Henry Warm Spring
Henry Warm Spring surfaces at a modest 86°F in Caribou County near Soda Springs, sitting at 6,165 feet in southeastern Idaho's high plateau country. The water runs about 45 degrees warmer than the surrounding air, which averages just 41°F annually in this snow-heavy landscape that receives nearly 100 inches of snowfall each winter.
The spring occupies open rangeland in the upper Bear River watershed, where sagebrush and grass stretch across rolling hills beneath wide skies. Winters here are long and cold, with deep snowpack lingering into May most years. The landscape feels distinctly Basin and Range, with broad valleys separating low mountain ridges. Wind is a constant presence across the exposed terrain, and the nearest trees cluster along seasonal creek bottoms.
Southeastern Idaho sits atop a complex zone where Basin and Range extension meets the track of the Yellowstone hotspot. Soda Springs, the nearest town, takes its name from naturally carbonated mineral springs that have drawn visitors since fur trappers passed through in the 1820s. The region's volcanic and tectonic history creates numerous warm seeps and springs, though few reach truly hot temperatures at this elevation.
Blackfoot Reservoir Campground is about 8.6 miles away and accepts reservations. The spring requires a short walk of roughly 800 feet from the nearest road. At 86°F, the water is warm rather than hot, comfortable for extended soaking in summer but marginal in cold weather. Access roads may be impassable during spring snowmelt and late fall storms.
Is Henry Warm Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
Overview Blackfoot Reservoir Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is located on the southwest end of the Blackfoot Reservoir. The Reservoir covers 18,000 surface acres when full and is the second largest reservoir in southeastern Idaho. The campground has an annual fee season from May 15th - September 15th and is equipped with 16 fully developed campsites, 12 standard campsites, 6 day-use sites, 2 boat ramps, and an RV dump station. The site offers recreational act...