Buhl Creek (Skookumchuck) Hot Springs
Buhl Creek (Skookumchuck) Hot Springs
Hot Spring
One of the few natural hot springs visitors are able to drive right to. Previously reported as very warm, visitors have found that the water runs fairly tepid.
Buhl Creek Hot Springs are situated in a secluded wilderness area and are ideal for a visit during late summer when the temperatures of the water are at their highest and the Skookumchuck Creek is at its lowest level. These springs are easily accessed from the road. As you approach the hot springs, you will come across a large, shallow pool to your right, which is fed by springs and creeks that are tepid to cool. The best hot springs, however, can be found on the upstream side of the old bridge abutment. The most desirable pool is approximately three meters wide and fifty centimeters deep, and its water is warm (around 40°C), crystal clear, has no taste, and has a faint sulfur odor. However, depending on what time of year you explore the area you may need to dig your own hole, and the water does run colder throughout the year. Skookumchuck Creek is also clear and cool, providing an excellent spot for swimming just downstream from the bridge abutments.Camping is permitted at the hot springs, at one of the Forest Service recreation sites, or anywhere along the way.
photo courtesy of Jason Colameco
Address
Notable GPS Co-ordinates
Detailed Directions
- Start from Canal Flats:
- Drive north on Highway 93/95 for 1.9 km (1.2 mi.) from the bridge over the Kootenay River at Canal Flats.
- Turn left onto Thunderhill Road.
- Follow the main road across the tracks and up the hill to a junction at 4.4 km (2.7 mi.).
- Turn left onto the Skookumchuck Forest Service road:
- In 3.6 km (2.2 mi.), turn left onto the Skookumchuck Forest Service road.
- In 9.9 km (6.1 mi.), shortly after the 17 km sign, you will reach the Torrent road.
- Go straight ahead, ignoring the Torrent road.
- Continue along the Skookumchuck Creek:
- In 5.5 km (3.4 mi.), ignore the Copper Creek turnoff.
- Continue for another 14.1 km (8.7 mi.) past the Bradford Creek turnoff.
- Keep straight ahead along the north bank of Skookumchuck Creek.
- Pass the Skookumchuck Creek recreation site:
- Go past the Skookumchuck Creek recreation site (at the 43 km sign).
- In 2.1 km (1.3 mi.), follow the main road across Skookumchuck Creek.
- Turn left at the 45 km sign:
- Immediately make a sharp left at the 45 km sign.
- Go 0.2 km (0.1 mi.) along this old road to its end atop the old bridge abutment.
- You have arrived at Buhl Creek Hot Springs.
- Alternative Route from Skookumchuck on Highway 93/95:
- From Highway 93/95 just south of the bridge over the Kootenay River, turn west onto Farstad Way.
- Drive past the Skookumchuck pulp mill for 1.5 km (0.9 mi.).
- At 1.5 km (0.9 mi.) from the highway, go right onto the Torrent road.
- In another 1.0 km (0.6 mi.), go right (don't take the Tamarack Lake road).
- Follow the good gravel road for 23 km (14 mi.) to the intersection with the Skookumchuck Forest Service road.
- Turn left and follow the directions in the preceding section.
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