Tchentlo Lake Warm Springs

Tchentlo Hot Springs is a natural gem located on the shore of Tchentlo Lake, which is the westernmost of the Jhain of lakes in north-central British Columbia known as the Nation lakes. The springs are a bit cool, but the fairly easy access and beautiful setting make them worth a visit. To get to the springs, visitors need to take a 133 km (83 mi.) drive from Fort St. James, which takes about two hours, and the road is in excellent condition during the summer.

The springs are situated on a small bare point that is visible from the lodge about a kilometre away on the south side of the bay. To reach the springs, visitors need a boat, which can be rented at the Tchentlo Lake Lodge. There is a small charge if visitors bring their own boat and wish to use the boat ramp at the lodge. The springs consist of three pools, all on the east side of the point facing the open lake. The highest is the coolest and muddiest and is little used. The middle pool is the warmest (24°C (75°F)) and is about 3 m by 1 m (10 ft. by 3 ft.) and about 50 cm (20 in.) deep. The lowest pool, about 2.5 m (8 ft.) in diameter, is a couple of degrees cooler than the middle one but has the highest rate of flow. All three pools have gas bubbling up into them and comfortable, somewhat muddy bottoms. The water has a strong soda taste but no odour.

The point is devoid of trees and is composed largely of old tufa mounds. The springs are a bit cool for extended soaking, except perhaps on a hot summer day, but the setting is lovely. The point is covered with grass, wild mint, and many wildflowers, particularly yellow mimulus. However, the spot is not ideal for camping, but there is an excellent Forest Service campsite just across the inlet at its narrowest spot. Visitors can also find several good Forest Service campsites along the logging road from Fort St. James.