Clarendon Hot Springs
Clarendon Hot Springs runs 126 degrees Fahrenheit from a roadside source just 280 feet off a forest road in the Sawtooth National Forest. The alkaline water registers pH 9.1 with soft, sodium-dominant chemistry at 5,720 feet elevation near Hailey. Federal land means year-round public access.
The spring sits in a narrow drainage along National Forest Development Road 097, where lodgepole pine and Douglas fir frame a modest flow of clear, alkaline water. At 5,720 feet in the Sawtooth foothills, winter brings over six feet of snow, and the thermal plume stands out sharply against cold air. The ground near the source carries a faint sulfur note from the 52 mg/L sulfate content. Blaine County's dry climate keeps the surrounding slopes open and grassy between timber stands.
The spring is roughly 85 feet from the forest road, making it one of the more accessible thermal sources in the Sawtooth National Forest. North Fork Campground lies about 25 miles north along the Big Wood River with reservable sites. Snow typically persists from November through April at this elevation, so plan accordingly and check road conditions with the Sawtooth NF ranger district.
Clarendon draws from the same deep geothermal system that feeds several springs along central Idaho's Snake River Plain volcanic province. Its pH of 9.1 and negligible calcium and magnesium point to water that has circulated through silicic volcanic rock at depth, dissolving sodium and silica while leaving heavier minerals behind. The 318 mg/L total dissolved solids concentration is moderate for this region's thermal features.
The water at Clarendon Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 9.1) with 318 mg/L total dissolved solids.
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Overview North Fork Campground is situated on the banks of the beautiful Big Wood River at an elevation of 6,300 feet. Visitors enjoy fishing and tubing on the river and exploring the Harriman Trail.Recreation This site is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where outdoor activities abound. Fly-fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout is popular on the Big Wood River, as is float tubing. The 20-mile Harriman Trail leads past the campground, offering excellent hiking and biking...
Clarendon Hot Springs sits at 5,720 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 23% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Clarendon Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water runs hot, so extra hydration is key. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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