Medicine (Sun River) Springs
Medicine Springs, also called Sun River Springs, flows at 86°F at 4,816 feet elevation in Teton County, Montana, near the boundary of the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex. The spring sits 207 meters from the nearest road and requires a short walk to reach. No water chemistry data has been published.
The spring emerges along the Sun River drainage on the east side of the Rocky Mountain Front, where the Great Plains meet abrupt limestone ridges. At 4,816 feet, the terrain transitions from dense conifer forest to subalpine meadow. Annual precipitation reaches 26 inches with over 103 inches of snow, building deep winter snowpack. The North Fork of the Sun River cuts through the surrounding country, and grizzly bear habitat extends throughout the drainage.
The "Medicine" name reflects a pattern common across Montana's front-range springs, where thermal waters carried spiritual significance for Indigenous peoples. Specific tribal use of this spring is not well documented in available records. The Sun River drainage served as a travel corridor between the plains and mountain passes for both Native groups and early explorers. Current status and any development history remain unclear from published sources.
Summer through early fall provides the safest access window, as over eight feet of annual snow closes many area roads by late October. Home Gulch Campground, a first-come-first-served site with 15 spots on the North Fork Sun River, sits about 10 km away and provides trout fishing access. Bear-proof food storage is mandatory in this area. Bring bear spray and check seasonal road closures before heading out.
Is Medicine (Sun River) Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
15 campsites along the North Fork of the Sun River. Good fishing for rainbow and westslope cutthroat trout. Hiking nearby on the Mortimer Gulch National Recreation Trail. Motorized and non-motorized boat access at the boat launch.Bears may frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers and remove all food from area after eating. Mandatory food storage is required.