Octopus Creek Hot Springs
Octopus Creek Hot Springs
Hot Spring
A hot spring exclusively for the experienced and determined hikers.
The Octopus Creek Hot Springs is a remote pool located at the end of a challenging hike. It is recommended only for experienced wilderness hikers with strong map and compass skills. The round trip from Fauquier takes at least 5 hours. To get there, take Applegrove Road from Fauquier and continue on Octopus Creek Forest Service Road for 158 km until reaching an old logging spur, which becomes a trail after 25 minutes of walking. The springs are located on the north bank of the creek and can be found with the help of a compass and topographic map. The water temperature is around 40°C (104°F) and has a low dissolved solids content with high fluoride levels. It's best to visit during dry weather in late summer or fall and to make it a day trip.
photos courtesy of Adam Watson
Address
Notable GPS Co-ordinates
Detailed Directions
Note: this location is only accessible by intense hike and is not recommended for the inexperienced.
- Make your way to the town of Fauquier, and travel south along Applegrove rd for 10.3, then turn left at the fork in the road.
- Follow the road for 3.2 km and turn right.
- Follow the unnamed road till the end, park and hike downhill to the hot springs which are located along Octopus creek
- The hike to the springs will take approximately 2 hours and requires a compass and topographic map, as well as the skills to use them.
- Follow the hillside at the same elevation as the road for roughly 1 km, then drop down the steep slope to Octopus Creek and walk up it.
- The springs are located on the north bank of the creek, about an hour's hike from the end of the ancient road.
- On the return trip, make sure to find the old logging road by climbing until you are above its maximum elevation, then head west and angle gradually down until you hit the road.
- The springs are best visited during dry weather, late summer or fall, and should be treated as a day trip, camping elsewhere.
- Alternatively, one could drive or boat to the Octopus Creek Recreational Site and hike along the creek, although the height of the water can be quite unpredictable and pose challenges.
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