Pebble Creek HS

Category: Hot Springs-soakable

GPS GeoCoords: 50.67147, -123.46521

With the inaccessibility of Meager Creek HS, Pebble Creek has taken on new interest. Though just up the road on the Lillooett River, instead of the perilous trip up Meager Creek, it is no less easy to get to, having to hike/scrabble down a sheer bluff to the river banks and then reverse the climb back out.

Many guidebooks have the location of these hot springs some 4 kms to the south (on Pebble Creek, hence the name, this creek is now named Boulder Creek). The springs are actually on the next major creek north that goes by the name of Falls Creek. The falls refers to the rather dramatic Keyhole Falls a little to the north on the Lillooett River, and the springs have taken this name in the past.

Bulldozer in Soaknet gives some good directions . . .

Bulldozer's directions to Pebble Creek (posted in Soaknet)

Pebble creek Hot Springs.

Pebble creek hot springs sits at the bottom of a steep trail on the bank of Lillooett river. To reach this hot spring drive the .7 km from the forestry camp to the junction you would turn left at for Meager H/s.

Instead of turning left as you would for Meager carry on straight, about .5 km from the intersection you see a mining/processing camp. Here they process pumice mined from the hills above Pebble creek. Pass this camp and drive a further 6 km, just short of the 6 km mark you will cross a spot where a creek crosses the road and the road climbs steeply. On your left there should be a pull out, enough space for about 4 or 5 cars and a small fire pit. This is the trail head, a small opening in the bush opens to a faint trail. About 100 feet ± along this trail the trail joins another faint trail. Turn right and follow the trail as it goes
along level at first then descending down. There are markers but they are sparse, after descending at a easy pace you come to a marvelous look out point. It is here that you will have to look harder for the trail.

Back away from the cliff edge and look to your right for a trail steeply going down and around the bluff. The trail is more of a slide at this point, grabbing onto roots and branches as you scramble down. Several switchbacks and some attempts by previous trekkers to put steps into the trail are visible. I found following the trail most traveled was the best way, although where some had taken short cuts or pushed debris off the trail made for some pondering. At the bottom of the trail I came across a tree stand where the tourism group have stored some items high up out of the bears reach. When you pass this the trail split, to the left was the camp and to the right the hot springs. Again down some more step sections you come out on to the river bank and the first pool.

Keeping to the right and traveling upriver there are several pools built
into the sand and further upriver when you come to rock cliffs again there are some pools built into the cliff. This sandy area is from what I see a good place to camp as well. Although be aware that it can and does flood washing away the pools. This was evident by the large logs that had been tossed up onto the cliff and surrounding area. So I'd keep
an eye on the weather, if it calls for rain or even high temperatures (glacial melt) camp higher. Getting out is going to be the toughest part, that steep trail down now becomes that steep trail up? It took all of 30 minutes to go down with all my uncertainties and pausing to take in the view at the viewpoint, closer to an hour to climb back out.

Recent note by gregswallow in soaknet:

Was just there on the long weekend. Just wanted to note that by my
odometer the creek crossing the road was at about 6.8km from the turnoff
to meager creek and the pullout/trailhead was at 7.2km.

There was only one small pool that was clean, and maybe 105-110 (hotter than my hot tub). Just big enough for 2 people really, and not very deep.