Winter Solstice Hike and Soak at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
January 5, 2021
Getting There
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Trailhead is located at Mile Marker 152 on Highway 12 with a large parking lot on a paved road. Park close to the outhouse (it has been a long road trip).
The Trail
- Distance – 2.5 miles
- Elevation Gain – 120 Feet
- Type – Out and Back
An easy, short hike to beautiful hot spring pools for soaking! So we need to say more?
The trailhead of unmistakable with the iconic pack bridge spanning over the Lochsa River. Cross the bridge and take a right to follow Warm Springs Trail #49 along the namesake creek.
As you stroll along Warm Springs Creek and under the western red cedar forest canopy, there is plenty of opportunities for botanizing and fungal foraging. At around the one-mile mark, the first of three main soaking pools is at the bottom of a very steep, eroded bank, right next to the creek. It is fed by a waterfall of hot water spewing from the cliffs.
The third and most private pool is on the other of a cedar grove with a meadow view.
Eye poison: Be prepared to see naked bodies that you may not want to see (or maybe you do, you cheeky monkey).
Some People Suck
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is very much used very frequently and the level of abuse of the land can be appalling. Ignorant mouth-breathers have left behind their trash and clothing (yes, you can a slightly used pair of underwear). Please help protect and keep this area clean!