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Located within the Clearwater National Forest in Central Idaho, Jerry Johnson is one of Idaho's most popular natural hot springs.The hike to the springs is about a mile. You cross over the Lochsa River and follow a trail along the Warm Spring Creek all the way up to several hot springs. Along the way, you might be gifted with the presence of a moose. Free and open to the public year-round. The first spring is the "HOT" one, it literally gushes out of the side of hill and flows down about 20 feet into Warm Spring Creek. Before dumping into the chilly creek, the hot water pools in a couple of "hot tubs" made with walls of small rocks. If conditions are right, you can have your pick of several pools to take a dip into. When the creek is high, these pools can sometimes be submerged offering nowhere to enjoy the warmness.
The next set of hot springs is a little hike further - a few hundred feet. These springs come right up from the ground a little further away from the creek. These pools aren't quiet as warm, but they are further away from the creek and are fairly protected. There are several sources of hot water here, so you might be able to gain more privacy here.
Jerry used to be signed as clothing optional, but in 2009 the signage was removed from the trailhead. Nude is typically the norm here. Bring goggles or a snorkel mask! There are tons of trout in the creek that you can look at! Years ago these hot springs were a favorite for backpackers on their way into/from the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. In the late 90s, the FS initiated nighttime closure and made camping at/near the hot springs illegal in an effort the protect the badly abused hot springs. It remains under nighttime closure today. Open from 6am to 8pm. It should also be noted that there is no shade, bring something suitable as it can get very hot during July and August.
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