A Visit to Vulcan

Along FR 474 S in the Boise National forest you'll take a short hike and come upon one of Idaho's most unique hot springs. Vulcan hot springs provides an unexpected treat to us hot springers. It can be described as more of a hot river than simply a pool. It's dammed in a few places to provide soaking, but the main pool is the golden egg. Large enough to practically swim laps in, yet shallow enough to comfortably kneel, Vulcan sits at approximately 105 degrees. This temperature has varied with people trying to adjust the pool. Recently the pool has been widened, unnecessarily. The creek/river varies from 98 to 109 degrees at its source.

As beautiful and serene as Vulcan appears, there are some draw backs. I worry that the water flow may not be very high due to its size. Also, I have encountered some red spider mite/chigger bites on my various visits. The pool is easily accessible, with bountiful camping at the trail head and throughout the Boise National Forest. With this comes over use, trash, and disrespect for Mother Earth. You'll more than likely pass a group going in or out, but I would still highly recommend a visit.

Rumor has it that "big brother" wants to harness the geothermal power or the Vulcan complex. This would take it away from all of us. Please do your part in keeping this area beautiful.

One Hour No Power

On Sunday July 1, 2007 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. please join me in shutting everything off that you don't need. That means computers, cars, phones, everything that is not absolutely essential. In doing this we can show our support against climate change. Everything we use that is powered by electricity emits some form of "pollution". This pollution contributes to global warming and climate change. Please visit One Hour No Power to join in, find out more information, or spread the word. I urge you to encourage your friends, family, coworkers, bosses, and strangers to participate. Lets stand as a community and show that one hour of no power can begin to make a difference!

Hints and Tips

The season is finally fully upon us, at least in most areas. Here are a few hints and tips for us outdoor gals to make our treks more comfortable. Most of these items are common sense, but it never hurts to have a refresher, especially at the begining of the season. Keep in mind this list is far from complete, and I will be adding to it in later posts. Feel free to offer any suggestions or share what your items are.

Pack towel: these can be found at most camping stores. They are usually made of a micro-fiber material which makes them dry quickly, and they are a lot less bulky to carry than the typical bath towel.

Antibacterial Wipes: they work in a pinch for all of your clean up needs.

Safety Pins: have so many uses from temporarily mending a lost button to acting as a zipper pull.

Pants with zip-off legs: through sun or rain, these are your friends, need I say more?

Trash bags: multipurpose, for trash, a rain parka, floor mat, use your imagination.

Extra socks

Tarp: use as weather protection or under your tent.

Little treats: I like the seasame snap cookies. They satisfy my sweet tooth and are easy to pack.

Small journal: mines goes with me everywhere. You never know when you might be inspired. Don't forget your pen!

And as always, bring your sense of adventure, an open mind, and a willingness for new friendship. There can be so many people on the trail these days, and you might just meet some amazing people.

Moon Cocoon here on Earth!

It's not actually from the moon, but it looks like a great place to live, and earth friendly!

The Eco-Dome is built out of earth filled Superadobe coils, and is tree free. The Domes featured on this website are smaller units. You could use it for an in-law or guest house, studio, or join several together to form a larger living area. It is supposed to stand up to Mother Nature's fury, be cost effective to build, and save on energy for heating/cooling. I think we are heading in the right direction, if only more of us would consider and follow through.

Have you come across unique planet-friendly housing? Please share with me!

Idaho's Roadless Areas Need Your Support!

The Forest Service is accepting comments on Idaho Roadless Areas.

Idaho has more than 9.3 million acres of unprotected backcountry National Forests, more than any state in the lower-48.In 2006, then-Governor Risch asked the Forest Service to protect 8.8 million acres of Idaho’s backcountry roadless areas. His proposal would open over 525,000 acres to mining, logging, and roadbuilding. Most of these so-called “General Forest” areas are located on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.Main Points
The comment period should be extended, and public meetings should be held at this stage. The analysis must evaluate the potential impact to the 525,000 acres designated as “General Forest.” *This is now at 900,000 acres*

No roads should be constructed in these areas for commercial purposes. What You Can Do: Use your own words to discuss these main points in a letter to the Forest Service. To make sure your voice is heard, you must comment by May 10, 2007.

Additional Points:
Talk about specific roadless areas that are special to you.
Discuss how Idaho's best fishing and hunting opportunities are located in roadless areas.
Mention that Idaho's forests already have over 34,000 miles of road and a $660 million backlog of needed maintenance.
Ask that all roadless areas be protected from mining. Use our form on our website to send your comments right away, or:Email your comments to: IDcomments@fsroadless.orgMail to:Roadless Area Conservation – IdahoPO Box 162909Sacramento, CA 95816-2909Fax to: 916.456.6724For More InfoGo to www.wildidaho.org/update.php to download the Forest Service notice, Risch Petition, maps and other files.Latest Roadless Area Update Courtesy Jonathan Oppenheimer of the Idaho Conservation League

Thank you Hot Springs Guy for sharing this with all of us!

Outdoors in Your Neightborhood

When most people envision the outdoors they see mountains, rivers, lakes, hot springs, an array of wildlife and wild flowers. So many forget that nature exsists in our own backyards. In many cities there are miles of trails for you to hike and enjoy the local flora and fauna. Check out the links below to see what might be in your neck of the woods.

Ridge to Rivers: Boise

Forest Park Wildwood Trail: Portland

Salt Lake City, UT

Seattle, WA

Spokane, WA

There are so many more than what I have listed here. Be adventerous and try to find your own paths. Happy hiking!

Bonneville Hot Springs

Travel up HWY 21, winding your way through mountain roads. You'll arrive at the namesake campground for Bonneville Hot Springs. Take a short hike (.25 miles in the summer) to find a hillside soak shack and several pools along the river. The shack houses an old tub, which is in pretty good shape and barely holds two. If you're looking for privacy, that's the place to soak. Down by the river you'll see the silt bottomed user built pools. They vary in temps, but are all usually a fairly nice soak. However, depending on water levels you may have to stir the water to keep the temps even (not my fav, but works nicely).


During summer months these springs are extremely popular. You'll have difficulty getting them to yourselves, and will definetely be sharing the campground. Winter months offer a bit more solitude, however it is a prevalant snowshoe/nordic area. The campground is closed from first snow fall through mid May, which leaves you to park along the highway in designated areas. Swim suits are a definite must, unless using the shack.


My last visit was January of this year. It was the ideal time. The hike was quite enjoyable. With only the sound of our boots crunching the crystalized snow and the wind whispering through the pines, all was quiet. I did pass another couple, he was on snowshoes, she was on skies, both were friendly. I patronized the shack, as the air was very crisp. Despite the popularity of this area, it holds extreme beauty, wild flowers, and the occasional wild life sighting. In the past I've seen deer, elk, and a few families of turkeys. As usual, please step with a light foot and leave as little trace as possible. While the trash levels are normally fairly low, many like to leave their garbage where it doesn't belong. Thank you in advance for taking care of Mother Nature.