Battle Creek Hot Springs
Battle Creek Hot Springs erupts at 183 degrees Fahrenheit with a flow of 3 cubic feet per second, making it one of Idaho's most powerful thermal discharges. The water carries an extraordinary 9,180 mg/L total dissolved solids, including 5,400 mg/L chloride, rivaling ocean salinity.
The spring sits at 4,480 feet near Preston in Franklin County, a short walk from the nearest road. Steam rises visibly from the outflow channels, and mineral deposits crust the surrounding rock in white and orange formations. The water is far too hot for human contact at the source. Runoff channels cut through grassy benchland as the superheated flow cools and deposits its heavy mineral load downstream.
This spring is dangerously hot and not suitable for soaking at the source. Water at 183 degrees Fahrenheit causes severe burns on contact. Observe from a safe distance. Third Creek Group Site, 17 miles away, offers reservable camping near Deep Creek Reservoir. The area receives nearly five feet of snow annually, limiting winter access.
Battle Creek Hot Springs taps into one of southeastern Idaho's deepest hydrothermal systems, evidenced by its extreme temperature and brine-like chemistry. The sodium-chloride dominant water, with 3,100 mg/L sodium, suggests circulation through ancient marine sediments at considerable depth. This geochemistry is unusual for Idaho and more closely resembles geothermal brines found in the Great Basin.
The water at Battle Creek Hot Springs is neutral (pH 7.0) with 9180 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
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Overview Third Creek Group Campground is located just 12 miles northeast of Malad, Idaho, on the Weston Highway near Deep Creek Reservoir. Visitors enjoy exploring the local trail system and fishing at Deep Creek.Recreation Third Creek Trailhead is adjacent to the campground, complete with hitching racks for horses. It accesses the Oxford Peak Trail System and is open to hikers, bikers, motorcyclists and off-road vehicle users as well. Deep Creek Reservoir offers good trout, as well as boati...
Battle Creek Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully.
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