Gregson Hot Springs
Gregson Hot Springs, also known as Fairmont Hot Springs, discharges at 158°F — among the hottest thermal features in Montana. The water has an alkaline pH of 8.5 and is sodium-sulfate dominant, with 190 mg/L sulfate and 180 mg/L sodium. Located roadside at 5,137 feet elevation in Deer Lodge County, the spring sits just 6.6 meters from the nearest road.
The spring rises in the upper Clark Fork River valley between the Pintler Mountains to the south and the Flint Creek Range to the north, near the town of Warm Springs. At 5,137 feet, the terrain is open rangeland and irrigated hay meadows typical of Montana's broad intermountain basins. Annual precipitation is 21 inches, with 70 inches of snowfall. The Continental Divide runs along the peaks to the southwest. Interstate 90 passes through the valley, making the area one of western Montana's more accessible corridors.
The springs were named for Gregson, an early settler, and have been commercially developed since the late 1800s. The mineral water was historically promoted for treating rheumatism and arthritis. The site operates today as Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, a large commercial facility with pools, waterslides, and lodging. High Rye Cabin, a 1919-era CCC structure in the nearby Fleecer Mountains, is available as a Forest Service rental 5.6 km away.
Gregson Hot Springs is a commercially operated resort (Fairmont Hot Springs). Check current hours, admission fees, and reservation availability before visiting. The resort is open year-round and accessible via Interstate 90. Winter travel is straightforward on the interstate. No backcountry preparation is needed. For a more rustic experience, High Rye Cabin in the Fleecer Mountains is reservable through Recreation.gov.
Is Gregson Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking
The water at Gregson Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 8.5).
Overview High Rye Cabin is a quaint place to stay, ideally situated for exploring the northern Fleecer Mountains. An abundance of recreational activities are available in this scenic area. The cabin was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps around 1919 and is located in the historic mining district of German Gulch. It was used as an administrative site until the 1940s, when it was opened to the public. The cabin can be accessed by vehicle; however, during the fall, alternative resourc...