The natural hot springs tucked away within the Frank Church Wilderness are a huge part of why we love the Middle Fork of the Salmon River so much. Whether you are looking for a quick morning dip or a sunset soak at a hot spring camp, here is the breakdown of what to expect.
Trail Flat Hot Spring – Mile 7.3
Trail Flat is the first hot spring you will pass if you launch your trip at Boundary Creek. At higher river flows it may be covered by the main river since it sits near river level. If you want a medium-temperature experience check out the small pools where the hot spring runoff meets the river.
There is not a great eddy to catch for this stop so you’ll need to pull over in shallow slack water on the cobblestone bar. Spread out your boats before landing to give boaters time to pull over and tie up before helping the next person. You don’t want to be rushed hopping out of your boat because those cobblestones are slippery! This is a popular stop so please make room for other groups who want to pull over and enjoy this stop.
Sheepeater Hot Spring – Mile 13.3
Sheepeater Camp is another common night-one camp with a great hot spring. Luckily, the soak is just a short uphill walk from the camp. You can also easily reach it from Scout Camp or Joe Bump Camp with a nice pleasant hike.
This spring gets its name from the Tukudeka tribe that called the Middle Fork home long before there were rubber boats.
Sunflower Hot Spring – Mile 33.6
Sunflower hot spring is possibly the most famous on the Middle Fork, and for good reason. It features multiple soaking pools of varying temperatures. The further uphill you go, the warmer the pool becomes, with the highest pool being so hot I like to call it “the lobster pot.”
Those soaking pools offer a great view downstream. The best part is the hot shower that cascades off the ledges into the pools.
The actual camp at Sunflower is only suitable for small groups, so it is a popular morning stop for groups staying at larger camps just upstream. Remember to tie boats together in case other groups come in behind you. You can pull over right at the pools or in the eddy just downstream and walk through the camp to get there.
Whitie Cox Hot Spring – Mile 46.8
This site is labeled as a hot-spring camp, but it is a bit of a trick. While it counts toward your Forest Service enforced “one hot spring camp” limit, the pool is small and may have spider mites that leave nasty bites. The hot water trickles through the grass, and the area is often stinky and buggy. On the bright side, it has one of the best swimming beaches on the river for a hot afternoon.
Loon Creek Hot Spring – Mile 50.1
This hot spring is not technically on the Middle Fork. Instead, it is about a half-mile walk up Loon Creek from Loon Creek Camp. This spring has a large capacity and can fit around 10 people at a time. When you get too warm, it is just a few steps away to take a “polar plunge” in Loon Creek to reset your body temperature.
You can hike to this spring from four different camps. The closest two are Loon Camp and Cow Camp which are downstream of Loon Creek. Shelf and White Creek are upstream camps that make for a longer but lovely hike to this hot spring. Another great option if you’re not at one of these camps is to pull over near the mouth of Loon Creek on your way down the river and hike up.
Hospital Bar Hot Spring – Mile 52.9
Last call for hot springs! Hospital Bar is the final soaking spot on the Middle Fork. It is small but mighty. Located at the top of the bar where the camp is situated, it sits in the upstream eddy and can get washed out at higher water levels. In lower water, a nice soaking pool forms (sometimes with the help of a few strategically stacked rocks) that can fit a handful of people.
You can access this spring from Hospital Bar camp. Alternatively, you can reach it with the help of a boat or inflatable kayak from Cave Camp just across the river.
Know Before You Go
Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting these hot spring spots.
Rules & Regulations
- Groups may only stay at one hot-spring camp per trip
- No soap or other waste products are allowed in the hot springs
- No nudity is permitted
Common Courtesy
- Park boats tightly at these stops so that other groups can fit
- No amplified music
- Please be respectful with alcohol
Ready to Soak?
Reading about these springs is one thing; soaking in them as the sun drops behind the canyon walls is another. If you’re ready to experience the Middle Fork of the Salmon River for yourself, join us on a six-day trip. We take care of the rowing and the cooking so you have the time to slow down and enjoy everything the Middle Fork has to offer.
