Slate Creek Hot Spring

Custer County, Idaho · Near Challis
44.1710°N, 114.6240°W · 7,020 ft
122°F 65°F air · Good soaking weather 7,020 ft Open Short Walk US Forest Service Camping nearby (10.3 mi)

Slate Creek Hot Spring belongs to the Challis National Forest, in Custer County about thirty miles from Challis. It is hot, comfortably over soaking range, with some iron and moderate dissolved solids in the 1982 sample. No restriction on access is recorded. The spring sits high, over seven thousand feet.

Location

A short walk, about a third of a mile, from an unnamed road. This is high country; the yearly average is in the high thirties and snow comes to around eight feet. The climate figures say cold and fairly dry. The Forest Service holds the land.

Ten miles to Pole Flat Campground, the nearest camp on the books. Winter months are given as best, and eight feet of snow at that altitude means the approach road is the thing to check. Hot enough to burn at the source, so let it cool or find where it already has. The 1982 chemistry reading noted iron, and the water is mildly alkaline.

Monthly Climate
18°
Jan
20°
Feb
26°
Mar
32°
Apr
41°
May
52°
Jun
63°
Jul
62°
Aug
52°
Sep
37°
Oct
25°
Nov
16°
Dec
Annual Precip: 20.4 in Annual Snow: 100.4 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 16°F · Water 122°F · +106° contrast
January Air 18°F · Water 122°F · +104° contrast
February Air 20°F · Water 122°F · +102° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
65°F
WNW 25.0 mph 28% Good soaking weather
This Afternoon 60° Low 42° Sunny
Spring is +62° warmer
Saturday 65° Low 45° Mostly Sunny
Spring is +57° warmer
Sunday 50° Low 32° Sunny 8% precip
Spring is +72° warmer
Monday 55° Low 33° Sunny
Spring is +67° warmer
Tuesday 59° Low 36° Sunny
Spring is +63° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1982-08-10

The water at Slate Creek Hot Spring is alkaline (pH 8.8) with 352 mg/L total dissolved solids.

pH 8.8 Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 10 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 0 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 76 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 81 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 24 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 270 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Pole Flat Campground 10.3 mi away

This campground is away from the main road and up the hill overlooking the river and the dredge ponds. Campsites include picnic tables tent pads fire rings with cooking grills. Campground amenities include a vault toilet and drinking water. Sites accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 32 feet long.

Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 7,020 ft

Slate Creek Hot Spring sits at 7,020 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 28% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
122°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 122°F (50°C)
Avg Air Temp 37°F
Above Ambient +85°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Short Walk
Distance to Road 0.3 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Forest Service
Designation National Forest
Unit Challis National Forest
Manager US Forest Service
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Slate Creek Hot Spring?
Slate Creek Hot Spring has a water temperature of 122°F (50°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Slate Creek Hot Spring located?
Slate Creek Hot Spring is located in Custer County, Idaho at 7,020 feet elevation, near Challis. Coordinates: 44.1710°N, 114.6240°W.
How do I get to Slate Creek Hot Spring?
Slate Creek Hot Spring has Short Walk road access (0.3 mi from the road).
Is Slate Creek Hot Spring free to visit?
Slate Creek Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Slate Creek Hot Spring?
Yes, Pole Flat Campground is located nearby (10.3 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Slate Creek Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 8.8 (alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 352 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Slate Creek Hot Spring?
With care. At 122°F Slate Creek Hot Spring 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 NWIS