File:Byron R. Sherman House 05.JPG — cc by-sa 3.0
White Sulphur Springs flows at 136 degrees Fahrenheit in the town that bears its name, the county seat of Meagher County, Montana. USGS measurements record 48 degrees Celsius with near-neutral pH of 6.9. The water carries 480 mg/L sodium and 300 mg/L sulfate, reflecting deep geothermal circulation. It sits just 16.1 meters from South Central Avenue.
At 5,040 feet elevation, the spring occupies the broad Smith River valley of central Montana, surrounded by the Big Belt, Castle, and Little Belt mountain ranges. The valley floor is open grassland and irrigated hay fields, with cottonwood-lined creek bottoms. Annual precipitation averages 17.5 inches with 56.3 inches of snow. The Smith River, a prized float-fishing waterway, drains northward through the valley a short distance from town.
History of White Sulphur Springs
The Crow and other Indigenous peoples are known to have used these thermal waters before Euro-American contact. The town was established in 1866 when James Brewer built the first bathhouse. A grand resort hotel, The Springs, operated in the late 1800s and drew visitors from across the territory. Today, the springs feed a small commercial spa facility in town, continuing a bathing tradition spanning more than 150 years.
The spring is accessible year-round in the center of town. A commercial spa operates on-site with soaking tubs fed by the thermal water; check hours and fees before visiting. Summers bring warm days and cool nights, while winters are cold with frequent sub-zero stretches. The Smith River float season runs May through July and pairs well with a soak. Thompson Guard Station, a reservable Forest Service cabin, sits 23.8 km away.
Is White Sulphur Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
- Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
White Sulphur Springs offers an accessible hot spring experience — great for a day trip.
Annual Precip: 17.5 in
Annual Snow: 56.3 in
December
Air 18°F · Water 136°F · +118° contrast
January
Air 20°F · Water 136°F · +117° contrast
February
Air 19°F · Water 136°F · +117° contrast
December offers 48°F more contrast than July
Recent Temperature
118.4°F
(48.0°C)
Measured Aug 20, 1978
The water at White Sulphur Springs is neutral (pH 6.9). It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation), and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
May support bone density and joint health
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Overview
Thompson Guard Station is located in the Big Belt Mountain Range in Helena National Forest. Historical records indicate that the guard station was built in 1954 for
rangers in the district, but it may have been used as a cookhouse for a Civilian Conservation Corps camp prior to that date. In later years, engineering and road
maintenance crews used the cabin as lodging.
Today, the cabin is a rustic getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in west-central Montana. It is...
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Warm layers
Cold air before and after soaking
Camping gear
Nearby camping at Thompson Guard Station
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
Water shoes
Hot ground near source
0 miles from White Sulphur Springs, MT
USGS Quad: WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS 7.5 · PP 492: 24.0 · NOAA: 1.0 · AMS Map: WHITE SULPHUR
What is the water temperature at White Sulphur Springs?
White Sulphur Springs has a water temperature of 136°F (58°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is White Sulphur Springs located?
White Sulphur Springs is located in Meagher County, Montana at 5,040 feet elevation, near White Sulphur Springs. Coordinates: 46.5470°N, 110.9030°W.
How do I get to White Sulphur Springs?
White Sulphur Springs has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being South Central Avenue (53 ft from the road).
Can I camp near White Sulphur Springs?
Yes, Thompson Guard Station is located nearby (14.8 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at White Sulphur Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 6.9 (neutral).
Is it safe to soak at White Sulphur Springs?
At 136°F, White Sulphur Springs 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 White Sulphur Springs crowded?
White Sulphur Springs 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 White Sulphur Springs?
Essentials for White Sulphur 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.