Sometimes I think people are confused or maybe they just don't fully read the whole story. Maybe most people just pick up a paper and read the headline and the opening paragraph without finishing the article.
Last week I was in one of my favorite coffee shops, one of those places where freethinkers hang out. Yes, believe it or not, there are quite a few of these little eateries and cafes buried in different parts of Idaho towns, right between the grain suppliers and the tractor repair shops.
I was in this one particular coffee shop (I like to visit these places in different parts of our state in search of the real Idaho) catching up on the local news and plans of the establishment's clientele. On my way out the door, the owner of the shop yelled out, "Hey Carberry, have you given anymore secrets away lately?"
Hmmm. Have I given anymore secrets away? One of my Golden Rules is to do my best not to give those secret spots away. I can honestly say that I have never written any exact locations in any of my articles or columns (I think). That is a fact (I hope). I did write a column on the "Sanctity of Secrecy" but maybe people just didn't read the whole article. Or maybe I'm just a little defensive.
"If he gives any of my secret spots away I'll crush his *****," said someone sitting on the sofa near the door. Whoa. Wait a minute. Getting threatened to have your ***** crushed would put any intelligent male on the defensive. I think he was joking. I hope he was joking.
In honor of this call for secrecy I've decided to do a run through of a few of my favorite paid hot springs in Idaho. That is, hot pools that you have to pay to enter. Not those secret ones on the side of some river. I'll leave those for the **** crushers (and be very thankful that mine haven't come close to those special Christmas nut crackers). Besides, it's been butt-nugget cold this May and we all need a place to warm our bones after trying to brave the wet spring conditions.
Seven miles east of Lolo Pass, just across the Montana border is Lolo Hot Springs. Nearly two centuries ago, when the Lewis and Clark expedition was on its way toward the Pacific, the party used the natural hot springs at Lolo pass as an R and R hangout. They needed a place to rest their bodies after months of exploration. This area was also a popular Native American hunting ground as it provided a natural salt lick that attracted an abundance of game.
Now days, the hot baths attract more R.V. explorers than weary wanders on foot. Lolo Hot springs is a great place for whitewater fans who have made the spring pilgrimage to the Lochsa. When the waters run cold down your back in the river, you can steam yourself to sleep just up the road on Highway 12. Lolo has an indoor area in the winter and a beautiful outdoor pool for the summer months and it's cheap too. Somewhere in the $4 range. Check it out at www.lolohotsprings.com
Recently the Lodge at Riggins changed its philosophy. Instead of catering to the drop-in soakers, the Lodge at Riggins now exclusively caters to groups, making it one of those classic spots to host a wedding or family reunion. The place is uptown too, complete with fine dining unlike anything you'll find anywhere else in Riggins. I would list the prices but they are kind of steep so I'll let you see for yourself at www.rhslodge.com.
There is nothing like a good game of hoops in a heated pool. That's what it's all about at Zim's Hot Springs near New Meadows. There are ten-foot rims for an underwater, 3-on-3 tournament or a good game of horse. The owners of this spa will even let you bring your kayak in and work on your roll. You have to call first though. Price of admission is somewhere around six bucks.
Want a little bit of remote with your soak? Try Burgdorf Hot Springs north of McCall. The hot pool doesn't open up until the snow on the road melts. Plenty of mountain views and vistas to go with the thermals. There are a lot of critters roaming around Burgdorf, including one of the original wolf packs that arrived during the re-introduction program in the late 1990s.
For the latest in posh soaking accommodations check out the newly remodeled Gold Fork Hot Springs. This soaking palace has been refurnished with solar powered lanterns and the pools are built around a natural rock landscape. The price is $8 per person, a bit steep, but the word on the street is this hot bath is worth it.
Moving on to the southern end of the state, try Miracle Hot Springs near Buhl. There are private tubs available and, thankfully, they are cleaned after each use.
The main pool is creatively built with a swing in the middle for the kiddies. It's around $6 per person and camping is optional. Log on to www.mhsprings.com
Northwest of Pocatello is one of Idaho's premiere hot spring resorts, Lava Hot Springs. Lava has an Olympic-size swimming pool that opens up May 17 with water slides and diving towers to keep the young adrenal-junkie-in-training happy for hours. Admission is around $6. For more information try www.lavahotsprings.com.
The prices mentioned above are subject to change due to inflation and/or the owner's whims. For current prices and up to date information check out the websites or call the numbers that are provided on the web.
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