Devils Bathtub

Devil’s Bathtub is a popular hike, and to get there turn off the road at Cleopatra and park near the bridge. Head over the bridge where you can see Sunshine Creek join into Spearfish Creek. There are no trail markers, but walk toward thr creek and the trail is easy to spot. The land near the parking area is private property, but people who own it will let you pass over untill you are on public land.

The trail up crosses the stream several times, so if your not experienced, prepare to get wet. The trail is also pretty flat and no steep inclines. A cool site on the way up is the "wedding tree", this is the result of a pine and birtch tree growing together.

The bathtub is made because of erosion. The waters of Sunshine Creek run down a smooth rock channel into a pool about ten feet in wide and about four feet deep. The pool used to be deep enough that an adult could jump off the rocks and sink 10 or 15 feet down, but sediments have been filling in the bottom. The eroded rock flowing into the bathtub once was the perfect waterslide, But not that long ago a boulder mysteriously appeared at the bottom, effectively blocking the landing area. We don't know if the boulder showed up naturally, but some people say that it was rolled there on purpose.

I went to Devils Bathtub this weekend and was disapointed with all the trash around. Being so popular is the only negative part about this place, because it seems like half the people don't pack out what the pack in. Spring time usually brings enough water to wash out the bottles, wrappers, and sometimes articles of clothing.

I also like this place in the winter more than summer. The snow covers the trash, but also the trail, so be careful. If you come here in the winter be sure to wear snow shoes, the snow will sometimes give out above the water.