I feel like you should go after the person with a bad dog, not the entire population. That's like taking cars away from everyone because someone rear ended you. 

Hi David...

A friend of mine and I are wanting to check this Hot Spot out soon. Is it easily accesible right now in the middle of winter? Would we need snow shoes or is it possible to just hike?  Or not possible at all?  

Also...where can I find the best directions to find this place?  

Another thing, she is coming from Salt Lake City and I am coming from Whitefish, MT....each over 5hrs away. Is their a place to stay in the area if we are not able to drive back home? I know their are campsites nearby or on the hike...how about a cheap motel or something? 

Thanks for any info...I hope you get this

Eric

Don't worry I'm not bringing a dog!! Lol. I understand the concerns and I am truly sorry there have been so many issues regarding dogs and their owners. I am a responsible curious hiker. I'd like to visit and camp at the springs, but have only just heard about them from a friend. I'm curious if there's anyone who knows when the best times/seasons are to stay overnight up there. I fear I might already be too late to take an adventure up there this year. Unless someone says otherwise? Thanks :)

I live in montana and am planning on visiting on memorial day weekend because we have a little extra time, but don't want to deal with insane amounts of people, does anyone know if it will be extremely crowded that weekend? Also, I would love an update on the dog situation before I attempt to drive out there. Thanks!

Will early May be a good time to visit the springs? Dogs allowed these days, on leash? Look forward to checking out this gem! Any concern about bears in this area?

Goldbug Hot Springs is considered a true geothermal gem. While the pools reside on National Forest Land, the first quarter mile of trail passes through private land with an easement purchased and held by the Bureau of Land Management. Due to an overwhelming amount of traffic to the pools, private lands are being negatively impacted. Remember to keep dogs on leashes for the first quarter mile and reduce noise levels to a minimum. Parking at the county managed trailhead is limited. Please be respectful of the surrounding landowners and avoid blocking driveways. Camping is not permitted at the trailhead.

Yeah, the doggie/ doo-doo issue has come to critical point here in Jackson. The doggers that have inundated the towns local hot spot for recreating,Cache creek, have been issued a 7 day time out by the FS because of the continued abuse of properly controlling fur babies around native wildlife and fellow trail users, picking up the deposited poops etc.. just all around exhibiting the kind of insensitive behavior normally associated with self centered, poorly parented children. Lets preserve the sanctity of this precious place where sentient hominids can come to restore themselves amidst the healing waters and beautiful natural environs free from being tyrannized from the infantile fur baby hordes.

Any new movement on the prohibition of dogs at Elk Bend? I completely understand if it moves forward with the experiences shared, but what about folks who actually follow the rules? I admit I'm a dog person who brings the beast most places. Some might think it's appalling that I bring my dog with me to undeveloped hot springs. He sits in the water with me, we mind our own business, we've never had a confrontation, and we hang out for a few hours then jet. I've experienced rude dog owners myself and I too question their decisions to bring the beasts if they know they aren't well behaved or if they aren't going to clean up after them. If decided dogs are no longer allowed here, we'll be bummed but such as life and it will go on.

Is camping outside of 500' from the water still allowed up there? We were going to tent at the Salmon River RV Park, but it would be better to tent closer and get more soak time in.

Thanks for the post David. I don't know what possesses some people that they think it's ok to bring their dogs into a hot spring. I love dogs, but that's just not ok. I think I'd ask the people if they allow their dog into the bath with them at home while they're soaking! Looking forward to a trip out there this summer on the way to Yellowstone with my wife and daughter.