At 180°F, the source water at Worswick 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.
File:Big Indianhead Rock (11952843444).jpg — public domain
Worswick Hot Springs registers 180°F, making it one of Idaho's hottest publicly accessible thermal features. Located on Sawtooth National Forest land at 6,100 feet elevation in Camas County, the spring sits a short 191-foot walk from Carrie Creek Road near Fairfield. Water chemistry shows high alkalinity at pH 9.0 with sodium-dominant mineral content.
The spring occupies a high mountain valley in the Sawtooth National Forest, surrounded by sagebrush steppe and conifer-covered slopes at 6,100 feet. Annual snowfall exceeds 107 inches, and average air temperatures hover around 41°F, producing a stark 139-degree contrast between water and ambient conditions. Big Smoky Creek drains the area to the south, cutting through a broad valley floor flanked by the Soldier Mountains and the Smoky Mountains.
History of Worswick Hot Springs
The spring takes its name from an early settler family in the Camas Prairie region. Federal land records show continuous Forest Service management. No commercial development exists on site. The extreme water temperature has precluded the kind of casual soaking infrastructure seen at lower-temperature Idaho springs, leaving the feature in a largely natural state.
Summer and early fall provide the best access, as heavy snowfall closes many area roads from November through May. The 180°F water is dangerously hot and must not be entered directly. Bowns Campground, 8 km south along Big Smoky Creek, has 10 first-come, first-served sites with fire rings and seasonal water. Bring layers for cold mountain nights even in July.
Is Worswick Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Worswick Hot Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
22°Jan
23°Feb
30°Mar
35°Apr
44°May
56°Jun
67°Jul
66°Aug
56°Sep
41°Oct
29°Nov
19°Dec
Annual Precip: 22.9 inAnnual Snow: 107.0 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 19°F · Water 180°F · +161° contrast
JanuaryAir 22°F · Water 180°F · +158° contrast
FebruaryAir 23°F · Water 180°F · +157° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
187.7°F
(86.5°C)Measured Nov 03, 1983
Water ChemistrySampled 1983-11-03
The water at Worswick Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 9.0).
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 Worswick Hot Springs?
Worswick Hot Springs has a water temperature of 180°F (82°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Worswick Hot Springs located?
Worswick Hot Springs is located in Camas County, Idaho at 6,100 feet elevation, near Fairfield. Coordinates: 43.5630°N, 114.7980°W.
How do I get to Worswick Hot Springs?
Worswick Hot Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Carrie Creek Road (0.1 mi from the road).
Is Worswick Hot Springs free to visit?
Worswick Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Worswick Hot Springs?
Yes, Bowns Campground is located nearby (5.2 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Worswick Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.0 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Worswick Hot Springs?
The water at Worswick Hot Springs reaches 180°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 Worswick Hot Springs crowded?
Worswick Hot Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Worswick Hot Springs?
Essentials for Worswick 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
180°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp180°F (82°C)
Avg Air Temp41°F
Above Ambient+139°F
Perfect soaking weatherMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessShort Walk
Nearest RoadCarrie Creek Road
Distance to Road0.1 mi
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyUS Forest Service
DesignationNational Forest
UnitSawtooth National Forest
ManagerUS Forest Service
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
