Idaho

Idaho

The Route

The pack bridge over the Clearwater River in

the Clearwater National Forest on our way to

 Jerry Johnson Hot Springs. 

 It is a one mile stroll through a cedar/pine/spruce forest. 

 This spot is one of our favorite hot springs.   

We made the trek three times to soak 

while staying in a nearby campground.

Another hike through the woods to Weir Hot Springs

 ended in a dead end at a jumble of fallen trees.

Outside of Cascade and in the Boise and Payette National Forests

 we searched out and found 7 hot springs. 

 This was the very best and the first one we found.

Trail Creek Hot Spring was so good we returned the next morning.

Mile-16 (Sugah) Hot Springs was a little too hot

 and took a while to acclimate. 

 Bring a bucket for river water transfer.

The other five springs we found were in burned out areas.

 No one has been visiting or maintaining the sites.

Near Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve 

is a roadside soak called Milford Sweat Hot Spring.

  It is on BLM land but the soaking pool is on private land. 

 The owners allow use.

The soaking pool is surrounded by sun flowers

 and a cow pasture.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

We visited this monument before the added 

distinction of becoming a National Preserve.

With the temperature at 55 degrees and the wind about the

 same number of mile per hour, 

 we decided to "run" to the top of Inferno Cone. 

 When we reached the visible top in this picture we were 

confronted with another stretch of

 climbing the hill blocked from view.

We made it to the 6181 foot top--at a brisk walk.

  Judy is half way up at this point where she stopped running.

At the top the view was terrific.

We did not stay long because of the cold.

The sun warmed rocks at a spatter cone made for

 a good picture and a break for the wind.

Our plans have changed yet again. 

 We are headed to Las Vegas and  Laughlin, NV

 before the balloon festival.