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Briefings
10.12.03
Very scenic, if I rated on scenery alone I would most definitely have to
elevate my rating of this HS. So far I've found 3 different ways to get
to this place. The 2 of the 3 routes take you down a semi-steep 4x4 road
to the springs that has only 1 tricky spot, while the 3rd route takes
you to the other side of the Brunuea River and requires a ford across to
the hot springs. Both the upper and lower pools were beautiful and
inviting, however their temperatures forbid any long-term soaking. The
upper pool has a sweet campsite located a few feet above the pool
nestled inside a cave, while the lower pool is dug-out right next to the
river. There are also 2 large fire pits and ample level ground for
additional camping. Sadly, the upper pool area was trashed, and I mean
trashed.
It should be noted as well that these hot springs are not in fact the
original Indian Bathtub hot springs. Years ago the original hot spring
lost it's flow due to the local farmers using aquifers to irrigate their
fields. This type of irrigation led to the Hot Springs Snail being put
on the Federal Endangered Species list. Luckily for hot springers, this
second spring located just downstream from the original was noticed and
realized.
Rating C+
03.27.03
This HS proved to be a bit of a trick to find... at least for me it was.
Luckily I was armed with my new best friend... my trusty GPS. In all
actuality, if I would have followed my directions correctly I would have
ended up on a washed-out road anyway. As luck would have it, my GPS
coordinates were off. However, a bit of hiking around eventually
brought me to a crest above the Bruneau River where I was able to spot
the HS on the other side.... *sigh* Unfortunately, by the time we found
this one the sun was beating down and the daytime temps influenced us to
only soak our legs. I look forward to revisiting this HS in the future.
Rating C+
Overall Rating: C+ |
