At 163°F, the source water at Silver Star Hot Springs 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.
Silver Star Hot Springs registers 163 degrees Fahrenheit, confirmed by USGS at 72.7 degrees Celsius, making it one of Montana's hottest natural thermal discharges. The spring sits at 4,667 feet elevation in Jefferson County and requires a 500-meter walk from Ridge Road, classified as short-walk access near Whitehall.
The spring emerges in the foothills of the Highland Mountains at 4,667 feet, where dry grassland and scattered juniper give way to denser conifer forest at higher elevations. The Jefferson River valley spreads below to the north. Annual precipitation averages 19 inches with 55.6 inches of snow, and the average air temperature of 43.8 degrees Fahrenheit means the spring runs a striking 119.2 degrees above ambient conditions. Ridge Road provides the nearest vehicle access across open, rolling terrain.
History of Silver Star Hot Springs
Silver Star Hot Springs draws its name from the small community of Silver Star, itself named for a nearby silver mine active during the late 1800s. The thermal feature was documented in the 1980 NOAA/NCEI survey. The extremely high water temperature has limited historical recreational use. Hells Canyon Guard Station, a log cabin built in 1906 and donated to the Forest Service in 1910, sits 10.1 kilometers away and is available as a reservable rental.
Extreme caution is required: water at 163 degrees Fahrenheit causes immediate scalding. This spring is not suitable for soaking at the source. The 500-meter walk from Ridge Road crosses open terrain without formal trails. Visit from June through October when access roads are clear of snow. Hells Canyon Guard Station, 10.1 kilometers away, provides rustic overnight lodging and serves as a base for exploring the Highland Mountains.
Is Silver Star Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Silver Star Hot Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
22°Jan
22°Feb
32°Mar
41°Apr
51°May
61°Jun
71°Jul
70°Aug
60°Sep
44°Oct
31°Nov
20°Dec
Annual Precip: 19.0 inAnnual Snow: 55.6 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 20°F · Water 163°F · +143° contrast
JanuaryAir 22°F · Water 163°F · +141° contrast
FebruaryAir 22°F · Water 163°F · +141° contrast
December offers 51°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
162.9°F
(72.7°C)Measured Jun 21, 1977
Water ChemistrySampled 1977-06-21
The water at Silver Star Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.6).
Overview
Hells Canyon Guard Station is a quaint log cabin located in the Highland Mountains of Montana's Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. It is most often used as a base
camp by hunters and hikers. The area is replete with wildlife and provides access to scenic mountain views, as well as plentiful opportunities for recreation.
It was originally built in 1906 and used as a line cabin for ranchers before being donated to the Forest Service in 1910. The Forest Service has used the cabin...
What is the water temperature at Silver Star Hot Springs?
Silver Star Hot Springs has a water temperature of 163°F (73°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Silver Star Hot Springs located?
Silver Star Hot Springs is located in Jefferson County, Montana at 4,667 feet elevation, near Whitehall. Coordinates: 45.6850°N, 112.2950°W.
How do I get to Silver Star Hot Springs?
Silver Star Hot Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Ridge Road (0.3 mi from the road).
Can I camp near Silver Star Hot Springs?
Yes, Hells Canyon Guard Station is located nearby (6.3 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Silver Star Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 7.6 (slightly alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Silver Star Hot Springs?
The water at Silver Star Hot Springs reaches 163°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. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Silver Star Hot Springs crowded?
Silver Star Hot Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Silver Star Hot Springs?
Essentials for Silver Star Hot Springs: 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.