Whittaker Warm Springs
Whittaker Warm Springs flows at 75°F at a notably high elevation of 6,310 feet in Lemhi County, placing it among Idaho's higher-altitude warm springs. Roadside access at just 7.8 meters from the road makes arrival trivial. The balanced calcium-magnesium-sodium chemistry (29/11/19 mg/L) with moderate sulfate at 32 mg/L suggests circulation through carbonate-bearing sedimentary rock.
The spring sits in the remote mountain terrain east of Salmon, Idaho, surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Beaverhead and Lemhi Ranges. Sagebrush parks and open meadows mix with lodgepole pine and Douglas fir at this elevation. Annual precipitation averages 16 inches with 63 inches of snow, producing a continental climate with cold, dry winters. The Salmon River watershed dominates the broader landscape. Steep, narrow valleys and exposed ridgelines characterize the country in every direction.
Limited historical documentation exists for Whittaker Warm Springs beyond its inclusion in geothermal inventories. The Whittaker name likely references an early homesteader or prospector in the Lemhi Valley, though specific records are not readily available. The spring remains undeveloped. Meadow Lake Campground, 20 kilometers away in the Lemhi Range at 9,160 feet, reflects the region's long history of Forest Service recreation management.
At 75°F, the water is tepid rather than hot, making it most appealing on warm summer days. The high elevation means freezing temperatures persist well into June and return by September. Roads in Lemhi County can be rough and unpaved. Meadow Lake Campground at 9,160 feet is reservable but requires high-clearance vehicles on the access road. Bring layers for rapid temperature swings common at this altitude.
Is Whittaker Warm Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Whittaker Warm Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 8.0).
Overview Meadow Lake Campground is located on the Leadore Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This high alpine campground sits at an elevation of 9,160 feet in the Lemhi Mountain Range, 22 miles from Leadore, Idaho.Recreation There's no lack of recreational opportunities around Meadow Lake Campground. The lake is stocked twice a year so the fish are always biting. Fish from the bank or carry your boat down to the lake and try from the water, as there is no boat ramp or boat...