Goldbug Hot Springs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goldbug Hot Springs |
|
|---|---|
Looking down from the top pool of Goldbug Hot Springs.
|
|
| Location | Lemhi County, Idaho, United States |
| Coordinates | 44°54′18″N 113°55′44″W / 44.905°N 113.929°W |
| Elevation | 6,200 feet (1,900 m) |
| Type | Hot spring |
| Temperature | 113 °F (45 °C) |
| Topo map | USGS Goldbug Ridge |
Goldbug Hot Springs is a natural warm water spring in the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho. It's about 20 miles south of a town called Salmon. This amazing spot has about six pools, filled by waterfalls, right next to Warm Spring Creek.
The water in the pools can be around 113 °F (45 °C). However, the exact temperature changes with the seasons. The bottom of the pools is sandy and rocky. Large boulders create natural dams for the pools. Because it takes a bit of a hike to get there, it's usually not too crowded. The water from Goldbug Hot Springs flows into Warm Spring Creek. This creek then joins the Salmon River.
Contents
Visiting Goldbug Hot Springs
Goldbug Hot Springs is a great place to visit for outdoor fun. It's free to enter and open all year round. Getting there involves a fun hike through nature.
The Hike to the Hot Springs
The path to Goldbug Hot Springs starts from a dirt road off US 93. This road is well kept. The first part of the trail, about .25 miles (0.40 km), crosses private land. This land is part of a special agreement with the Bureau of Land Management.
The total hike is about 2 miles (3.2 km) long. You will climb about 1,350 feet (410 m) in elevation. The trail has strong bridges to help you cross streams. There are also sections with steps to make climbing easier. The last .5 miles (0.80 km) of the hike is the steepest part. The trail actually continues past the hot springs.
Camping Near the Springs
You cannot camp right at the trailhead. Camping is also not allowed on the private land section. You must also stay at least 500 feet (150 m) away from the hot springs themselves.
However, there are many simple camping spots along the trail. You can also find a campground above the highest pool. This spot is along Warm Spring Creek. If you camp overnight, you'll see almost no light pollution. This means you can enjoy a sky full of stars.
Weather Conditions for Your Visit
You can visit Goldbug Hot Springs any time of year. But the weather can make a big difference. It's important to be prepared for different conditions.
Winter Visits
In winter, heavy snow can make it hard to reach the hot springs. The trails might be covered in deep snow. Even if you get there, the pools might feel quite chilly. This is because the air temperature is very cold.
Summer Visits
Summertime can be very hot in this area. Hikers should bring extra water to stay hydrated. It's also a good idea to bring sunblock. This will protect your skin from the strong sun.
| Climate data for Salmon KSRA (1971–2000) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 28.4 (−2.0) |
37.0 (2.8) |
49.7 (9.8) |
59.9 (15.5) |
69.1 (20.6) |
77.9 (25.5) |
87.3 (30.7) |
85.5 (29.7) |
74.9 (23.8) |
60.3 (15.7) |
40.7 (4.8) |
29.2 (−1.6) |
58.3 (14.6) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 9.3 (−12.6) |
15.2 (−9.3) |
24.7 (−4.1) |
31.8 (−0.1) |
39.5 (4.2) |
46.1 (7.8) |
50.9 (10.5) |
48.5 (9.2) |
40.4 (4.7) |
30.2 (−1.0) |
21.0 (−6.1) |
11.4 (−11.4) |
30.8 (−0.7) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 0.68 (17) |
0.49 (12) |
0.54 (14) |
0.79 (20) |
1.42 (36) |
1.42 (36) |
1.03 (26) |
0.82 (21) |
0.77 (20) |
0.65 (17) |
0.73 (19) |
0.78 (20) |
10.12 (258) |
| Source: NOAA (normals, 1971–2000) | |||||||||||||
Plants and Animals Around Goldbug Hot Springs
The area around Goldbug Hot Springs is like a high desert. You'll see plants and animals that are used to this kind of environment.
Local Plant Life
Along the creek and at higher parts of the trail, you might see douglas fir and lodgepole pine trees. These trees grow in patches. Most of the area is covered in sagebrush and native grasses. These plants mix with the rocky ground.
Wildlife You Might See
It's common to see snakes in this area. This includes rattlesnakes, which are venomous. Always be careful where you step.
You might also spot larger animals. Mule deer are sometimes seen. Rarely, you might even see black bears. Smaller animals are quite common. These include jackrabbits, badgers, and other small creatures.
