Green Springs
Green Springs flows at 79°F on the Flathead Reservation in Sanders County, Montana, at 2,813 feet — one of the lower-elevation thermal features in the state. The water sits 31.6°F above ambient temperature. Located just 39 meters from Cottonwood Creek Road, it is essentially roadside. Public access is unknown; the spring is on tribal land managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
The spring occupies the broad, low-elevation valley carved by the Clark Fork and Flathead rivers in western Montana, near the town of Plains. At under 2,900 feet, the surrounding landscape is drier and warmer than Montana's mountain interior, with ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and western larch dominating the timbered slopes. Cottonwood Creek runs through open grassland and scattered forest. Annual precipitation averages 22.5 inches, with about 59 inches of snow — moderate by Montana standards.
The spring's name likely references mineral deposits or algae coloring the outflow. It lies within the boundaries of the Flathead Reservation, homeland of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, who have inhabited this region for thousands of years. Thermal features on the reservation hold cultural significance. Specific historical documentation about development or traditional use of this particular spring is limited in publicly available records. The spring remains in an undeveloped state.
Visitors must contact the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to confirm whether access is permitted and whether a tribal recreation permit is required. Do not visit without authorization. If access is granted, the roadside location makes the spring easy to reach year-round, though winter conditions can make Cottonwood Creek Road difficult. Cascade Campground on the Clark Fork, about 21 km away, has 11 sites and accepts reservations.
Is Green Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Overview Scenic BywayClark Fork RiverIron Mountain TrailheadCascade FallsWildlifeDouglas-fir, ponderosa pine, and western larch treesRecreation CampingHikingFishingRaftingBoatingFacilities Cascade Campground has 11 sites plus 1 group site that are back in only and can accommodate RV's 27' to 35' in length depending on the site. All sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. A primitive boat ramp is available on Clark Fork River across the highway from the campground. Potable water, vault to...