Prophet River Hot Springs

What to expect

Prophet River Hot Springs is one of the least visited hot springs in British Columbia, and that is by design. It sits in Prophet River Hotsprings Park, a tiny 184-hectare provincial park created on June 28, 1999, high in the upper Prophet River valley in the eastern Muskwa Ranges of the northern Rockies. BC Parks set it up to protect the spring and the tufa mound it has built, not to develop it for visitors.

Destination BC describes a steady stream of hot water flowing out of a hillside and running over the south bank of the Prophet River, with tufa mounds (mineral deposits left by the water) covering the rocky terraces. On one side the mound is edged by black spruce that thins out toward alpine terrain. Nobody official publishes a water temperature, and no source describes a built or natural soaking pool. If you go, go for the place itself, the wildlife and the effort of getting there. Think of any soak as a bonus that may not exist.

The spring is also a mineral lick. BC Parks lists Stone’s sheep, caribou, elk, moose, deer, mountain goats, wolves, black bears and grizzly bears in the area. Destination BC puts it simply: the springs are mostly visited by wildlife.

The park is entirely zoned as a special feature area. Its 2006 purpose statement says local use of the hot springs is limited because access is so difficult. One archaeological site, a scatter of prehistoric stone tools, is known inside the boundary.

Whose land this is

The park lies within the area traditionally used by the Treaty 8 First Nations. BC Parks names the Prophet River First Nation for traditional use, and Destination BC says the springs are of great significance to it. Hunting and other traditional activities continue here. Treat the site with respect: do not collect anything, and do not disturb the tufa or any cultural material you see.

Getting there

There is no road into the park. BC Parks lists two ground routes, both long:

• Up the Prophet River valley by a hiking and horse trail from the east. The park is about 60 km (37 miles) west of the Alaska Highway.
• From Redfern-Keily Park to the south, by a trail that links the two parks. Redfern-Keily’s own access is the Redfern Lake Trail, which starts at the Alaska Highway and runs about 80 km (50 miles) along Nevis Creek and the Besa River to Redfern Lake.

The park’s purpose statement also lists helicopter access. In practice most people who reach places like this either charter a helicopter or join a guided horse trip. BC Parks bans off-road vehicles, ATVs and snowmobiles in the park, and its zoning plan says motorized access other than by boat is not appropriate.

The nearest larger towns are Fort St. John, about 250 km (155 miles) to the southeast, and Fort Nelson to the north along the Alaska Highway. Both have air services, fuel and supplies. Plan to carry everything you need for a multi-day trip, with extra days in case weather grounds an aircraft or high water makes a crossing unsafe.

When to go

Summer is the only realistic season for a ground trip. The trails pass through boggy lowlands and spruce and pine forest, so expect wet feet. Check conditions with BC Parks before you commit.

Northeast BC has active fire seasons. In June 2025, several wildfires, the largest being the Pocket Knife Creek fire at more than 150,000 hectares, led to highway closures and voluntary evacuation notices for the Prophet River First Nation community. Before any trip, check the BC Wildfire Service map for fires and area restrictions, and DriveBC for the Alaska Highway.

Rules and etiquette

• No facilities, no fees. BC Parks lists no camping or day-use fees. Wilderness camping is allowed, first come, first served.
• No motorized access. ATVs and snowmobiles are prohibited.
• Hunting is allowed in open season, and firearms may be carried and used for hunting under BC regulations. Wear bright colours in the fall.
• Fishing needs a BC licence.
• Pets must be leashed, and BC Parks says they are not suitable for this park.
• Protect the tufa. The mound is the reason the park exists. Do not walk on active terraces, dig, dam or move rocks to make a pool, and keep soap out of the water.
• Pack out everything, including food scraps and toilet paper.

Where to stay nearby

There is no lodging anywhere near the springs. You camp on your own in the park or along the trail. Redfern-Keily Park has about 26 wilderness campsites along the Redfern Lake Trail, seven of them inside that park, and a first-come, first-served public cabin at Redfern Lake. There is no drinking water supplied, so bring a filter. Fort St. John and Fort Nelson have hotels for the nights before and after.

Safety notes

• Remoteness: You are days from help on foot. There is no cell service. Carry a satellite messenger or phone, leave a detailed trip plan with someone at home, and be ready to wait out weather.
• Bears: Both grizzlies and black bears frequent the springs and the lick. Carry bear spray, cook and store food well away from your tent, and make noise in thick brush.
• Unknown water: No temperature or water quality data is published. Test any water with a hand first, never put your head under, and do not drink it.
• River crossings: Mountain rivers in this area rise fast after rain or warm days. Cross early in the day and turn back if the water is high.
• Hunters: Hunting season brings guided and resident hunters into the valley. Make yourself visible.
• Fire: Check BC Wildfire Service for bans and area restrictions before you go, and follow them while you are out.