menacing-sounding River of No Return. Goldbug Hot Springs. I hope youve enjoyed this overview of Goldbug hot springs in Idaho. Below, were sharing a list for day-trippers everything to pack for a hot springs trip in Idaho for a full day of soaking. Your videos are simply the best! This is a trail listed as "moderate" on AllTrails.com. The Goldbug Hot Springs trailhead is located just about a block off Highway 93, down a dirt, residential road, so any kind of passenger vehicle should be able to make it! There are also homes along the dirt road and trailhead don't let that deter you.
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