Little Warm Springs
Little Warm Springs flows at 73°F on the Fort Belknap Reservation in Blaine County, Montana, at 3,340 feet elevation. The water is sulfate-calcium dominant, with 940 mg/L sulfate and 280 mg/L calcium, indicating a heavily mineralized source. Access requires a short walk of 272 meters from the nearest road. Public access status is unknown; the spring is on tribal land.
The spring emerges on the northern flank of the Little Rocky Mountains, where the isolated volcanic range drops toward the open plains of north-central Montana. At 3,340 feet, the landscape transitions from scattered ponderosa pine on rocky slopes to short-grass prairie. The Milk River drainage lies to the north across flat, wind-swept rangeland. Annual precipitation is modest at 19 inches with 42 inches of snow, characteristic of the semi-arid northern plains. The Missouri River breaks country extends to the south.
Contact the Fort Belknap Indian Community to determine whether access is permitted and what protocols apply. Do not visit without tribal authorization. If permitted, the 272-meter walk from the road is straightforward but unimproved. The 73°F water temperature is too cool for soaking in anything but warm weather. Camp Creek Campground is first-come, first-served. Bring all supplies; services are limited to Zortman or Fort Belknap Agency.
Little Warm Springs lies within the Fort Belknap Reservation, homeland of the Aaniiih (Gros Ventre) and Nakoda (Assiniboine) peoples, who have long known the thermal features in the Little Rocky Mountains. The springs' cultural significance to these communities predates Euro-American contact. Specific historical documentation about this particular spring in published sources is limited. The site remains undeveloped. Camp Creek Campground, 9.8 km away in the Little Rockies, is the nearest public recreation facility.
The water at Little Warm Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.9) with 1550 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief), and sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation).
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Camp Creek Recreation Area, located in the scenic Little Rockies, consists of Camp Creek Campground, Horse Corral Campground, and Buffington Day Use Area. A system of trails leads from the main campground, making this a popular destination for hikers, birders and OHV enthusiasts. Several small bass and trout fisheries are located within 30-minutes drives. The nearby town of Zortman offers a store, restaurant, fuel, and gold panning opportunities. This is a Watchable Wildlife area as well as a...
Little Warm Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.