Preis Hot Spring surfaces at 106 degrees Fahrenheit alongside Carrie Creek Road in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest, less than 100 meters from the pavement. Its alkaline water registers a pH of 9.6 with notably low calcium and elevated sodium, pointing to deep geothermal circulation through the granite batholith underlying Camas County.
The spring sits at 5,670 feet in the rolling sagebrush uplands between the Soldier Mountains and the Smoky Range. Big Smoky Creek cuts through the valley below, its cottonwood-lined banks visible from the source. The water emerges clear and sodium-rich, with a faint mineral slickness on the rocks. Summers are short here; the area averages nearly nine feet of snow annually, and winter temperatures regularly drop well below zero.
History of Preis Hot Spring
Camas County's thermal features trace to the Idaho Batholith, a massive Cretaceous-era granitic intrusion that still holds residual heat at depth. The Sawtooth National Forest manages this spring on federal land. USGS sampling confirms 41 degrees Celsius, consistent with original 1980 NOAA records, suggesting a stable geothermal source feeding the surface expression.
Carrie Creek Road provides direct access, making this one of the easier backcountry springs to reach in the Sawtooth zone. Bowns Campground sits about 3.4 miles away with 10 first-come, first-served sites along Big Smoky Creek. Roads may be impassable from late fall through spring due to heavy snowpack.
Is Preis Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Preis Hot Spring offers an accessible hot spring experience — great for a day trip.
Annual Precip: 22.9 in
Annual Snow: 107.0 in
December
Air 20°F · Water 106°F · +86° contrast
January
Air 23°F · Water 106°F · +84° contrast
February
Air 24°F · Water 106°F · +82° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
Recent Temperature
105.8°F
(41.0°C)
Measured Jul 14, 1981
The water at Preis Hot Spring is alkaline (pH 9.6).
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
May support bone density and joint health
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Bowns Campground, located 25 miles east of Featherville and 18 miles north of Fairfield, is a developed campground composed of 10 units along Big Smoky Creek. Two of the camp sites are double family units. Camping, fishing, hiking, and picnicking are popular activities. Campground amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water (seasonally) and restrooms. Miller Creek Trail (#087) starts just south of the campground and is open to motorcycles.
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 Bowns Campground
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
22 miles from Fairfield, ID
USGS Quad: SYDNEY BUTTE 7.5 · PP 492: 135.0 · NOAA: 11.0 · AMS Map: HAILEY
What is the water temperature at Preis Hot Spring?
Preis Hot Spring has a water temperature of 106°F (41°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Preis Hot Spring located?
Preis Hot Spring is located in Camas County, Idaho at 5,670 feet elevation, near Fairfield. Coordinates: 43.5760°N, 114.8300°W.
How do I get to Preis Hot Spring?
Preis Hot Spring has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Carrie Creek Road (304 ft from the road).
Is Preis Hot Spring free to visit?
Preis Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Preis Hot Spring?
Yes, Bowns Campground is located nearby (3.4 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Preis Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.6 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Preis Hot Spring?
Preis Hot Spring is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Preis Hot Spring crowded?
Preis Hot Spring is accessible from a paved road, making it easy to reach. Weekends and holidays may be busier — consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience.
What should I bring to Preis Hot Spring?
Essentials for Preis 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.