Bonneville Hot Spring

[ccso5667]

I hiked in to Bonneville on Friday, hoping to find a soak. A friend and I had a great hike in on about 2 feet of packed snow, but didn't find any soaks worth getting in. I had heard rumors that the big pool wasn't soakable now, but was not prepared to see that the dam had been completely breached. There is a small hot stream running through the muddy bottom of what used to be the big pool. There was what appeared to be attempts to build 4 soakers below the main pool, but none were deep enough to cover up in, even if lying down. The upstream pool around the bend was about 12 inches deep, too hot, and full of slime. The only possible soak was the bath house, but it would have been a little too crowded for two platonic friends. If you're looking for a beautiful hike, with great scenery at the end, Bonneville is still a good choice. If you're looking for a relaxing soak at the end of the trip, you will probably do better going somewhere else. Keep on soaking.

[yakshak2002]

Dave---You don't suppose the forest service had anything to do with making Bonneville un-soakable? Just wondering.
Hotspringer John

[ccso5667]

John, it didn't really look like the FS did this. Several years ago, the drain pipes under the dam became plugged, making it impossible to drain and clean the pool. It looks like it just kept building up to the point that there wasn't a pond any more. It looks like someone took rocks from the dam, and tried to make a smaller pool right below it. What this spring really needs is for the Forest Service to give someone permission to come in and do a good job of rebuilding it, along with adequate drains. If the recent debacle was any indication of the cooperation we can expect, I suspect this probably won't happen any time soon.

[yakshak2002]

I think you are probably right. Thanks
Hotspringer John