Easy paddling in beautiful areas south of West Yellowstone

You wondered about staying in a "hut"?

A day after we got home from doing this in June 2024, Steve made the same reservation for 2025:

Update: The dates are now changed to arrive Sunday July 6 at 2pm or later and depart Wednesday morning July 9. This is to avoid having this event so close to the Chisholm campground event. At this time of the year It's unusual to find three days in a row that are not already reserved for the Warming Hut. (My guess is that many people will be headed back to work after 4th of July weekend - allowing us to shift to the new dates)

Steve, Kerie, Darla and Vicki scouted this area in about 2018 - staying in the really nice Harriman State Park (but no boating allowed - refuge for Trumpeter Swans). In 2021 we headquartered at a 'warming hut" and have used it every year since. We are repeating this popular event.

Note: This site was booked virtually solid for every day in 2023 and 2024! That's why Steve made a 2025 reservation almost 365 days in advance.

The Big Springs River is a one day easy paddle. During the first half hour the water is only about 6 inches deep with braided small channels. If you get stuck on a gravel bar you might need to step out and walk a few yards. After that you are usually in about 2 feet of water - no rocks and no rapids - steady clear water flowing. Watch for a bald eagle in a tree above, a moose on the shore, and/or a school of migrating fish swimming in the crystal clear water under your boat. :)

Plus other paddling / sightseeing on other days - depending on weather.

Timing: From West Yellowstone it's only a 30 minute drive to our campsite. However, you will need to stop and have your boat inspected for invasive species as you enter Idaho and show your required 2025 invasive species boat sticker. (see below)

Facility: The Warming Hut area has plenty of picnic tables and grills and a large fire ring for socializing. Plenty of parking for people bringing camper vans, trailers, etc.
The hut is not designed for sleeping, it's just one large room for snowmobilers to stand around and warm up. It has large picnic tables and narrow benches along some walls. People have used folding camp cots / sleeping bags. There is a new latrine next door. We discourage tents because of possible grizzly bears, mountain lions and bad weather.

If we get a late season snowstorm (happened once) it's really nice to be inside with a fire in a wood stove and maybe have some kind of cards or board game or use that day to visit Upper Mesa Falls & Museum after first stopping at Harriman State Park visitor center.

**For photos: **On our website click on See All Events and then Past Events and for photos*.*

Capacity, Estimated Cost & How to apply:

Capacity: This event is designed for 6 to 12 participants. The upper limit is because of congestion at the put in site; other groups will get backed up behind us and not be happy. I.e., if we had 6 double kayaks for 12 participants we wouldn't be causing congestion. (Steve has two double kayaks)

Cost: Based on past years, our cost in 2025 will likely be about $85 per person for 3 nights and 2 days paddling
Compare: A motel / hotel room for 2 people in Island Park is currently (May 19 2025) running at about $150 to $250 per night for our dates.
So 3 nights: $450 to $750 and that's if you book early. That's not counting what tourists pay for meals.
We are very basic, but also very inexpensive. :)

Food:
Breakfasts: We do quick basic breakfasts and head out the door.
Noon is often part of paddling fun so BYOF plus something to share while we take time out at a river bank. When on the water at noon it's BYOBB (bring your own boat and beverages and offer some kind of food / snacks to share).
Dinners are different. We do group made dinners in which no one has starved.

How to sign up: Dues paying members will have first priority; if fewer than 12 sign up, guests will be allowed.

Capped at about 12 people participating. (because of launch congestion at the put in) If there is a huge demand, we could maybe do a separate extra launch.

Food:
Part of the reservation cost is to cover food costs for a group main evening dish each night (plus propane etc). Participants bring side dishes for supper. Breakfast and midday snacks on your own.People bring side dishes; BYOB.

We need more volunteers to help planning and cooking evening meals.
Experienced Camp Cook Darla has spoiled us by sharing years of camp cooking experience and bringing her own small trailer full of just cooking supplies. Darla is a grandmother and reportedly has the best grandson in the world. Family camping trips are increasingly part of the picture.

Facilities: Very large single hut with big picnic tables. Nice large wood stove in the middle. Designed for snowmobilers standing around warming up; no provision for sleeping. Bring a folding cot or just sleeping bag and air mattress and a flashlight. Also a camp chair for sitting around a campfire. Bring a gallon jug of water.
Last year about half the people brought a Camper Van or RV (space available for at least 50 units). Tents are discouraged due to possible bears, mountain lions or perhaps a moose.

Sign up on MeetUp.
RSVPs will close about 10 days before the event (so we know how to plan food for dinner, etc.).

Deposit of $95 in advance is required: The MeetUp payment system should be working. If it doesn't work for you, send an e-mail to SteveH59718@gmail.com (in 2024 it was $95 and we broke even with 12 participants sharing the higher weekend rate for the Hut)

Weather: Weather at 6,300' elevation can be unpredictable. Be prepared for rain, snow, wind, or gorgeous weather.
Water: There is no water at this winter designed location. Bring some. Steve has a 5 gal collapsible container that he was able to fill it at a campground 6 miles away (near the Big Springs).
Electricity: There are a couple 110v outlets but capacity unknown - fine for recharging cell phones, etc. Also some lighting way up in the ceiling likely via solar panels.

Firewood was somewhat available: last time just huge chunks from bottoms of trees. Fortunately some of our group brought a splitting maul and splitting wedges. Bring a flashlight and/or small lantern for the fire ring and picnic tables.

Idaho Invasive Species Boat Sticker is Required: See comments below.
Cost is about $7. Be sure to buy it online 10 days or more in advance! Put it on your boat when you get it so you don't forget. (You don't want to waste perhaps most of two hours finding a store that would sell them.) You will be stopped
**https://idfg.idaho.gov/info/boat-stickers**

Question:
The elevation of Bozeman is about 5,000 feet.
The Big Springs is at about 6,400 feet.
So why is the river warmer up there than here?

Located in Island Park, Big Springs is one of the 40 largest springs in the country and is a significant source for the headwaters of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. More than 120 million gallons of crystal-clear water flows from the ground daily and the water maintains a year-round temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for the fish species that live in the area.
**https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/natural-attractions/big-springs/**
See also https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233825

We have good times with low costs!

Please plan to attend a planning meeting to discuss food and answer questions.