Squaw Hot Springs
Squaw Hot Springs near Preston pushes water to the surface at 163 degrees Fahrenheit, a full 114.7 degrees above ambient air temperature, making it one of southeastern Idaho's most thermally intense features. The water carries 9,180 mg/L of total dissolved solids, heavily dominated by sodium and chloride.
A short walk of roughly 650 feet from North 2200 West road leads to where this spring emerges at 4,480 feet elevation in Franklin County. The water is unmistakably mineral-rich, with 5,400 mg/L of chloride and 3,100 mg/L of sodium creating a chemistry closer to seawater than typical mountain springs. At neutral pH of 7.0, the spring flows at 3 cubic feet per second, depositing minerals along its outflow channel. The surrounding landscape is open and semi-arid, receiving just 19 inches of precipitation annually.
This is an observation site, not a soaking destination. Water at 163 degrees causes severe burns on contact. Approach carefully and stay on established paths near the outflow channels. The short walk from the road is straightforward. Third Creek Group Campground sits about 11 miles away near Malad for those exploring the area. The spring is on undeveloped land, so bring water and supplies.
This spring's extreme chemistry and temperature point to deep circulation through ancient sedimentary formations rich in evaporite minerals. The high sodium-chloride signature suggests the water contacts buried salt deposits before rising along faults to the surface. USGS monitoring has confirmed temperatures around 77 degrees Celsius. The Bear River region of southeastern Idaho holds several high-temperature features, products of the same tectonic forces that created the nearby Wasatch Range.
The water at Squaw Hot Springs is neutral (pH 7.0) with 9180 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
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Overview Third Creek Group Campground is located just 12 miles northeast of Malad, Idaho, on the Weston Highway near Deep Creek Reservoir. Visitors enjoy exploring the local trail system and fishing at Deep Creek.Recreation Third Creek Trailhead is adjacent to the campground, complete with hitching racks for horses. It accesses the Oxford Peak Trail System and is open to hikers, bikers, motorcyclists and off-road vehicle users as well. Deep Creek Reservoir offers good trout, as well as boati...
Squaw Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully.
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