Crawford Creek Warm Springs

Hot Spring

A true hidden gem along a short trail in the woods near Crawford Bay.

Welcome to Crawford Bay, British Columbia, where the nearby 0.5-km out-and-back trail is a great spot for walking and is considered an easy route, with little chance of running into other explorers, though dogs must remain leashed. The trail leads to Crawford Creek hot springs, nestled in the woods, where you can enjoy a snack and bask in the warmth of the natural spring water. The area has undergone several transformations over the years, from its initial discovery by surveyor Charles Neide, who developed it for public use, to partial destruction by a landslide in the 1950s, and a reconstruction in the 1960s by two local prospectors and outlaws, who utilized the spring water to create moonshine, but it was ultimately abandoned again, only to be rediscovered and resurrected by naturists.

With improved access and trail these springs have become more inviting, featuring beautiful and private areas beside the creek with huge boulders for tanning and plung pools to cool off in, though the road in may be challenging for some vehicles and directions to these unmarked hot springs may require some sweet-talking of locals. The springs' temperature hovers around 30° C (86° F) and offers a refreshing soak, so don't forget your hikers and poles before making your way down and up the steep canyon trail.

Address

49.712493, -116.753082

Notable GPS Co-ordinates

Detailed Directions

To reach the Crawford Creek Warm Spring, you may park beside the Crawford Bay Transfer Station and walk the 2km to the trailhead, if you are not familiar with the conditions of forest service roads. Alternatively, you can drive to the Trailhead located at the 2km mark on Crawford Creek Road, just before Orebin Creek, and climb up the small sidehill to begin the trail. The coordinates for the trailhead and parking are 49.713076,-116.760582. The trail is well-marked and takes approximately 10 minutes to descend and 20 minutes to ascend, so be sure to bring comfortable hikers and a walking stick to navigate the moderate hike down and up the steep canyon. Once you reach the hot springs, do remember that the water temperature may vary depending on the season, and it's advisable to respect the site's natural surroundings and practice responsible stewardship.

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