Jerry Johnson Hot Springs

Also known as: Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Big Pool
Mineral County, Idaho · Near Superior
46.4630°N, 114.8720°W · 3,238 ft
118°F 47°F air · Good soaking weather 3,238 ft Open Short Walk US Forest Service Camping nearby (5.8 mi)

Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is in Mineral County, Clearwater National Forest ground, and Superior is the nearest town at about three miles. OpenStreetMap tags a feature here called the Big Pool, the closest thing on record to a description of what you will find. The water is hot, hotter than a bath, and access is open.

Location

Close to a mile of walking from a road we cannot name. The elevation is low, a bit over three thousand feet, but this is wet country: over forty inches of precipitation and very heavy snow, sixteen feet or more in an average year. Whitehouse Campground, roughly six miles off, is the nearest camping listed.

The climate data names midwinter as best, but with this much snow expect the approach to be under deep snow in those months. Hotter than a bath, so let it cool and check before you get in. There is a pool here per OpenStreetMap. No fee is listed. Chemistry is from a 1982 survey.

History of Jerry Johnson Hot Springs

OpenStreetMap records a soaking pool at this site, tagged as the Big Pool, and classes it as a hot spring bath. The USGS sampled the water in July 1982.

Monthly Climate
29°
Jan
29°
Feb
36°
Mar
41°
Apr
48°
May
59°
Jun
70°
Jul
70°
Aug
60°
Sep
45°
Oct
32°
Nov
26°
Dec
Annual Precip: 42.7 in Annual Snow: 198.7 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 26°F · Water 118°F · +92° contrast
January Air 29°F · Water 118°F · +89° contrast
February Air 29°F · Water 118°F · +89° contrast
December offers 44°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
47°F
NNW 0.0 mph 99% Good soaking weather
Sunday 73° Low 52° Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 74% precip
Spring is +45° warmer
Labor Day 55° Low 49° Showers And Thunderstorms 100% precip
Spring is +63° warmer
Tuesday 68° Low 46° Slight Chance Light Rain then Mostly Sunny 17% precip
Spring is +50° warmer
Wednesday 75° Low 45° Sunny
Spring is +43° warmer
Thursday 76° Low 50° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +42° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1982-07-14

The water at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 9.5).

pH 9.5 Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Calcium 2 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 0 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 36 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 17 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 1 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Whitehouse Campground 5.8 mi away

Approximately an hour west of Lolo, MT at mile post 158.5 of the famous Northwest Passage Scenic Byway and All American Road (US Highway 12), directly across from the Lochsa Wild and Scenic River, rests the Whitehouse Campground.  This riverside campground has 13 sites and due to its close proximity to the Lewis and Clark Trail, has much more to offer than just camping.  It's an ideal location for fishing, hiking, back packing, nature viewing or as a place to stop and have a picnic while enjo...

Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
118°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 118°F (48°C)
Avg Air Temp 46°F
Above Ambient +73°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Short Walk
Distance to Road 0.9 mi
Bath Type Hot spring
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Forest Service
Designation National Forest
Unit Clearwater National Forest
Manager US Forest Service
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs has a water temperature of 118°F (48°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs located?
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is located in Mineral County, Idaho at 3,238 feet elevation, near Superior. Coordinates: 46.4630°N, 114.8720°W.
How do I get to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs has Short Walk road access (0.9 mi from the road).
Is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs free to visit?
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
Yes, Whitehouse Campground is located nearby (5.8 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.5 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
With care. At 118°F Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.