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Home: Idaho Hot Springs: Deadwood Hot Springs
  Public Hot Springs

Deadwood Hot Springs in Idaho


Season: Summer/Fall Type: H (hike) or M (multiday)
Boise National Forest Overall Rating: A
5,520 ft Water Temperature: 96º - 99º w/ potential for higher temps
NW of Lowman Usage Level: Low

Picture Viewer


06.25.05: Nice day for a soak (isn't that every day?)


06.25.05: Deadwood Reservoir


06.25.05: Trail crew doesn't come around these parts, the path is blocked in many places


06.25.05: The 1st pool (cave pool)


06.25.05: The 2nd pool; two-person soaker


06.25.05: Big and beautiful


08.02.03: The Cave-Pool


08.02.03: Partial-Cave-Pool


08.02.03: The Main Attraction


08.02.03: Getting ready to clean


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[ View 07.14.07 - 07.15.07 Deadwood Hot Springs Video Clip ]
 

General Description
Approximately a 3 mile hike from Deadwood Reservoir, Deadwood hot springs in Idaho features 3 separate pools; 2 of which are small. The 3rd is a large, cliff-hanger style soaker located on a slab of granite perched on a ledge above Warm Springs Creek.

Pool Details
#1: 4 person soaker, rock walled with a sandy bottom tucked inside a cave; cold water can be piped in and hot water is delivered via waterfall from the sources above. #2: 4 person soaker, rock and mortar walled with a sandy bottom set partially inside a cave; featuring a drain plug, hot water can be piped in and is delivered from the sources above. #3: 10 person soaker, rock and mortar walled with a smooth granite bottom (!) and drain plug; it lies perched on a ledge overlooking Warm Springs Creek; hot water can be piped in and is also delivered from the sources above.

Dates Visited: Trash Levels: Bug Levels:
06.25.05 low (! trash found !) light
08.02.03 & 08.03.03 no trash! none

Water Clarity:
Clear

Visibility:
Low

Odor(s):
None Noticed

Wildlife Sighted: Deer & Elk (black bear & mountain lion evidence)

Seasonal Information
Forest Service access road closed during winter.

Camping
There is room for a couple small, 1-man tents above pool 3. You will pass a few other good campsites on the 3 mile hike in just before the hot springs, the closest being .3mi from the hot springs.

Trip Reports, Accessibility and Usage Updates

07.2010
Deadwood Hot Springs has been cleaned and tinkered with a few times. Despite the attempted improvements, a thorough cleaning and adjustment of the source hoses will most likely be required pre-soak. Spend the night or make sure you have ample time if you make the hike out. Other than that - good to soak!

06.25.05
Well, it took me 2 years to get back here but it was definitely worth it. First off, I have to start by reporting an incident that occurred when we arrived at the hot springs.

Just before we arrived we passed a couple in their 40s or so on their way out. Shortly after passing them we arrived at the 1st pool to find a huge fire BURNING! The area was also littered with cig buts and candy bar wrappers! It was in the mid-80s outside and these people were having a large fire two feet from the hot springs and approx. 4 feet from the creek! Need I say how easily a fire could have started in this scenario. This complete disregard for the environment shocked and appalled me. I did all I could do; clean up their mess best I can and report them the to local ranger with a description of their vehicle (blue pickup/white camper). Please keep fires/fire-pits at least 200 feet from any water source - not only does it damage the environment but it is also illegal. I can't believe this needs to be said but -put your fires DEAD OUT!

With that said, let's continue on. Aside from the remnants of a fire-pit next to it, the 1st pool looked to be in fairly decent shape. It was also sporting temps between 96 & 98 degrees. The second, smaller pool around the bend next to the 3rd pool was somewhat 'out of order'. It was loaded with silt and a section of pipe lay in it's shallow bottom (see above picture). The 3rd pool was in great condition with only a minor amount of slit; my only complaint is that the water wasn't very hot - only around 96 degrees. The scenery was spectacular, and we bore witness to many deer and grouse on the hike in and out.

On the way back out we were hit by a wicked summer storm about 1 mile from the trailhead. Within 5 minutes we were drenched from head to toe. Soon after the wind and rain bombarded us from every direction, the thunder became so loud we couldn't even hear each other yelling! It was one heck of a scramble back to my truck at the trailhead. I've been in many a storm before, but this one is right up there.
Rating: A

08.02.03 & 08.03.03
This was definitely a grade A soak. It really should be an A+, but I have to deduct the + rating because of the large amount of deer and elk feces in the vicinity, and because it may take a bit of engineering to get the pools hot enough for a good soak. However, careful use of the long black hoses can reduce the risk from feces and bring in hotter water. The sources emit hot water of varying temperatures though multiple fissures located all over a huge 70 ft granite outcropping that rises right out of Warm Springs Creek. Each of the pools are fed by water running down the granite, and 2 can be fed by long black plastic tubes. The 1st pool is natural save for one hose that is used to bring in cold creek water. It is also very unique because of how it is set inside a cave. The next 2 pools have been built with a rock and mortar walls... all 3 are beautiful. Keep in mind that the pools will probably need to be cleaned and drained (and refilled) out a few times before use. Deadwood is a true jewel, please treat this area with care.
Rating: A

Average Rating: A

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PUBLIC BATHING NOTICE

No Soap, Shampoo or BIO-Soap/Shampoo Allowed in Hot Springs! Avoid Being Fined!

Public hot springs are not bathing facilities and do not have 'plumbing' like that of commercial, improved hot springs. Soap and shampoo (including biodegradable soap and shampoo) do not completely breakdown naturally. This pollutes our water systems (ingested by fish, animals, humans) at or near the source. This is also illegal in most wilderness and public lands areas.

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