At 199°F, the source water at Big Creek Hot Springs is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
Big Creek Hot Springs registers 199 degrees Fahrenheit, essentially boiling at its 4,280-foot elevation, making it one of the hottest springs in the entire United States. Recent USGS measurements confirmed 94 degrees Celsius. This is not a soaking destination. It is a geothermal spectacle.
Steam billows from the source in the Salmon National Forest, visible well before the half-mile walk from the road ends. Mineral deposits paint the surrounding rock in vivid yellows and whites. The air carries a sharp sulfur edge. The spring occupies a clearing in the forest where nothing grows near the scalding outflow. The Salmon River Mountains rise in every direction, forested and remote, with deep valleys cutting between ridgelines.
History of Big Creek Hot Springs
Big Creek Hot Springs taps one of Idaho's deepest and hottest geothermal reservoirs, where water circulates miles below the surface before rising along faults in the Salmon River Mountains. The sodium-dominant chemistry with 220 mg/L sodium and minimal calcium mirrors other deep-sourced Idaho springs, but the near-boiling temperature indicates unusually direct pathways to the heat source. The 154-degree differential above ambient air temperature ranks among the state's most extreme.
Do not attempt to soak. Water at 199 degrees Fahrenheit causes instant severe burns. View from a safe distance only. The half-mile walk from the road is straightforward. Wallace Lake Campground, 27 miles away, offers 12 first-come, first-served sites with drinking water. The Salmon River Mountain Road to the campground provides panoramic views but is slow going on gravel.
Is Big Creek Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Big Creek Hot Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
24°Jan
27°Feb
35°Mar
40°Apr
50°May
60°Jun
71°Jul
70°Aug
60°Sep
45°Oct
31°Nov
22°Dec
Annual Precip: 23.4 inAnnual Snow: 87.8 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 22°F · Water 199°F · +178° contrast
JanuaryAir 24°F · Water 199°F · +175° contrast
FebruaryAir 27°F · Water 199°F · +172° contrast
December offers 50°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
201.2°F
(94.0°C)Measured Aug 12, 1982
Water ChemistrySampled 1982-08-12
The water at Big Creek Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.6).
12 campsites on Wallace Lake with picnic tables and fire rings. Within the campground are vault toilets and drinking water. Fishing in the lake. Primitive boat launch can be used for non-motorized canoes or rowboats on the lake. The drive on Salmon River Mountain Road offers fantastic views of the Salmon River Range and of deep pine forests.
What is the water temperature at Big Creek Hot Springs?
Big Creek Hot Springs has a water temperature of 199°F (93°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Big Creek Hot Springs located?
Big Creek Hot Springs is located in Lemhi County, Idaho at 4,280 feet elevation, near Salmon. Coordinates: 45.3070°N, 114.3380°W.
How do I get to Big Creek Hot Springs?
Big Creek Hot Springs has Short Walk road access (0.3 mi from the road).
Is Big Creek Hot Springs free to visit?
Big Creek Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Big Creek Hot Springs?
Yes, Wallace Lake Campground is located nearby (16.6 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Big Creek Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 7.6 (slightly alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Big Creek Hot Springs?
The water at Big Creek Hot Springs reaches 199°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Big Creek Hot Springs crowded?
Big Creek Hot Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Big Creek Hot Springs?
Essentials for Big Creek Hot Springs: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.
Temperature
199°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp199°F (93°C)
Avg Air Temp45°F
Above Ambient+154°F
Perfect soaking weatherMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessShort Walk
Distance to Road0.3 mi
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyUS Forest Service
DesignationNational Forest
UnitSalmon National Forest
ManagerUS Forest Service
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use