Grayling River Hotsprings

## Overview Grayling River Hotsprings is a remote, free-access natural hot spring located in the wilderness of northern British Columbia, Canada, at approximately 59.62°N, 125.56°W. Situated along the Grayling River — a tributary within the vast boreal landscape of BC's Liard River watershed — this hot spring sits in one of the most geothermally active corridors in the province. The region is well known for its thermal features, most famously the nearby Liard River Hot Springs, and Grayling River Hotsprings offers a more secluded, backcountry alternative for adventurous soakers. The geothermal activity in this part of British Columbia is driven by deep geological faults that allow heated groundwater to rise to the surface. Hot springs in the Liard corridor typically emerge at elevated temperatures, and the surrounding environment is characterized by boreal forest, muskeg, and rugged terrain. Due to its remote location, Grayling River Hotsprings sees very few visitors compared to developed hot spring sites, making it an appealing destination for those seeking solitude in a wild, natural setting. Because this is an undeveloped, backcountry hot spring, there are no facilities, signage, or maintained trails at the site. Visitors should be fully self-sufficient and prepared for wilderness travel. Water temperatures at undeveloped hot springs can vary significantly and may be scalding near the source — always test the water carefully before entering. ## Directions 1. The hot spring is located at GPS coordinates **59.6175595581379, -125.555961835271**, in a remote area of northern British Columbia, west of the Alaska Highway. 2. The nearest major route is the **Alaska Highway (Highway 97)**, which passes through the region between Watson Lake, Yukon, and Fort Nelson, BC. 3. Access likely requires off-road or backcountry travel — potentially by ATV, bush plane, or extended hiking — as there are no paved roads leading directly to the site. 4. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle may be needed to reach a trailhead or staging area, depending on seasonal road and trail conditions. 5. It is strongly recommended to load the GPS coordinates into a reliable GPS device or offline mapping app (such as Gaia GPS or BRMB Maps) before setting out, as cell service is nonexistent in this area. 6. Check with local outfitters or BC Parks for the most current access information before attempting the trip. *Note: These directions are based on GPS coordinates and regional geography. No detailed, step-by-step route from a verified source is currently available. If you have visited and can share improved directions, your contribution would be invaluable to future visitors.* ## What to Expect - **Setting:** Expect a truly wild, undeveloped hot spring in the heart of the northern BC wilderness. The surrounding landscape is boreal forest with spruce, poplar, and muskeg. Wildlife — including bears, moose, and wolves — is common in the area, so take appropriate precautions. - **Water:** As an undeveloped geothermal feature, the water temperature may vary from warm to very hot depending on proximity to the source and seasonal water flow. There may be natural soaking pools where hot spring water mixes with cooler river water, creating comfortable bathing temperatures. The mineral content is unknown but hot springs in this region are often rich in sulfur and other dissolved minerals. - **Facilities:** None. There are no changing rooms, restrooms, garbage bins, or maintained paths. Pack in everything you need and pack out all waste. - **Season:** Summer (June–September) is the most practical time to visit, when daylight is long and access routes are most passable. Winter travel to this location would be extremely challenging and potentially dangerous. - **Remoteness:** This is a genuinely remote location. Inform someone of your travel plans, carry emergency communication (satellite messenger or PLB), and be prepared for self-rescue. The nearest services are likely hours away by road. - **Leave No Trace:** Please respect this pristine natural site by practicing Leave No Trace principles. Keep the area clean for future visitors and for the wildlife that calls this region home.