Southwest Side Eucott Bay Hot Spring

## Overview The Southwest Side Eucott Bay Hot Spring is a remote geothermal hot spring located along the southwest shore of Eucott Bay, deep within the spectacular fjord-lined coast of British Columbia's Central Coast. Situated at approximately 52.454°N, 127.312°W, this hot spring lies within the traditional territories of the Heiltsuk and Nuxalk First Nations, who have long held the coastal hot springs of this region as culturally and spiritually significant places. British Columbia's Central Coast is home to a remarkable concentration of geothermal hot springs, a result of the region's complex tectonic geology where the Pacific and North American plates interact. The hot springs in this area typically emerge along fault lines, where groundwater is heated deep underground before rising to the surface. Eucott Bay itself is a narrow, sheltered inlet surrounded by dense temperate rainforest, making this hot spring one of the more secluded and pristine geothermal sites on the BC coast. The spring is freely accessible and has historically attracted adventurous visitors arriving by boat or kayak, as there is no road access to Eucott Bay. Water temperatures at coastal BC hot springs in this region have been reported to range from warm to very hot depending on the specific vent and seasonal conditions, so visitors should test the water carefully before entering. ## Directions 1. Eucott Bay is located on the Central Coast of British Columbia, roughly midway between Bella Bella and Ocean Falls. There is **no road access** — the hot spring can only be reached by boat or floatplane. 2. From **Bella Bella** (Shearwater), travel southeast by boat through the protected waters of the Inside Passage and into Eucott Bay. The distance is approximately 45–55 km depending on the route taken. 3. From **Ocean Falls**, Eucott Bay is roughly 25–30 km to the northwest by water. 4. Navigate into Eucott Bay and proceed toward the **southwest shoreline**. The hot spring is located near the water's edge on the southwest side of the bay. 5. GPS coordinates: **52.453917, -127.311802**. Use a marine chart and GPS for precise navigation, as the bay is remote and conditions can change. 6. Kayakers should be prepared for open-water crossings and tidal currents. Check marine weather forecasts before departing. *Note: There are no docks or developed facilities at this location. Plan to anchor offshore or beach your vessel.* ## What to Expect This is a truly remote, backcountry hot spring experience. Visitors should expect a wild, undeveloped site surrounded by old-growth temperate rainforest, with the geothermal water emerging near the rocky shoreline of Eucott Bay. The setting is dramatic — steep, forested mountains rise directly from the water, and wildlife sightings (including bears, eagles, and marine mammals) are common in the area. There are no facilities, signage, or maintained trails at this location. The hot spring is best visited during calmer weather months (late spring through early fall), though the Central Coast receives significant rainfall year-round. Tidal levels may affect access to the spring source near the shore, so timing your visit with the tides is advisable. Because of its extreme remoteness, visitors should be fully self-sufficient with food, water, shelter, communication devices (VHF radio or satellite communicator), and navigation equipment. Cell phone service is not available in this area. The water from geothermal springs in this region has historically been used for bathing, but visitors should exercise caution regarding water temperature, which can vary significantly between vents and seasons.