Gallogly Spring
Gallogly Spring discharges at 100°F on the Bitterroot National Forest in Ravalli County, Montana, at 5,728 feet elevation. The water runs 60.4°F above the local annual air temperature of 39.6°F. Federally managed and open to the public, it requires a short walk of roughly 269 meters from the nearest road.
The spring sits high in the Bitterroot Mountains of southwestern Montana, surrounded by dense conifer forest typical of the Bitterroot National Forest. At nearly 5,800 feet, the terrain is steep and heavily timbered, with the Bitterroot Range forming a dramatic north-south wall along the Montana-Idaho border. Annual snowfall reaches nearly 110 inches, blanketing the area from late fall through spring. The nearest town, Hamilton, lies in the broad Bitterroot Valley below, where the Bitterroot River flows northward.
The spring takes its name from a local family associated with the area's ranching and homesteading era, though specific documentation is limited. The Bitterroot Valley saw Salish people long before Euro-American settlement, and thermal features in the region were known to Indigenous groups. The Bitterroot National Forest, established in 1907, now administers the site. Indian Trees Campground, a Forest Service facility, sits 1.4 km away.
Visit between late June and September, after snowmelt clears access roads. Expect cold nights even in summer at this elevation. Bring layers and rain gear, as afternoon thunderstorms are common. No permits are required. Indian Trees Campground, 1.4 km away, accepts reservations and provides a base for exploring the area. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for forest roads.
Is Gallogly Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Overnight camping trips
- Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Overview Indian Trees Campground is a quiet place to stay 3/4 miles off of Highway 93 in the mountains of southwest Montana. It provides access to a number of enjoyable recreational activities, as well as the vast scenery of the rugged Bitterroot National Forest. The area boasts wild game, high quality water and wild and scenic rivers.Recreation Visitors enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. A number of trails can be accessed ne...