Details
- Date: Saturday, October 18th, 2025
- Trailhead: Wilderness Gateway Trailhead
- Time: 9:00am
- Fees: Free
- Contact:Todd Holcomb
- Phone: 208-704-9739
- Email: todd@clearwatertrekking.com
Map
Only 5 miles from the trailhead, Stanley Hot Springs is a popular soaking site but just far enough out to keep overwhelming crowds at bay. Technically, there are four pools to choose from, but the top one is usually too hot to enjoy and full of lichen, while the bottom one is too shallow and cold. The second pool is large enough to share and deliciously warm, while the third pool is a small, private soaking tub. It could easily fit two people sitting up, too.
The featured picture above is from a little jaunt out to Stanley back in 2021. Read about it on my post, "A Beautifully Wet Weekend," below.
While there isn't a grand view, there is a veil of trees that affords a quiet ambiance and sense of "open seclusion." There are several dispersed campsites around the pools, making it a popular place to hike into and spend the weekend, but it's not uncommon to meet people day hiking or trail running in. And that's what The Clearwater Trekkers are going to do on Saturday, October 18th! (Minus the running part.)
We are well into October and cooling temperatures of Fall, so come layered up and prepared for rain, just in case. The weather is actually a good reason to make a day hike of it because we'll get to enjoy the warm waters of the hot spring and the warm air of our car heaters on the way home! Wear good trail shoes and be prepared for a creek crossing. If the water is low enough, we'll be able to rock-hop across, otherwise, there is a log bridge we can use.
Reach out if you're interested in setting up a carpool from Lewiston or to meet up at the old weigh station outside Kooskia. The plan is to hit the trail at 9am, so we'll need to leave Lewiston by 6:30am. We can meet in the Community Center parking lot at 6:15am and stop off at the Kooskia weigh station at 8am.
See you on the trail!
