I'm really excited for this trip. First of all, I love Stanley Hot Springs. I enjoy the hike in, the pools, the nearby Huckleberry Creek, and so far all the cool people I've met out there. Every time I've been out there, whether on a day hike or overnight trip, the hot springs were my destination, but I've always been curious about where the trail leads beyond the springs.

According to the map, we can follow Rock Creek Trail up the ridge to connect with the Lochsa Peak Trail and meander through the Lottie Lakes area before connecting to Greenside Butte Trail and returning to Stanley Hot Springs. I've seen some beautiful pictures of this area shared in our Facebook group and I can't wait to see it for myself. There's just something kind of magical about high mountain lakes.

This trip will be a little longer than my usual weekend hikes. The plan will be to hit the Boulder Creek Trailhead at 9:00am on Thursday, August 6th. It's about 5 miles from the trailhead to Stanley Hot Springs with a 1,500 foot elevation gain. We'll camp there for our first night and maybe get to enjoy the hot springs without the crowds. This will be a good chance for day hikers to join us and return at their leisure. Overnighters can enjoy the hot springs with the group and then head back in the morning. Options. We've got options!

Friday morning, we'll pack up camp and climb up to Lottie Lake. This is another 5-mile stretch but this time with a 2,800 foot elevation gain. We may be ready to jump into Lottie Lake once we get there! Hopefully, we'll get to enjoy a night under the stars, but come prepared for anything.

Saturday is our long day. From Lottie Lake, we'll follow Lochsa Peak Trail down and around Mud Lake to where it connects to Greenside Butte Trail. Greenside will take us along the ridge above Rock Lake and drop us back down to Rock Creek Trail and Stanley Hot Springs. We will totally earn another night in the pools!

We can hike out at our leisure Sunday morning. If the weather's nice, a morning soak may be in order. It's a pleasant 5 miles out with a 1,500 foot decline back to the trailhead.

Please come prepared for your own level of adventure. Whether you want to day hike to the hot springs, overnight, or join us for the full 4-day loop, please pack what you need. Food, water (and filter), warmth (layered clothing), and shelter (sleeping bag and tent) are essential. We cross Boulder Creek in two sections to get to Stanley Hot Springs, so bring water shoes or sandals. Swimwear for the springs and lakes, please. My 10-year old son will be with us. 😉 Feel free to reach out if you have gear questions, or start a conversation on Facebook. There are plenty of Trekkers who can help answer gear questions!

A note on safety:

Backpacking is a great way to push the edges of your comfort zone, to challenge yourself, and to discover new limits for yourself. You're not alone when you hike with The Clearwater Trekkers. We have a "leave no hiker behind" practice, and we will not abandon anyone on the trail. That being said, we are not a licensed outfitter. We are an open, voluntary hiking group. Trekkers hike at their own risk. We do not assume any responsibility for hikers' safety on the trail. Kids and dogs are both welcome, but please assume full responsibility for your time on trail. In order for us all to have fun, we each need to know our limits and stay within them. Best practice is to hike with a trail buddy who will turn back with you if needed so no one is trying to get to the trailhead alone.

I'm not trying to scare anyone off! But the topic has come up a time or two. Come prepared. Let's be safe and have fun out there!