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Home:
Idaho Hot Springs:
Secesh Hot Springs |
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| Payette
National Forest |
Overall Rating: A- |
6,829
ft (upper pool)
5,700 ft (trailhead) |
Water Temperature: 98º or 103º
(upper pool) |
| Warren
Area |
Usage Level: Low |
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Picture Viewer |
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General Description
Secesh Hot Springs lies way above the Secesh River and requires a
quarter mile, near vertical hike to reach after the river ford.
Hot water from the source flows directly into the top pool. The
outflow from the top pool and two other smaller sources fill the
subsequent pools below. The 3rd pool from the top (just below the 2nd)
isn't warm or deep enough for a soak. The last and lowest pool;
located all the way down by the Secesh River features frigid,
stagnant water. Something remarkable to note: the hot springs water
is among the softest I have ever experienced - my skin felt amazing
after soaking, not dry at all. It should also be noted that the
infamous Red Spider Mites inhabit this hot springs as well. Please
tread lightly as this area is heavily impacted due to the nearby
popular Loon Lake loop hike, bike or motorbike. |
Pool Condition
All pools feature rock walls, gravel and rock bottoms and are at
most 3 feet deep and 6-8 feet wide. They will require revamping and
cleaning upon arrival because of their low use. We made used the
tarps left in the pools (we removed the tarps upon arrival, cleaned
the pools, preformed light patch work on the rock walls, then
replaced the tarps before soaking) and removed them again before
leaving. Please always remove tarps or plastic when leaving the hot
springs. The pools were full of algae and goobers due to low usage. |
| Dates Visited: |
Trash Levels: |
Bug Levels: |
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09.03.05 - 09.05.05 |
None |
Light |
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Water Clarity:
Clear |
Visibility:
Ultra-Low |
Odor(s):
None |
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Wildlife Sighted:
Deer, Elk, Butterflies, Birds of Prey |
Seasonal Notes
Fording the Secesh River limits access to this hot springs until
late summer, usually starting mid to late July until the snow falls
(anytime between Sept.-Nov.). Winter access could be possible with a
snowmobile (to the TH) and snowshoes to the hot springs; but fording
the river would prove crazy this time of year. |
Camping Notes
There's 1 fairly large and
semi-flat, grassy campsite next to the river way below the hot
springs. There is no camping up-top near the hot springs: no open or
remotely flat space. Please use the existing primitive camp; there's
no need to create another campsite. There are other primitive
camping opportunities near and at Loon Lake and at the trailhead
campground. |
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Briefings
09.03.05 - 09.05.05
Our 3-day backpacking trip to Secesh Hot Springs was a blast! In
addition to the hot springs, we also hiked out and around Loon Lake
among the horde of day hikers, mountain bikers and motorbikes to the
wreckage of a downed WWII B-23 Dragon Bomber that crashed on January
29, 1943. Everyone survived the crash and following ordeal -
according to the historical sign; which didn't help the
credibility of my (made up) ghost story of the Bomber crew walking
the trails at night.
After fording the Secesh
River we left the crowds behind, our packs at the primitive campsite
and headed up the steep mountain side to the hot springs. That was
quite a hike; much more difficult than the 4 mile hike in. The near
vertical hike is a maze of faint trails blocked by downed trees and
slides. We cleaned up the algae and goober laden pools and enjoyed
many grade A, perfect temperature soaks. A slight detraction was the
presence of Red Spider Mites.
Rating A-
Average Rating:
A- |
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Related:
Hot Springs Guide Books,
Idaho
Posters/Prints, Weather
Conditions |
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