Indian Creek Hot Spring
Indian Creek Hot Spring reaches a near-boiling 190 degrees Fahrenheit deep in the Boise National Forest backcountry, making it one of the hottest springs in Idaho. It sits at 5,438 feet elevation and requires a serious hike of nearly four miles from the nearest road through rugged mountain terrain.
The spring lies in steep, forested country in Custer County where lodgepole pine and Douglas fir cover the slopes. Annual snowfall exceeds 126 inches, burying the area from late fall through spring. The 42.9-degree average air temperature means the 147-degree differential between water and air produces constant, heavy steam clouds. Warm Creek or a similar drainage likely carries the runoff downhill, and the mineral smell of sulfate at 66 mg/L is detectable well before the source comes into view.
This is a backcountry destination requiring a hike of nearly four miles each way. The water is dangerously hot at the source and cannot be entered without finding a cooled downstream pool or natural mixing point. Snow typically blocks access from October through May. Johnson Creek Guard Station is reservable 31 kilometers away. Carry topographic maps and be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather.
At 190 degrees, this spring taps some of the deepest and hottest geothermal circulation in the Idaho Batholith. The strongly alkaline pH of 9.0 and sodium-dominant chemistry point to prolonged contact with granitic rock at extreme depth. The high temperature and remote location have kept the spring largely undeveloped, preserving its geological character. Nearby Johnson Creek Guard Station, a 1922 Forest Service cabin, speaks to a long history of backcountry use in this drainage.
The water at Indian Creek Hot Spring is alkaline (pH 9.0).
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Overview Johnson Creek Guard Station was built in 1922 and offers a charming mountain respite with modern conveniences. The cabin offers nearly everything needed for a pleasant and comfortable stay. Peak season for the cabin is typically early June through late September. It can be accessed by most vehicles via dirt and gravel roads, but trailers are not recommended.Recreation The cabin is near several trailheads into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. These non-motorized tr...
Indian Creek Hot Spring sits at 5,438 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 22% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Indian Creek Hot Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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Alkaline Springs (pH ~9.0)
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