| Skookumchuck Hot Springs,
also known as St. Agnes Well Hot Springs, are set in beautiful natural surroundings
next to the Lillooet River, southeast of Pemberton and Lillooet Lake, on the historic
Harrison Lillooet Gold Rush Trail. The
Skookumchuck Hot Springs are open year, and can be busy on summer weekends as
St. Agnes Well is a popular weekend destination for Vancouver residents. Early
morning is normally the best time for for a good soak. There
is a private campground, shelters, and soaking tubs available to the public. A
user fee is charged. The
undeveloped hot springs were previously owned by the Goodwin Purcell and then
the Tretheway family, who sold it to the Federal Government in 2008 with the proviso
that the land be held in trust for the Inshuck-ch Nation (Port Douglas, Skatin
and Samaquam bands) until land claim negotiations with the province are completed.
The campground and hot spring are operated and maintained by a private contractor.
The Skookumchuck Hot Springs are located about 35 miles (56 km) south of the community
of Mount Currie, on the original Cariboo Wagon Road. From the logging road that
parallels the Lillooet River, turn west at the BC Hydro tower 682. This narrow
gravel road leads to the campsite and the hot springs. The road is very rough,
with very large potholes. Access is difficult in winter due to the heavy snow
conditions. |