The pool was unusually deep for a wild hot spring.
It was an excellent use of the geothermal water that springs up on the bedrock slope.
Main Pool on Bedrock
Upper Lochsa River in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, northern Idaho.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is well known as one of the accessible wild hot springs in the area.
Another parking lot was located 13 minutes west on Route 12 from Jerry Johnson's parking lot.
This was the trailhead to Weir Creek Hot Springs.
There was one pit toilet there.
The trail was an easy 0.7-mile round trip along the creek.
Along the way, there was a primitive campsite on the right.
Please note that camping use is no longer possible.
Like Jerry Johnson, Weir Creek has been restricted to day use only beginning in 2022 to protect it from environmental damage caused by overuse.
The main pool was located halfway up a slope with exposed bedrock toward the creek.
The location had a great view with little vegetation around.
There was a large pool that could fit ten soakers.
The pool, made of natural bedrock and hardened with mortar, was so magnificent that it was hard to believe it had been built by volunteers.
A wooden plank was passed around the edge, just right for sitting or lying down.
The bottom of the pool was V-shaped and deep, with the deepest point at 8 feet.
At 111 degrees F, clear, colorless, tasteless, and odorless water flowed from the top.
The overflowing water pooled in the second pool along the creek; it was a fairly small one and I did not soak there.
After enjoying the main pool for a while, I climbed up the slope to observe the sources.
Topmost Pool
Be careful of wet areas, as they are slippery with algae.
This was the uppermost part of the exposed bedrock.
To the left was the source of the water falling into the main pool.
I noticed another source on the right.
This was the third pool, and it was built large enough for two soakers to barely fit in.
The temperature of the water gushing gently from the bottom was 106 degrees F.
The water was slightly opaque.
It was a paradise dominated by the scent of pine trees and tranquility.
Summary
Weir Creek Hot Springs, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Idaho, U.S.
My rating
Type: Undeveloped
Rule: Clothing optional
Chemical use: No
Water temp: Up to 111 degrees F
