Dagger Creek Hot Spring reaches 110 degrees Fahrenheit at 5,740 feet in the Boise National Forest, sitting less than a mile from the put-in for one of America's premier whitewater runs on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Its pH of 9.9 makes it among the most alkaline thermal springs in Idaho.
The spring emerges in dense conifer forest near the boundary of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Snow piles deep here, averaging over 14 feet annually, and the landscape stays white well into spring. The surrounding forest of lodgepole pine and Douglas fir absorbs sound, and the only noise tends to be wind and creek water. Dagger Falls Road ends nearby at the wilderness boundary, and the walk of about 2,500 feet to the spring follows forested terrain at elevation.
History of Dagger Creek Hot Spring
The extreme alkalinity of pH 9.9 distinguishes this spring geochemically. Low calcium at 2.1 mg/L and sodium at 59 mg/L suggest the water interacts with silicate-rich rock rather than limestone, dissolving silica and driving the pH upward. This chemistry is consistent with the granitic batholith underlying the Idaho Batholith region. The forest setting preserves the spring in a near-natural state, largely unchanged from when indigenous peoples used this corridor.
Boundary Creek Campground sits just over a mile away, with five reservable sites during the June 15 through August 15 high season and ten first-come, first-served sites. The campground primarily serves rafters launching on the Middle Fork. The walk to the spring covers roughly half a mile through forest. At this elevation, snow can linger into June and return by October. Bring layers even in summer.
Is Dagger Creek Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Overnight camping trips
Dagger Creek Hot Spring is well suited for hot spring soaking and overnight camping trips.
Annual Precip: 32.5 in
Annual Snow: 175.0 in
December
Air 20°F · Water 110°F · +90° contrast
January
Air 23°F · Water 110°F · +87° contrast
February
Air 25°F · Water 110°F · +85° contrast
December offers 45°F more contrast than August
Recent Temperature
107.6°F
(42.0°C)
Measured Jun 24, 1980
The water at Dagger Creek Hot Spring is alkaline (pH 9.9).
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
May support bone density and joint health
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Overview
Boundary Creek Campground is located at the edge of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, adjacent to the boat launch for the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. The site generally provides overnight camping for boaters waiting to launch the next day on their permit to float the Middle Fork.
Of the 15 campsites, 5 can be reserved during the high-use season (June 15-Aug. 15); the remaining 10 are first-come, first-served. Outside of those dates, all 15 sites are first-...
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Warm layers
Cold air before and after soaking
Camping gear
Nearby camping at Boundary Creek Campground
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
38 miles from Cascade, ID
USGS Quad: (CHINOOK MTN. 15) · PP 492: 42.0 · NOAA: 22.0 · AMS Map: CHALLIS
What is the water temperature at Dagger Creek Hot Spring?
Dagger Creek Hot Spring has a water temperature of 110°F (43°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Dagger Creek Hot Spring located?
Dagger Creek Hot Spring is located in Valley County, Idaho at 5,740 feet elevation, near Cascade. Coordinates: 44.5160°N, 115.2950°W.
How do I get to Dagger Creek Hot Spring?
Dagger Creek Hot Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Dagger Falls Road (0.5 mi from the road).
Is Dagger Creek Hot Spring free to visit?
Dagger Creek Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Dagger Creek Hot Spring?
Yes, Boundary Creek Campground is located nearby (1.1 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Dagger Creek Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.9 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Dagger Creek Hot Spring?
Dagger Creek Hot Spring is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Dagger Creek Hot Spring crowded?
Dagger Creek Hot Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Dagger Creek Hot Spring?
Essentials for Dagger Creek Hot Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.