# Running Warm Springs, Idaho

Running Warm Springs in Idaho. 106°F (41°C). Short Walk · Public Land. Ravalli County.

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

## Can you soak at Running Warm Springs?

The water leaves the ground at 106°F, a comfortable soaking temperature. It's a short walk from the road. 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 | 106°F (41°C) (USGS record; developed pools are often cooled) |
| pH | 9.7 (Alkaline) |
| Elevation | 4,140 ft |
| Access | Short Walk · Public Land, 0.6 mi from the nearest road (Running Creek Road) |
| Land | Nezperce National Forest, US Forest Service |
| County | Ravalli County |
| Nearest town | Hamilton |
| Coordinates | 45.85200, -114.93700 |
| Best months to soak | December, January, February (largest gap between water and average air temperature) |
| Nearest campground | Paradise Campground, 9.6 mi |

## About Running Warm Springs

Running Warm Springs is on Nezperce National Forest land in Ravalli County, about 24 miles from Hamilton. Despite the name, the 1982 reading was hot, a little above soaking temperature, with strongly alkaline water. The public is allowed in. Hamilton is the nearest town in the record and the spring sits well out from it.

Running Creek Road is the nearest road, a bit over half a mile away, so plan on a walk. This is wet country for the region: three feet of precipitation and snowfall past twelve feet. Moderate elevation. The forest is Forest Service ground with the plain national forest designation.

Paradise Campground is the nearest camp in the record, nearly ten miles off. December through February are the months given as best, though that much snow makes winter access a question. Chemistry dates to 1982, as does the temperature, so both figures are over forty years old.

## Water chemistry

Lab sample from 1982-07-13 (Water Quality Portal).

| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| pH | 9.7 |
| Calcium | 1.6 mg/L |
| Magnesium | 0.03 mg/L |
| Sodium | 42 mg/L |
| Sulfate | 6 mg/L |
| Chloride | 1.4 mg/L |

## Nearby

- Nearest city page: [Hot springs near Kamiah](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/near/idaho/kamiah), 36 mi away
- State page: [Hot springs in Idaho](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho)
- [Marten Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/marten-hot-springs): Hot, Backcountry, near Hamilton, Ravalli County
- [Red River Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/red-river-hot-springs): 131°F source, pH 9.4, TDS 274 mg/L, Roadside, near Grangeville, Idaho County, developed pools, pools 95°F, day pass, year-round
- [Stuart Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/stuart-hot-springs): Hot, Backcountry, near Hamilton, Ravalli County, primitive pools, free, mid-late summer
- [Barth Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/barth-hot-springs): 140°F source, Backcountry, near Hamilton, Ravalli County, primitive pools, parking or permit fee, jun–sep
- [Prospector Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/prospector-hot-springs): Hot, Backcountry, near Hamilton, Ravalli County, primitive pools, free, mid-late summer
- [Blue Joint Hot Spring 1, MT](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/montana/blue-joint-hot-spring-1): 84°F source, Short Walk, near Hamilton, Ravalli County

## Questions

**What is the water temperature at Running Warm Springs?**
Running Warm Springs has a water temperature of 106°F (41°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.

**Where is Running Warm Springs located?**
Running Warm Springs is located in Ravalli County, Idaho at 4,140 feet elevation, near Hamilton. Coordinates: 45.8520°N, 114.9370°W.

**How do I get to Running Warm Springs?**
Running Warm Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Running Creek Road (0.6 mi from the road).

**Is Running Warm Springs free to visit?**
Running Warm Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.

**Can I camp near Running Warm Springs?**
Yes, Paradise Campground is located nearby (9.6 miles away).

**What minerals are in the water at Running Warm Springs?**
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.7 (alkaline).

## Sources

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