Visiting the Garden of Eden aka Selawik Hotsprings - An Artic Oasis

A week ago  I took my first trip to the Selawik Hotsprings with my husband and our five children  for our Spring Break vacation.  We had such a wonderful trip and it was surprisingly so much easier than I had expected that my husband and I decided to go again but this time just the two of us.
    Even though we took two trips I still didn't take nearly enough pictures and I apologize for the curious traveler or wishful dreamer that I didn't document everything I am about to share.
     To hit the trail we crossed Big lake out of Huslia  following it down onto Racetrack slough where tracks of moose, fox,ptarmigan and other wildlife are prevalent. Coming out of the slough the trail flattens out crossing open fields and zigzaging through the woods before opening back up to the Koyukuk river. Here we crossed several times riding sandbar to sandbar until we got back up in the trees about 10 miles outside of Huslia just past Old cutoff. From there we traveled through another slough and across several lakes and ponds before the land opens up into "the flats" named for it's miles and miles of wide open flat land just at the base of what is known as "Cone mountain"(seen in the background - the picture makes it look farther than it really is :) )

The Flats

After about 15 miles of driving the flats, the trail heads into a small grove of trees, crossing a small frozen stream to reveal what is known  as "Shelter cabin".  Even though it is two-thirds of the trip in miles, it marks the halfway point in the amount of time it takes, averaging two hours from Huslia and two more to the Hotsprings. 

Most people stop to take a break, grab a bite to eat and stretch their legs before continuing the last but rougher twenty miles to the hotsprings. From here the trail stretches between two mountain ranges where the first 5 miles of it are similar to those found on the flats.

 

After about 5 miles we came to the first portage .

Even though most of the trail is flat, the portages can be challenging at times, such as this tricky spot in the trail.With just enough slope to tip basket sleds on their sides while crossing over.

Following the portage is a series of passes (hills) between the mountain ranges referred to as the "moon walk" by my husband.

The moon walk

After another portage the last 5 miles are similar to the others as we began climbing a hill to drop into a valley nestled in between two foothills where the hotsprings serve as an artic oasis to the weary traverler.

The trail leading  into the valley of the hotsprings

The Huslia cabin at the Lower Hotsprings

In order to get to the Upper Hotsprings depends on whether or not the trail has been broken. If so, it's necessary to cross a couple of open creeks and continue on for another two miles  to set up camp.

It felt like we had taken a step back in time as we slept in a canvas wall tent with a bed of spruce boughs as our mattress, relying on a portable woodstove for heat. Potable water isn't a concern here either.  The hotsprings provides the perfect cup of hot cocoa, while the ice cold stream is perfect for drinking and rehydrating while taking a dip.

 Once our camp was set up, we took  a snowshoe hike to a neighboring valley and spent the rest of our day exploring and enjoying our surroundings (including several dips in the rock pool). Several varieties of rocks and birds could be found here as well and it seemed only natural to feel as if we were in the Garden of Eden with the abundance of life present here.

I loved seeing the frost on these trees in the morning. By midday it was completely melted.

 

Whether it's  a spring retreat or serving as a shelter for those just passing through or weathered out, Selawik Hotsprings is an Artic oasis  to all who find themselves here.  Happy Trails!

Cresting the hill as we leave the hotsprings.

At the crest of the hill leaving hotsprings the trail towards Huslia. 60 miles to go.