Pitt River Hot Spring

I went to the hot springs on June 26, 2021. First, be aware that the hot spring is completely inaccessible at this time of year. It was one of the hottest days of the year (35 degrees), and the snow melt makes the river too high. The hot springs are very difficult to access. We took a boat with our bikes to the North end of the lake. There is work being done there, so don't obstruct one of the active docks. The hot springs are around 23 km down a forest service road. The road is gravel but in good condition. I did the journey with a road bike, but I would recommend some sort of mountain bike. The journey is mostly flat, but there are a few tough hills; especially the hill down to the river. A lot of people mentioned bears in the area, as well as cougars, so watch out. I personally did not encounter anything. You should carry a spare inner tube and the tools to replace it if necessary. I had a flat on the journey. Around 22km down the road, there is a fork. Go left down the hill. The entrance to the hot spring is directly after crossing the bridge, on the right. You will see a sign. You will have to hike 5 minutes before reaching the ropes down to the river. When I went, it was just a rushing river, with no pools visible at all. Swimming is impossible in that area when the water is so high. I did see a jet boat in the hot spring area, so it is possible to reach by that method too. However, it was probably only possible because the water was so high. Unfortunately I can't speak about the actual hot spring, but the journey was a fun adventure if you're up for it!

I was at the logging camp 8 k from the spring 4 years ago and heard about it from one of the guys. I have been to alot of hot springs in BC but this one was my favorite. I was surprised how many people trekked 20k mostly people on bikes. Its on the north side of the lake, you can get there by canoe or boat are no roads to get you there almost all the people I met while I was at the spring came by canoe, A few local people told me every so often people get dropped off for the day in a helicopter. So for people that are planning on making the venture go prepared there are bears everywhere during late spring and summer and don't leave garbage or food if your camping. I'm sure anyone who is willing to do that trek would have some common sense about nature or should. It's definitely worth it if your willing to attempt it.

My dad was a logger in the 90's. He took a boat up here everyday that left at 5am from the south end of the lake and I was lucky enough to join him for one day. Once he got in his logging gear at camp, he took me up in a truck and pulled over on the side of the logging road. We trekked for a short way until we reached the rope tied to a tree to let you down the cliff face. As I remember it, once you're down, there's only 10-15 ft. between the cliff and the river with the pools between. We diverted the trickle of hot water the came out of the cliff with stones to heat either pools. The "kiddie pool" was closer to the actual river and mixed with the river water to make it cooler. Dangerous as hell. My memory of it might be a little off but it's one of my fondest memories I have with him. 5 stars... would recommend.

Access to the hot springs is a bit hidden and you need to be able to hold on to ropes that are already there and descend about 6 meters of mild difficulty rock. However, when you get there, you reap the rewards. The water is crystal clear with a sulfury smell and a temperature between about 60 °C and 35 °C based on the exact spot you sit or stand in. So beware of the inflow of spring water where there's a risk of burning yourself.

I'd highly recommend not making this venture until autumn arrives. After the flood in November 2021 the top of second canyon has filled in with sand resulting in the water table rising throughout the canyon. Throughout most of summer the precious hot springs will be cold from river water.