At 140°F, the source water at Jardine Hot Spring 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.
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Jardine Hot Spring emerges at 140°F near Salmon at 6,480 feet elevation in the Beaverhead Mountains along the Montana-Idaho border. The water is chemically neutral at pH 7.0, with high sodium content (230 mg/L) and moderate sulfate (45 mg/L). Access requires a short walk of 382 meters from Spring Street. The spring runs 103.1°F above the annual ambient air temperature of 36.9°F.
The spring sits high in the rugged Beaverhead Mountains, where the Continental Divide forms the Montana-Idaho border. At 6,480 feet, the terrain is steep and forested with lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, and subalpine fir. The town of Salmon lies in the valley below along the Salmon River. Annual snowfall reaches 88 inches, and the average annual temperature is just 36.9°F, making this one of the colder settings for a hot spring in the region. Surrounding peaks exceed 9,000 feet.
History of Jardine Hot Spring
The spring is named for the Jardine family or associated mining claims in the area. The Beaverhead Mountains saw extensive placer and hard-rock mining in the late 1800s, and many thermal features were noted during geological surveys of that era. Twin Lakes Cabin, built in the 1920s for Forest Service trail crews and smoke chasers, sits 22.6 km away. Detailed historical documentation specific to this spring is limited in publicly available sources.
Visit between July and September; snow typically blocks high-elevation access roads before and after this window. At 6,480 feet with sub-37°F annual temperatures, nights are cold even in midsummer — bring warm layers. The 140°F source is dangerously hot; approach with caution. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Twin Lakes Cabin, reservable through Recreation.gov, provides a nearby overnight option during vehicle-accessible months.
Is Jardine Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Jardine Hot Spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
18°Jan
19°Feb
27°Mar
33°Apr
42°May
52°Jun
62°Jul
62°Aug
52°Sep
37°Oct
24°Nov
15°Dec
Annual Precip: 20.0 inAnnual Snow: 88.0 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 15°F · Water 140°F · +125° contrast
JanuaryAir 18°F · Water 140°F · +122° contrast
FebruaryAir 19°F · Water 140°F · +121° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than August
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
134.6°F
(57.0°C)Measured Feb 07, 1983
Water ChemistrySampled 1983-02-07
The water at Jardine Hot Spring is neutral (pH 7.0).
Overview
Twin Lakes Cabin is located in a scenic evergreen forest in the Beaverhead Mountains of western Montana. It was built in the 1920s to provide housing for trail crews, smoke chasers, timber cruisers and grazing inspectors who worked in the area.
Guests have access to a number of recreational opportunities, including hiking and mountain biking in the summer and fall, and snowmobiling, snowshoeing and
cross-country skiing during the winter.
The cabin is accessible by vehicle du...
What is the water temperature at Jardine Hot Spring?
Jardine Hot Spring has a water temperature of 140°F (60°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Jardine Hot Spring located?
Jardine Hot Spring is located in Lemhi County, Montana at 6,480 feet elevation, near Salmon. Coordinates: 45.3680°N, 113.4030°W.
How do I get to Jardine Hot Spring?
Jardine Hot Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Spring Street (0.2 mi from the road).
Can I camp near Jardine Hot Spring?
Yes, Twin Lakes Cabin (Mt) is located nearby (14.0 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Jardine Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 7.0 (neutral).
Is it safe to soak at Jardine Hot Spring?
At 140°F, Jardine Hot Spring is hot enough to require caution. Enter slowly, limit soaking sessions to 15–20 minutes, and stay hydrated. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Jardine Hot Spring crowded?
Jardine Hot Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Jardine Hot Spring?
Essentials for Jardine Hot Spring: 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.
