49.695396,-121.732979
A visit to Clear Creek Hot Springs is as much about the drive as it is about the hot springs. The springs are accessible via a relatively short (54km) drive along the Harrison East and Clear Creek Forest Service Roads. The springs are a nice surprise at the end of a fun mountain drive. They are surrounded by an icy stream of snowmelt. Running between the two is a great way to cool off in the wilderness!
Ruth Larsen, wife of Henry Larsen, who made a fortune in logging, was the first to place tubs here in the 1950s. He was reportedly the third richest guy in British Columbia at the time. His wife worked as a gold prospector and was dubbed a “old hippie” by some (although others claimed she was “a bit crazy”). She constructed a home near the springs, on the first road up here, and a long-time visitor told us that her grave is someplace near the tubs in the bush. The first baths, large ancient wooden wine barrels fed by hoses cemented into the thermal springs in the rocks, were installed by Ruth. More people came to visit these springs after the road was restored by logging firms and after Ruth died, and they bought new tubs.
The cabin is no longer standing, but one of the original wooden tubs remains. There are two hot tub forms and one bathtub tucked in the rocks as well.
You’ll want to have a 4×4 (Recommended however many people make it in 2 wheel drive) to get to this destination, as there are many potholes, ruts, rocks, and during the rainy season, and (over)abundance of puddles and mud.
To get there: (Be cautious as there are often logging trucks traveling along with East Harrison)
Take a drive up the East Harrison Forest Service Road until you reach Clear Creek Forest Service Road.
Approximately 11 km up Clear Creek FSR, you will arrive at Clear Creek Hot Springs on your right.
Walk along a short pathway made of logs, and you’ll find 3 hot tubs nestled in a beautiful old-growth forest.
The hot tubs and setup are more “rustic” than some of the other hot springs; and because it is one of the more accessible hot springs, it’s rare to have the area to yourself. But it’s still a great spot to sit back and soak while taking in the delightful forest and mountain views.
Trail map here:
Points of Interest: The drive along Harrison Lake provides spectacular views all day, but there are a few highlights worth mentioning.
RainbowFalls
KM Marker: Approx 6.8km from the start of Harrison East FSR.
Rainbow Falls can be seen from the road or is a short walk for a close-up view. There is also a recreation site here
BearCreekFalls
KM Marker: Approximately 15 kilometres from the start of the Harrison East FSR.
Bear Creek can be seen from the road or is a short walk away for a closer look. There is also a leisure area nearby:
Featured Photo by @emma._.ashleyy
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