At 140°F, the source water at Skillern 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.
Skillern Hot Springs reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit at 5,820 feet in the Sawtooth National Forest, with USGS measurements recording temperatures up to 148 degrees — among the hottest springs in Camas County. The 2.5-mile hike through high mountain terrain near Fairfield keeps the spring uncrowded and undeveloped.
The trail follows Big Smoky Creek drainage through open meadows and scattered timber at the edge of the Smoky Mountains. At the spring, hot water emerges from fractured rock, and mineral deposits coat the surrounding stones in pale crusts. The landscape is exposed and windswept, with annual snowfall near 145 inches. Average air temperature sits at just 41 degrees, and the 99-degree differential between water and air creates thick steam columns in autumn and early spring.
History of Skillern Hot Springs
The spring sits within the western Sawtooth Range, where Cretaceous-era granitic rock generates geothermal heat along deep fault zones. The water chemistry — pH 9.4, zero magnesium, low calcium, moderate sodium — is characteristic of deep circulation through the Idaho Batholith. Nearby Big Smoky Creek attracted miners and ranchers in the nineteenth century, and the name Skillern likely traces to early settlers in the area.
The source water is dangerously hot. Scout downstream for naturally cooled pools before entering. Bowns Campground, 7 km away along Big Smoky Creek, has 10 sites including double-family units, with no reservations required. The access road from Fairfield is unpaved and can be impassable during spring runoff. Best visited July through early October.
Is Skillern Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Skillern Hot Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
22°Jan
24°Feb
30°Mar
36°Apr
44°May
56°Jun
67°Jul
66°Aug
56°Sep
41°Oct
30°Nov
20°Dec
Annual Precip: 27.4 inAnnual Snow: 144.9 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 20°F · Water 140°F · +120° contrast
JanuaryAir 22°F · Water 140°F · +118° contrast
FebruaryAir 24°F · Water 140°F · +116° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
148.1°F
(64.5°C)Measured Jul 15, 1981
Water ChemistrySampled 1981-07-15
The water at Skillern Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 9.4).
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.
What is the water temperature at Skillern Hot Springs?
Skillern Hot Springs has a water temperature of 140°F (60°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Skillern Hot Springs located?
Skillern Hot Springs is located in Camas County, Idaho at 5,820 feet elevation, near Fairfield. Coordinates: 43.6470°N, 114.8160°W.
How do I get to Skillern Hot Springs?
Skillern Hot Springs has Hike road access (2.5 mi from the road).
Is Skillern Hot Springs free to visit?
Skillern Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Skillern Hot Springs?
Yes, Bowns Campground is located nearby (4.3 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Skillern Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.4 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Skillern Hot Springs?
At 140°F, Skillern Hot Springs is hot enough to require caution. Enter slowly, limit soaking sessions to 15–20 minutes, and stay hydrated. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Skillern Hot Springs crowded?
Skillern Hot Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Skillern Hot Springs?
Essentials for Skillern 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
140°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp140°F (60°C)
Avg Air Temp41°F
Above Ambient+99°F
Perfect soaking weatherMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessHike
Distance to Road2.5 mi
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyUS Forest Service
DesignationNational Forest
UnitSawtooth National Forest
ManagerUS Forest Service
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use