There’s nothing like a soothing soak at Miracle Hot Springs in winter, especially because it’s in the Hagerman area where there’s all kinds of outdoor activities and natural history experiences.

Winter is not boring in this valley along the Snake River, about 90 minutes from the Treasure Valley. You’ll need a couple of days to take in eagle and wildlife watching, waterfalls, scenic views of the river, and of course, fossils.

On a recent trip, my wife and I drove out of town on I-84 east in mid-morning, stopped at Three Island Crossing State Park in Glenns Ferry for a picnic lunch, and then stopped at The Fudge Factory Grill in Glenns Ferry for an ice cream cone. Soon we made it in time for our 2 p.m. appointment at Miracle Hot Springs. What a treat after the drive.

After the soak, we got our room at the Hagerman Valley Inn and then scouted out some areas we wanted to visit the next day.

Next came dinner at the Snake River Grill, which specializes in serving locally raised foods. Sirloin steak and sturgeon, blackened catfish, or beer-battered alligator are some of the highlights on the menu.

It was easy to hit the pillows in our room next to the restaurant. Recharged the next morning, off we went.

The first thing to do is visit the combined Visitor Center for Thousand Springs State Park and Hagerman Fossils Bed National Monument just north of Hagerman. The knowledgeable hosts will point you in the right direction for exploring the valley. The fossils on display are amazing and the history of the ancient life of Pliocene Hagerman will set the stage for your visit. Ancient animals, such as the Hagerman Horse, mastodons, saber-toothed cats and giant ground sloths roamed the area.

Here are a few places to go after looking at fossils at the visitor center and heading south on U.S. 30:

WILDLIFE-VIEWING REST STOP — Just out of town. Lots of waterfowl and occasional swans. We saw a bald eagle perched on an irrigation pipe just out of town.

THE EAGLE TREE — Located just north of the West Point Cafe, 16 minutes southeast of Hagerman. Google it. It’s well known. Sometimes there are dozens of bald eagles perched in trees around the area. Eagle watching is best in the morning and at dusk.

BOX CANYON — Not too far from the Eagle Tree is the Box Canyon unit of Thousand Springs State Park. A hike to Box Canyon offers a view of the 11th- largest spring in North American. The hike to the falls down into the canyon is strenuous. If that’s not what you want there’s a scenic overlook on the rim of the canyon revealing the crystal clear springs and stream. But, you’ll have to hike down to see the falls.

RITTER ISLAND — This is part of Thousand Springs State Park and a great spot to get close-up photos of Lemon Falls. It is reached off the same plateau above the canyon as the Eagle Tree.

MALAD GORGE — Just outside of Hagerman, the state park offers a view of a canyon that is 250 feet deep and 2.5 miles long. The cascading falls called Devil’s Washbowl are impressive and a photographer’s delight.

MIRACLE HOT SPRINGS — Just off U.S. 30, south of Hagerman, is a wonderful relaxing soak after all your running around. The large pool and also private pools are ideal ways to recharge after a Hagerman winter adventure. The hot springs also has accommodations and camping. See https://www.miraclehotsprings.com.

OTHER PLACES — Don’t miss the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument overlook and Oregon trail hiking trail, both just south of town across the Snake River, Niagara Springs and Billingsley Creek.