Bear Valley Hot Spring

Bear Valley HS has always seemed like a little slice of paradise. However in the last few years the biting
mites have definitely taken the edge off. This last expedition was without question the worst.
I was bitten to a fair-thee-well, with incredible itching going well into the 3rd & 4th day following the
visit to the spring. If anyone knows of any way to fight these pests, I would certainly appreciate knowing what it is.

Since we were hiking with three of my pack goats, we found this patch of snow shaped like a goat somewhat fascinating!

The source for the main hot pools.

Why we came. It was, and is, wonderful

The sun was highlighting a small spot in the large spring.

I tried to capture this one from soaking level.

The creek formed by the primary source splits at this point and a branch runs prematurely down to the river. Naturally, folks have built a few pools from this one as well.

There are a number of smaller pools dutifully built by others, and which run somewhat cooler than the upper springs.

The second source. There are a number smaller pools built from this source as well. Smaller is the operative word here. The neat part of this spring is that it is away from the campsites, and sometimes there is a veritable wildlife show as the deer and elk come down to lick the minerals from the rocks.

Looking downriver.

The usual. Home away from home.