Camas Hot Springs
Camas Hot Springs flows at 113°F on the Flathead Reservation in western Montana, managed as tribal land with restricted or unknown public access. The highly alkaline water (pH 9.1) is sodium-dominant at 83 mg/L with very low calcium (1.1 mg/L) and magnesium (0.4 mg/L). The spring sits at 2,820 feet, just 30 meters from Jaques Road.
The spring rises in the low-elevation valley between the Flathead and Clark Fork river drainages in Sanders County, where open meadows transition into mixed conifer forests of Douglas fir, western larch, and ponderosa pine. The Cabinet Mountains stand to the northwest and the Flathead Range to the east. At 2,820 feet, this is one of Montana's lower-elevation thermal features. Annual precipitation reaches 22 inches with 60 inches of snow, moderate for western Montana.
The spring takes its name from the camas root, a staple food of the Salish and Kootenai peoples who have inhabited this region for millennia. The thermal waters hold cultural significance within the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, whose Flathead Reservation encompasses the site. Historical accounts note tribal bathing use predating Euro-American contact. The spring's status and accessibility are governed by tribal authority.
Contact the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes before visiting, as this spring is on tribal land and public access policies may change. The town of Plains is the nearest service center. Big Hole Lookout, a reservable Forest Service rental 30 km away, offers overnight accommodation but is only open June through early October. Winter travel in this region requires preparation for icy roads and heavy snowfall.
Is Camas Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Camas Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 9.1).
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Overview The Big Hole Lookout offers guests an opportunity to experience an old-time Forest Service lookout. The tower commands an impressive 360 degree view of valleys and mountain ranges for miles and miles. The structure is small and is not elevated like many other lookouts, and is available for rent from June to early October each year. 2021 is the first year the lookout will be available to the public to rent. We are excited to offer this new, unique opportunity on the Plains/Thompson...