Upper Halfway River Warm Springs
Upper Halfway River Warm Springs
Hot Spring
Also known as Wholeway Hot Springs, a difficult to reach remote natural spring in the Halfway River Valley.
Known as "Upper Halfway Hot Springs" or "Wholeway Hot Springs," this incredibly elusive soaking spot is nestled deep within the Halfway River valley. This hidden gem took weeks of internet research and a full day of hiking in the "wrong ways" with only whispers if they actually existed. All-natural pristine spring water bubbles out of the side of the mountain with a view that boasts a mountain vista. Perfect for bathing in a moon-lit "off the grid" sanctuary.
This is one of the very few natural springs left in the area that has not been commercialized or taken over by BC Parks. Respect this place as if it were your own. Pack out what you pack in, and preserve its natural serenity by keeping noise to a minimum. Getting there is incredibly dangerous and difficult even with directions.
These springs are active year-round, but the stream which feeds in the cooler water dries up around mid-July. The springs are too hot to visit without this fresh water source.
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Notable GPS Co-ordinates
Detailed Directions
- Throw together a zip line harness with pulley, two carabiners, and a backup support line. Any local climbing store will likely have the gear required.
- Begin with the same directions as getting to normal Halfway Hot Springs, but instead of turning before the Halfway River bridge, cross it, and turn right immediately onto the forest service road on the other side. Reset the car's odometer.
- At 22.08 km notice a very overgrown trail to the right. Walk down with all of your camping gear and setup camp. You'll likely want to stay here instead of hauling all of your equipment up the very steep trek on the other side. There is a nice clearing with a fire pit.
- Walk down to the river, hop up the small embankment and notice the remains of an old bridge now long-lost to time. There is a metal cable drawn across the river, secured to two trees. Attach your zip line equipment safely and fly across. This line could break at any time. Absolutely use at your own risk!
- On the other side of the river, head up what is left of the trail, veer left, and then eventually arc right over the short 1.2 km distance where the trail peters out. While only a 230 meter elevation gain, this path is often ludicrously overgrown with ferns, stinging nettle, and other hazards.
- Having correctly navigated your way to the springs, you will see a small pool on the far side of the stream bed that has been reinforced with cement. Plug the pipe at the bottom back against the rock wall and allow it to fill. Use the available black tubes to siphon water from the creek to bring the temperature down to a comfortable level.
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