Wild Horse Hot Springs
Wild Horse Hot Springs sits on the Flathead Reservation in Sanders County, Montana, near Plains, at 2,756 feet, one of the lower-elevation thermal sites in western Montana. Public access status is listed as unknown. The spring is just 12.9 meters from the nearest road, making it physically accessible but jurisdictionally restricted by tribal authority.
The spring occupies the low, wide valley of northwestern Montana where warm-season grasslands and scattered ponderosa pine transition into dense conifer forests on the surrounding hillsides. Annual precipitation is 20.6 inches with 52.9 inches of snow. The Flathead River system drains this portion of the reservation, and the town of Hot Springs lies roughly 2.5 miles away. The terrain is gentle, rolling, and significantly warmer than Montana's high-elevation thermal sites.
A well driller struck 128-degree-Fahrenheit water at this site in 1913, leading to development of a bathing facility originally called Camp Aqua Bath House. The name later changed to Wild Horse Hot Springs. The operation has featured private plunges with minimal additional amenities. The spring sits within the boundaries of the Flathead Reservation, and its status and availability may be subject to tribal management decisions.
Contact the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes or the facility operator directly before visiting, as access depends on current tribal policy and business operations. The elevation is low enough that the site remains reachable in winter, though roads may be icy. Big Hole Lookout, a reservable Forest Service fire tower, is 37.5 km away for those seeking a unique overnight stay in the region.
Is Wild Horse Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Overview The Big Hole Lookout offers guests an opportunity to experience an old-time Forest Service lookout. The tower commands an impressive 360 degree view of valleys and mountain ranges for miles and miles. The structure is small and is not elevated like many other lookouts, and is available for rent from June to early October each year. 2021 is the first year the lookout will be available to the public to rent. We are excited to offer this new, unique opportunity on the Plains/Thompson...