# Pistol Creek Hot Springs, Idaho

Pistol Creek Hot Springs in Idaho. 115°F (46°C). Hike · Public Land. Valley County.

- Page: https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/pistol-creek-hot-springs
- Source: Soaking Springs, researched and maintained by Armen Suny
- Updated: 2026-09-14

## Can you soak at Pistol Creek Hot Springs?

The water leaves the ground at 115°F, a comfortable soaking temperature. Reaching it takes a hike. It's on US Forest Service land. We haven't confirmed whether it has a pool or charges a fee.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Source water temperature | 115°F (46°C) (USGS record; developed pools are often cooled) |
| pH | 9.6 (Alkaline) |
| Elevation | 5,100 ft |
| Access | Hike · Public Land, 2.8 mi from the nearest road |
| Land | Boise National Forest, US Forest Service |
| County | Valley County |
| Nearest town | Cascade |
| Coordinates | 44.72100, -115.20700 |
| Best months to soak | December, January, February (largest gap between water and average air temperature) |
| Nearest campground | BOUNDARY CREEK CAMPGROUND, 13.8 mi |

## About Pistol Creek Hot Springs

Pistol Creek Hot Springs is a hike-in spring in Boise National Forest, Valley County, nearly three miles from the road and better than forty miles from Cascade. The water is hot, a bit above what most people will sit in without mixing. Open access. The water tested strongly alkaline when it was sampled.

Mountain country with over ten feet of snow per winter and a wet climate. A hike of nearly three miles separates the source from the nearest road, which is unnamed in the record. Forest Service land, standard National Forest designation. The trail and its condition are not described anywhere in the record.

Winter carries the best-months label, but the snow load argues for going when the route is clear. Boundary Creek Campground is the closest on file, about fourteen miles. No fee on file. The source water needs a test before you commit, and the figure on record is from an old survey.

## Water chemistry

Lab sample from 1979-08-01 (Water Quality Portal).

| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| pH | 9.6 |
| Calcium | 1.9 mg/L |
| Sodium | 85 mg/L |
| Sulfate | 63 mg/L |
| Chloride | 11 mg/L |

## Nearby

- Nearest city page: [Hot springs near Challis](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/near/idaho/challis), 37 mi away
- State page: [Hot springs in Idaho](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho)
- [Sheepeater Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/sheepeater-hot-springs): Hot, pH 9.5, Hike, near Cascade, Valley County, primitive pools, pools 103°F, free, late may-sep (river permit season)
- [Indian Creek Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/indian-creek-hot-spring): 190°F source, pH 9.0, Hike, near Challis, Custer County
- [Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/middle-fork-indian-creek-hot-spring): 162°F source, pH 9.0, Hike, near Challis, Custer County
- [Kwiskwis Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/kwiskwis-hot-spring): 156°F source, pH 9.0, Hike, near Cascade, Valley County
- [Sunflower Flat Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/sunflower-flat-hot-spring): 109°F source, pH 9.2, Short Walk, near Challis, Custer County
- [Thomas Creek Ranch Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/thomas-creek-ranch-hot-spring): 138°F source, pH 9.3, Short Walk, near Challis, Custer County

## Questions

**What is the water temperature at Pistol Creek Hot Springs?**
Pistol Creek Hot Springs has a water temperature of 115°F (46°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.

**Where is Pistol Creek Hot Springs located?**
Pistol Creek Hot Springs is located in Valley County, Idaho at 5,100 feet elevation, near Cascade. Coordinates: 44.7210°N, 115.2070°W.

**How do I get to Pistol Creek Hot Springs?**
Pistol Creek Hot Springs has Hike road access (2.8 mi from the road).

**Is Pistol Creek Hot Springs free to visit?**
Pistol Creek Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.

**Can I camp near Pistol Creek Hot Springs?**
Yes, Boundary Creek Campground is located nearby (13.8 miles away).

**What minerals are in the water at Pistol Creek Hot Springs?**
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.6 (alkaline).

**Is it safe to soak at Pistol Creek Hot Springs?**
With care. At 115°F Pistol Creek 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.

## Sources

- USGS thermal springs records, Water Quality Portal lab analyses, OpenStreetMap, Wikipedia/Wikidata, NOAA climate normals