At 154°F, the source water at Laduke (Corwin) 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.
File:Devils Slide (8037171934).jpg — cc by 2.0
LaDuke Hot Spring, also called Corwin Hot Spring, discharges at 154°F on the Gallatin National Forest in Gallatin County, Montana. At 5,160 feet elevation and just 78 meters from the road, it is effectively roadside. The water runs a dramatic 112.5°F above the ambient annual temperature of 41.5°F. The site is federally managed and open to the public.
The spring lies in the Yellowstone River canyon between Gardiner and Mammoth Hot Springs, in the gateway corridor to Yellowstone National Park. Steep canyon walls of Precambrian metamorphic rock and Paleozoic sedimentary layers frame the narrow valley. At 5,160 feet, the vegetation transitions from sagebrush-grassland on south-facing slopes to Douglas-fir on north aspects. Annual snowfall exceeds 118 inches, and the Yellowstone River runs within earshot. The Absaroka Range rises to the east, the Gallatin Range to the west.
History of Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring
The dual name reflects two historical figures: LaDuke and Corwin, both associated with early settlement in the Yellowstone gateway region. The spring has been known since the 1800s and was noted in early geological surveys of the Yellowstone area. It sits on Gallatin National Forest land immediately north of the Yellowstone National Park boundary. Eagle Creek Campground, 9 km away on Jardine Road above Gardiner, has 20 sites at 6,100 feet elevation overlooking park peaks.
The spring is accessible year-round via Highway 89 between Livingston and Gardiner. The 154°F source temperature is extremely dangerous — do not touch or enter the outflow. Winter driving on Highway 89 can be challenging; check conditions. Eagle Creek Campground near Gardiner accepts reservations and makes a practical base. Combine a visit with Yellowstone National Park, whose north entrance at Gardiner is minutes away.
Is Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Easy day trips
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and easy day trips.
Monthly Climate
21°Jan
23°Feb
32°Mar
38°Apr
46°May
58°Jun
68°Jul
66°Aug
57°Sep
41°Oct
28°Nov
19°Dec
Annual Precip: 25.5 inAnnual Snow: 118.5 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 19°F · Water 154°F · +135° contrast
JanuaryAir 21°F · Water 154°F · +133° contrast
FebruaryAir 23°F · Water 154°F · +131° contrast
December offers 49°F more contrast than July
Nearby Camping
Eagle Creek Campground Custer Gallatin National Forest5.6 mi away
Overview
Eagle Creek Campground is located 2 miles northeast of the town of Gardiner on Jardine Road and approximately 55 miles south of the city of Livingston along scenic HWY 89 S. At an elevation of 6100 feet, the campground overlooks Yellowstone National Park's majestic peaks. This 20-site campground has gravel roads with unpaved sites that accommodate a maximum of 48’ RVs. The Yellowstone River Trailhead is also located within this campground. Vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables,...
What is the water temperature at Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring?
Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring has a water temperature of 154°F (68°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring located?
Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring is located in Gallatin County, Montana at 5,160 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 45.0900°N, 110.7740°W.
How do I get to Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring?
Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring has Roadside road access (256 ft from the road).
Is Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring free to visit?
Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring?
Yes, Eagle Creek Campground Custer Gallatin National Forest is located nearby (5.6 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring?
The water at Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring reaches 154°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 Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring crowded?
Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring is accessible from a paved road, making it easy to reach. Weekends and holidays may be busier — consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience.
What should I bring to Laduke (Corwin) Hot Spring?
Essentials for Laduke (Corwin) 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.
Temperature
154°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp154°F (68°C)
Avg Air Temp42°F
Above Ambient+113°F
Perfect soaking weatherMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessRoadside
Distance to Road256 ft
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyUS Forest Service
DesignationNational Forest
UnitGallatin National Forest
ManagerUS Forest Service
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
