South Black Willow Spring
South Black Willow Spring flows at 71°F on BLM land in Idaho's Canyon County, emerging at 2,315 feet elevation near the Oregon border town of Parma. The spring requires a 154-meter walk from the nearest road, running 15 degrees above the surrounding desert air.
The spring emerges in high desert terrain at 2,315 feet, where sagebrush and scattered black willow mark water sources in the arid landscape. Annual precipitation totals just 10.2 inches with minimal snow. The area shows characteristic BLM rangeland patterns, with cattle grazing evident. The Snake River plain lies to the north while the Owyhee uplands rise southward. Basalt geology underlies the region.
The Black Willow designation references the scattered riparian trees that mark springs in this desert landscape. The South prefix distinguishes this from other nearby thermal features. BLM records show the spring as undeveloped public land. No commercial development or documented Indigenous use appears in available records. Current status is open-access range spring.
The 154-meter walk from road is straightforward across open terrain. Best visiting is April through early June or September through October when desert temperatures are moderate. Summer air temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Winter access is possible but offers little appeal. No developed camping exists nearby. The modest temperature and remote location limit casual visitation.