Trail Creek Hot Spring reaches 122°F at 5,760 feet in the Boise National Forest, with a strongly alkaline pH of 9.7 — among the highest recorded pH values for Idaho springs. The sodium-dominant, low-calcium water indicates deep geothermal circulation through volcanic bedrock. A 146-meter walk from Warm Lake Road provides access.
The spring emerges in a high mountain basin in Valley County near Warm Lake, surrounded by dense lodgepole pine and Douglas fir forest. At 5,760 feet, the area experiences some of Idaho's heaviest snowfall — nearly 199 inches annually — and an average air temperature of just 41.1°F, the coldest among these ten springs. Annual precipitation totals 38.5 inches. The Warm Lake basin sits in a broad glacially shaped valley with multiple creek drainages feeding into the South Fork Salmon River system.
History of Trail Creek Hot Spring
The spring takes its name from Trail Creek, part of the network of drainages in the Warm Lake region. The area has been part of the Boise National Forest since its establishment and lies along corridors historically used by Shoshone-Paiute peoples traveling between the Snake River Plain and Salmon River country. Warm Lake Road has provided vehicle access to the basin since the mid-20th century, opening the area to recreation.
Access is limited to summer and early fall; the road to Warm Lake typically opens in June and closes with heavy snow by November. The 199-inch annual snowfall makes winter travel impossible without snowmobile. Water at 122°F requires careful testing before any contact. Picnic Point Campground on Warm Lake, about 7 km away, provides reservable sites with boating, fishing, and swimming access on the lake.
Is Trail Creek Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Overnight camping trips
Trail Creek Hot Spring is well suited for hot spring soaking and overnight camping trips.
Annual Precip: 38.5 in
Annual Snow: 198.7 in
December
Air 22°F · Water 122°F · +100° contrast
January
Air 24°F · Water 122°F · +98° contrast
February
Air 25°F · Water 122°F · +97° contrast
December offers 44°F more contrast than July
Recent Temperature
123.8°F
(51.0°C)
Measured Jun 06, 1980
The water at Trail Creek Hot Spring is alkaline (pH 9.7).
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
Picnic Point Campground is located on a bluff overlooking beautiful Warm Lake, at an elevation of 5,300 feet. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and viewing local wildlife.
Recreation
Warm Lake offers great fishing opportunities for cutthroat, rainbow, lake and bull trout. Boating, canoeing and swimming are popular activities. A boat ramp is located at neighboring Shoreline Campground. Billy Rice Swim Beach is within walking distance, offering a day-use site for picni...
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 Picnic Point (Id)
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
Water shoes
Hot ground near source
15 miles from Cascade, ID
USGS Quad: (WARM LAKE 15) · PP 492: 30.0 · NOAA: 17.0 · AMS Map: CHALLIS
What is the water temperature at Trail Creek Hot Spring?
Trail Creek Hot Spring has a water temperature of 122°F (50°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Trail Creek Hot Spring located?
Trail Creek Hot Spring is located in Valley County, Idaho at 5,760 feet elevation, near Cascade. Coordinates: 44.6260°N, 115.7490°W.
How do I get to Trail Creek Hot Spring?
Trail Creek Hot Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Warm Lake Road (477 ft from the road).
Is Trail Creek Hot Spring free to visit?
Trail Creek Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Trail Creek Hot Spring?
Yes, Picnic Point (Id) is located nearby (4.2 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Trail Creek Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.7 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Trail Creek Hot Spring?
At 122°F, Trail Creek Hot Spring 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 Trail Creek Hot Spring crowded?
Trail Creek Hot Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Trail Creek Hot Spring?
Essentials for Trail 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.