Ever stood with one foot in 130 degree water and the other in icy mountain stream water? You can at the 45th parallel in the Boiling River. The 45th parallel is an imaginary line that circles the globe halfway between the equator and the North Pole. This same line passes through Minneapolis-St. Paul, Ottawa, Bordeaux, Venice, Belgrade, and the northern tip of the Japanese islands.

It is illegal to swim in park thermal features (it damages the resource and is very unsafe) but here at the 45th paralllel, a large hot spring, known as Boiling River, enters the Gardner River, creating a pool. Those wishing to soak in the pool must walk upstream about a half mile from the parking area to the place where the footpath reaches the river. This spot is also marked by large clouds of steam, especially in cold weather. Open during daylight hours only, swimsuits are required, and no alcoholic beverages are allowed. Click here for more hiking and bicycling information (off-site, new page opens).