Owl Creek Hot Springs
Owl Creek Hot Springs sends 122°F water to the surface at 3,760 feet in Lemhi County, requiring a 1.7-mile hike from the nearest road near Salmon, Idaho. The sodium-rich waters (120 mg/L) carry nearly 75 degrees of thermal contrast above ambient air, marking a significant geothermal source in the Salmon River drainage.
The hike follows Owl Creek into a side canyon off the main Salmon River corridor, climbing through terrain where ponderosa pine and Douglas fir shade the drainage bottom while open grass slopes rise on either side. Lemhi County receives over 23 inches of precipitation and more than seven feet of snow annually at this elevation, creating a lush riparian corridor along the creek. The spring emerges where fault-fractured bedrock meets the creek's erosional channel, and mineral staining marks the discharge area.
The spring rises along one of the numerous faults that slice through the Salmon River Mountains, channeling deep-sourced water through Precambrian metamorphic rock and younger intrusive granite. Its chemistry shows elevated sodium (120 mg/L) and sulfate (63 mg/L) with minimal calcium and magnesium, a signature of prolonged water-rock interaction at depth. The 51°C USGS-measured temperature and alkaline pH of 8.4 are consistent with other fault-controlled thermal systems in the Lemhi Range.
The 1.7-mile hike requires moderate fitness and basic trail navigation. Wendover Campground along the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River is the nearest developed option at about 19 miles, with 27 sites in old-growth pine forest. The spring is best accessed from mid-June through October when snow has cleared. Test the water carefully before entering, as 122°F can cause burns with prolonged contact. Carry all water and provisions.
Is Owl Creek Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Owl Creek Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 8.4).
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Wendover Campground is situated on stretch of land along the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River off the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway and All American Road (US Highway 12) at mile post 158.2. With 27 campsites all positioned within a mature, moss covered pine forest and centered around a small stream, this campground offers a serene spot for camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, nature viewing and most importantly, relaxing. Hosts are provided when campground is open. The Campground will accomod...