My camping equipment

My camping equipment
Campsite setup

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Summer Trip 2019, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Powell Campground

Powell Campground


Foot bridge across the Lochsa River to the trail to Jerry Johnson hot springs

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest is located in the northern area of Idaho on scenic highway 12 that follows the Lochsa River valley through some of the most remote wilderness in the United States. This area is a hikers and fisherman's delight with trails that lead to areas that most naturalists dream of. We stayed at Powell campground next to the historic Lochsa Lodge. Powell is a national forest service campground that is well maintained and is one of the few in the area that has electric. It is quit popular in the summer so reservations is a must to stay here.


Lochsa Lodge

Cabins for visitors to rent at Lochsa Lodge

Lodge store 
View from the back of the lodge of the foot hills of the Bitterroot mountain range

During out stay we took a day hike to Jerry Johnson hot springs located about 11 miles from our campsite at Powell. Jerry Johnson hot springs is a natural hot springs with pools near the banks of Lochsa River. The hike crosses a foot bridge across the Lochsa River following the river bank for a little over a mile through old growth forests. The hot springs are delightful with many variances in temperature depending on the supply of cool river water to cool them down a bit. We enjoyed a lovely afternoon meeting interesting people from various backgrounds who were all delighted to enjoy this lovely jewell of a place in north central Idaho.

Foot bridge crossing the Loshsa River to Jerry Johnson hot springs

Barbara on the trail to the hot springs

Mountain Wild flowers were in bloom along the trail
The lower hot springs are a bit steep to climb down to, notice the spring pouring into the river

Jerry Johnson hot spring pools on the banks of the Lochsa River

Barbara at enjoying Jerry Johnson hot springs which is clothing optional 
During our visit everyone at bathing suits on.

Nature at it's best enjoying the hot mineral water that is so healing

We really enjoyed our stay at Powell campground and the area surrounding this majestic place. Idaho has become one of our favorite places to visit with it's abundant wilderness, majestic river valleys that carve paths through the lovely Bitterroot mountains that dominate this area. 


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