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Norris Hot Springs

Gallatin County, Montana · Near Three Forks

45.5750°N, 111.6830°W · 4,803 ft

127°F 63°F air · Good soaking weather 4,803 ft Unknown Roadside OTHS Camping nearby (6.0 mi)

Researched & maintained by Armen Suny · Updated August 2026

File:Farm building outside of Norris, Montana.jpg — cc0 — Source

Norris Hot Springs sits on land recorded as belonging to the Montana University System, in Gallatin County, Montana, with Three Forks about twenty-three miles away as the nearest town. The water is hot, hotter than soaking temperature where it surfaces. Public access is listed as unknown, which matters more than usual given the landowner. A USGS site holds a 1978 sample.

Location

0 miles from Three Forks, MT

Get Directions → All springs near Three Forks →

The road is right there, a bit over 150 feet away. Moderate elevation. Snow runs under five feet a winter; the year is on the dry side. Red Mountain campground lies six miles away. The ground belongs to the Montana University System, and no special land designation is recorded for it.

Hot water; test before touching. Best months on file: the three winter ones. Because access is unknown and the land is held by the university system, contact them before assuming anything. Red Mountain is the listed camping. The chemistry sample is from 1978 and includes iron.

Monthly Climate

22°

Jan

22°

Feb

32°

Mar

40°

Apr

50°

May

60°

Jun

70°

Jul

69°

Aug

58°

Sep

44°

Oct

31°

Nov

21°

Dec

Annual Precip: 18.7 in Annual Snow: 56.8 in

Best Time to Visit

February Air 22°F · Water 127°F · +106° contrast

December Air 21°F · Water 127°F · +106° contrast

January Air 22°F · Water 127°F · +105° contrast

February offers 49°F more contrast than July

Current Conditions

63°F

N 0.0 mph Good soaking weather

This Afternoon 69° Low 46° Partly Sunny 13% precip

Spring is +58° warmer

Saturday 67° Low 44° Areas Of Fog then Partly Sunny 4% precip

Spring is +60° warmer

Sunday 71° Low 43° Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain 22% precip

Spring is +56° warmer

Monday 62° Low 40° Sunny 4% precip

Spring is +65° warmer

Tuesday 65° Low 42° Sunny 1% precip

Spring is +62° warmer

Data from National Weather Service

Water Chemistry Sampled 1978-08-20

The water at Norris Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.8).

pH 7.8 Slightly Alkaline

pH influences mineral absorption through skin

Calcium 19 mg/L

May support bone density and joint health

Magnesium 3 mg/L

Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief

Sodium 200 mg/L

Supports circulation and skin hydration

Sulfate 130 mg/L

Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation

Chloride 26 mg/L

Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits

Iron 80 µg/L

Iron-rich springs may support circulation

Compare with other slightly alkaline springs →

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Glamping Hipcamp

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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Nearby Camping

Red Mountain (Mt) 6.0 mi away

Overview The Dillon Field Office is unable to make reservations for you. Please call Recreation.gov (877-444-6777) to book a reservation or book online. Campsites are available for reservation for the Peak-Season times of May 1st through September 15th. From September 16th through April 30th, all sites are first-come-first-serve. Red Mountain Campground is adjacent to the lower Madison River and provides good access for camping, fishing and floating. The campground has 19 camp sites, 11 ava...

Reservable Yes

Reserve on Recreation.gov →

What to Bring

Norris Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water runs hot, so extra hydration is key. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.

Hydro Flask 32 oz Water Bottle Hot water dehydrates fast — stay hydrated with insulated cold water Amazon

PackTowl Quick-Dry Towel Dries 4x faster than cotton — essential for soaking day trips Amazon

Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals Rugged waterproof sandals for slippery hot spring terrain Amazon

Dryrobe Advance Changing Robe Stay warm changing in cold air — a winter soaking game-changer Amazon

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag Keep clothes and electronics dry at the spring's edge Amazon

Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-Pack) Take photos in and around the water without risking your phone Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Temperature

127°F

Warm Hot Boiling

Water Temp 127°F (53°C)

Avg Air Temp 43°F

Above Ambient +84°F

Great soaking conditions September

Access

Unknown

Road Access Roadside

Distance to Road 162 ft

Land

Ownership State

Agency OTHS

Designation ND

Unit Montana University System

Manager OTHS

Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use

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Similar Temperature

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Similar Water Chemistry

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Explore all hot springs in Montana →

Between Soaks

Hike 6 waterfalls near Norris Hot Springs

Looking for more outdoor adventures? Explore waterfall hikes near Norris Hot Springs, Montana.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water temperature at Norris Hot Springs?

Norris Hot Springs has a water temperature of 127°F (53°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.

Where is Norris Hot Springs located?

Norris Hot Springs is located in Gallatin County, Montana at 4,803 feet elevation, near Three Forks. Coordinates: 45.5750°N, 111.6830°W.

How do I get to Norris Hot Springs?

Norris Hot Springs has Roadside road access (162 ft from the road).

Is Norris Hot Springs free to visit?

Norris Hot Springs has Unknown access. It is managed by OTHS.

Can I camp near Norris Hot Springs?

Yes, Red Mountain (Mt) is located nearby (6.0 miles away).

What minerals are in the water at Norris Hot Springs?

Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 7.8 (slightly alkaline).

Is it safe to soak at Norris Hot Springs?

With care. At 127°F Norris Hot Springs 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