Camping at Fir Creek

Following a recommendation from some friends, we decided to visit Fir Creek Campground. Fir Creek is 3 hours away from Boise on the western edge of the Sawtooth Mtns and is one of the tributaries running into the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. On Thursday, we had the small campground to ourselves but by Saturday it had filled up with rafters and hikers.

Hiking to Bear Valley Hot Springs

On Friday, we left Fir Creek Campground and hiked almost 4 miles to Bear Valley Hot Springs. The wilderness trail wound through the lodgepole pines with the river in view most of the way. After 2 hours, we arrived at our destination. The hot water cascaded down the hillside, forming pools which eventually lead to the river. While the top pools were too hot for our liking, the riverside pool was a very comfortable 95 degrees. We were the only ones there and enjoyed the solitude and beauty of this special place. After several hours of soaking and relaxing, we hit the trail that took us back to camp.