# West Pass Hot Spring, Idaho

West Pass Hot Spring in Idaho. 124°F (51°C). Roadside · Public Land. Blaine County.

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

## Can you soak at West Pass Hot Spring?

Only once it cools. The water leaves the ground at 124°F, hotter than any hot tub. You can drive right up to it. 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 | 124°F (51°C) (USGS record; developed pools are often cooled) |
| pH | 8.5 (Slightly Alkaline) |
| Elevation | 6,795 ft |
| Access | Roadside · Public Land, 59 ft from the nearest road |
| Land | Sawtooth National Forest, US Forest Service |
| County | Blaine County |
| Nearest town | Sun Valley |
| Coordinates | 43.98200, -114.48600 |
| Best months to soak | December, January, February (largest gap between water and average air temperature) |
| Nearest campground | WOOD RIVER GROUP OVERNIGHT AREA (TENT ONLY), 13.1 mi |

## About West Pass Hot Spring

West Pass Hot Spring is a roadside hot spring in Sawtooth National Forest, Blaine County, some twenty-two miles from Sun Valley. It is open to the public on the record. Water at the source is hot, more than a person can sit in without cooling, according to a reading from August 1980. Sulfate, chloride, sodium, magnesium and calcium were all found in the sample.

The unnamed road passes within about sixty feet, so there is no walk. Close to seven thousand feet up, with national forest all around. Snow is heavy, well over a hundred inches most winters, and outside of that the climate is dry.

Winter gets the nod on record; at this altitude that means a lot of snow on the road in. The nearest listed camping is the Wood River Group Overnight Area, tent only, about thirteen miles away. Hot enough at the source to hurt, so test first. Access is open.

## Water chemistry

Lab sample from 1980-08-07 (Water Quality Portal).

| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| pH | 8.5 |
| Calcium | 20 mg/L |
| Magnesium | 5.1 mg/L |
| Sodium | 110 mg/L |
| Sulfate | 83 mg/L |
| Chloride | 39 mg/L |

## Nearby

- Nearest city page: [Hot springs near Challis](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/near/idaho/challis), 26 mi away
- State page: [Hot springs in Idaho](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho)
- [Lower Bowery Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/lower-bowery-hot-spring): 129°F source, pH 8.5, Short Walk, near Sun Valley, Blaine County, primitive pools, may–dec
- [Russian John Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/russian-john-hot-spring): 100°F source, pH 9.2, Roadside, near Ketchum, Blaine County, primitive pools, pools 86–105°F, free, year-round
- [Easley Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/easley-hot-springs): 100°F source, pH 9.6, Roadside, near Ketchum, Blaine County, developed pools, $14 day pass
- [Slate Creek Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/slate-creek-hot-spring): 122°F source, pH 8.8, TDS 352 mg/L, Short Walk, near Challis, Custer County, primitive pools, free, jul-oct best
- [Pierson Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/pierson-hot-springs): 109°F source, pH 9.3, Roadside, near Ketchum, Blaine County
- [Sullivan Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/sullivan-hot-springs): 106°F source, pH 6.9, TDS 684 mg/L, Roadside, near Challis, Custer County

## Questions

**What is the water temperature at West Pass Hot Spring?**
West Pass Hot Spring has a water temperature of 124°F (51°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.

**Where is West Pass Hot Spring located?**
West Pass Hot Spring is located in Blaine County, Idaho at 6,795 feet elevation, near Sun Valley. Coordinates: 43.9820°N, 114.4860°W.

**How do I get to West Pass Hot Spring?**
West Pass Hot Spring has Roadside road access (59 ft from the road).

**Is West Pass Hot Spring free to visit?**
West Pass Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.

**Can I camp near West Pass Hot Spring?**
Yes, Wood River Group Overnight Area (Tent Only) is located nearby (13.1 miles away).

**What minerals are in the water at West Pass Hot Spring?**
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 8.5 (slightly alkaline).

**Is it safe to soak at West Pass Hot Spring?**
With care. At 124°F West Pass 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 thermal springs records, Water Quality Portal lab analyses, OpenStreetMap, Wikipedia/Wikidata, NOAA climate normals