Hot Spring

A good intermediate access point is available at Hot Springs at Highway 17 mile 13.9. For boaters floating downstream, the access comes up quickly and is easy to miss, so stay alert if you plan to stop here. This is a convenient take-out where everyone can enjoy a soak while shuttle drivers retrieve vehicles from the put-in. The trail climbs steeply from the river to the parking area, making it suitable for hand-carried craft but impractical for larger rafts.

The popular Forest Service Hot Springs Campground, which includes reservable group sites, is located across the highway from the river. The campground is hot and exposed during the day, with adjacent highway traffic, but benefits from evening shade as temperatures cool and traffic subsides.