Nimrod Springs
Nimrod Springs flows at 70°F with hard, sulfate-rich water carrying 323 mg/L sulfate and 137 mg/L calcium at near-neutral pH 7.8. OpenStreetMap lists it as Nimrod Warm Springs, reflecting its modest temperature. Located at 3,920 feet in Missoula County near Clinton, the spring sits 91 meters from the road with roadside access.
The spring occupies the Clark Fork River valley in western Montana at one of the lower elevations among the state's thermal features. The Clark Fork corridor is broad and flat here, flanked by forested mountains on both sides. Annual precipitation is 21.5 inches with about 69 inches of snow, sustaining mixed conifer forests on the valley slopes while the bottomlands support cottonwood, willow, and irrigated pasture. Interstate 90 follows the valley nearby, connecting Missoula to the east.
The Nimrod name appears on several geographic features in this section of Missoula County, though its specific origin for this spring is not well documented. The Clark Fork valley served as a major transportation corridor from the earliest periods of Euro-American settlement, with mining and timber driving development. The spring's proximity to the main valley route suggests it was well known to early travelers and settlers.
Roadside access and low elevation make Nimrod Springs reachable year-round, though the 70°F water temperature provides marginal warmth even in summer. The mineral-heavy water with over 300 mg/L sulfate may have a noticeable taste and smell. Clinton sits along Interstate 90, making this an easy stop between Missoula and points east. Douglas Creek Cabin, a reservable Forest Service rental, is located 34 km away for those seeking a more remote overnight stay.
Is Nimrod Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Nimrod Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.8). It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief), and sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation).
Overview Douglas Creek Cabin offers a great way to access the various seasonal activities available in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in western Montana. While hunting enthusiasts enjoy the cabin during bow and rifle seasons, it is popular for snowmobiling or cross-country skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. The cabin is in a very remote location, giving anyone an outdoor recreational experience they will never forget.Access to the cabin is limited by weather conditions....