At 162°F, the source water at Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring 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.
Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring erupts at 162 degrees Fahrenheit deep within the Boise National Forest, with USGS measurements recording 87 degrees Celsius and a strongly alkaline pH of 9.0. Reaching it requires a nearly 5-mile hike into the backcountry east of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, at 5,438 feet elevation in Custer County.
The trail crosses dense mountain forest where annual snowfall exceeds 108 inches and the average temperature sits at just 42 degrees. At the source, superheated water issues from fractured granite, and steam hangs in the cold mountain air through most of the year. The surrounding landscape is steep, forested, and wild, with few signs of human presence. Sulfate levels of 66 milligrams per liter give the water a faint mineral edge, and the low calcium of just 2 milligrams per liter reflects the granitic bedrock.
History of Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring
This spring taps the deep geothermal system associated with the Idaho Batholith, where fractured granite allows water to descend miles into the earth before returning superheated to the surface. The pH of 9.0 and sodium-dominant chemistry with 110 milligrams per liter sodium are characteristic of hot springs emerging from granitic terrain. The nearby Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness preserves more than 2.3 million acres of similar geology, making central Idaho one of the most thermally active regions in the lower 48 states.
The roughly 5-mile hike from the nearest road demands proper backcountry preparation including topographic maps, adequate water, and layered clothing for rapid weather changes. The source water at 162 degrees causes immediate burns. Johnson Creek Guard Station, a reservable Forest Service cabin 19 miles away, offers a comfortable base with modern amenities from June through September. Contact the Boise National Forest for current trail conditions and fire restrictions before heading out.
Is Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
23°Jan
25°Feb
32°Mar
37°Apr
45°May
56°Jun
67°Jul
66°Aug
56°Sep
42°Oct
29°Nov
20°Dec
Annual Precip: 23.5 inAnnual Snow: 107.9 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 20°F · Water 162°F · +142° contrast
JanuaryAir 23°F · Water 162°F · +139° contrast
FebruaryAir 25°F · Water 162°F · +137° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
188.6°F
(87.0°C)Measured Jul 31, 1979
Water ChemistrySampled 1979-07-31
The water at Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring is alkaline (pH 9.0).
Overview
Johnson Creek Guard Station was built in 1922 and offers a charming mountain respite with modern conveniences. The cabin offers nearly everything needed for a pleasant and comfortable stay.
Peak season for the cabin is typically early June through late September. It can be accessed by most vehicles via dirt and gravel roads, but trailers are not
recommended.Recreation
The cabin is near several trailheads into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. These non-motorized tr...
What is the water temperature at Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring?
Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring has a water temperature of 162°F (72°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring located?
Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring is located in Custer County, Idaho at 5,438 feet elevation, near Challis. Coordinates: 44.8130°N, 115.1230°W.
How do I get to Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring?
Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring has Hike road access (4.8 mi from the road).
Is Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring free to visit?
Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring?
Yes, Johnson Creek Guard Station is located nearby (19.1 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.0 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring?
The water at Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring reaches 162°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 Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring crowded?
Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Middle Fork Indian Creek Hot Spring?
Essentials for Middle Fork Indian 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. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.
Temperature
162°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp162°F (72°C)
Avg Air Temp42°F
Above Ambient+120°F
Perfect soaking weatherMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessHike
Distance to Road4.8 mi
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyUS Forest Service
DesignationNational Forest
UnitBoise National Forest
ManagerUS Forest Service
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use