Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Near Elk Summit, Idaho · Clearwater National Forest
Verified · 5 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- hot spring
- ACCESS
- Local spot, unofficial
- FEE
- Yes, see below
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is a well-known, undeveloped geothermal soaking area on Warm Springs Creek in the Clearwater National Forest (part of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests), reached by a roughly 1.3-mile trail from a US Highway 12 pullout near the Lochsa River. Part hot spring and part creekside swimming hole, it is one of the most popular dispersed hot springs in Idaho, with multiple natural pools of varying temperature fed by geothermal sources.
The springs sit along Warm Springs Creek in forested, mountainous terrain of the Clearwater National Forest near the Idaho-Montana border, just off the Lochsa River corridor along US Highway 12. The trail crosses the Lochsa River on a wooden suspension bridge before following the creek upstream to the pools.
Swimming at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Soaking rather than swimming is the primary activity: multiple natural pools of differing size and temperature form along the creek. A cliffside area near the source runs very hot (reported around 115°F) and can be submerged during spring runoff; shallower riverside pools sit right along the creek; and a larger, deeper 'Big Pool' can hold around ten people and offers cooler, clearer water with meadow views. Suits soakers looking for a rustic hot-springs experience rather than lap or recreational swimming.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Missoula, Montana, travel south on US Highway 12 (about 65 miles / 1.5 hours) to a trailhead parking pullout between mile markers 152-153, then hike the Warm Springs Trail roughly 1.3 miles, crossing a suspension bridge over the Lochsa River, to reach the springs.
Parking: Large roadside pullout at the trailhead off US-12 with limited spaces; fills up on busy days.
The hike in
Warm Springs Trail (Trail #49), also called the Warm Springs Pack Trail
- To the water
- about 1.3 miles one-way (2.6 miles round trip)
- Time on foot
- Roughly 30-45 minutes each way at a casual pace.
Difficulty: Relatively easy overall (mostly flat with a few inclined stretches) for reaching the general pool area, but the final approach down to the hottest cliffside source pools is a steep, slippery dirt spur.
Trailhead: Warm Springs Trailhead, a roadside pullout on US Highway 12 between mile markers 152-153, about 65 miles / 1.5 hours south of Missoula, MT (approx. 46.4657, -114.8837).
The springs sit at roughly the 1.3-mile point along the Warm Springs Trail/Pack Trail, which continues further upstream past the pools; the hike to the soaking pools themselves is the full round-trip most visitors do.
The trail crosses the Lochsa River on a wooden suspension bridge shortly after the trailhead before following Warm Springs Creek upstream to the pools. Icy conditions in winter (microspikes recommended) and spring runoff can make rocks slick or submerge lower pools.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
The shallow riverside pools and the larger 'Big Pool' are gentle enough for kids, but the trail down to the hottest cliffside source pools is described as a steep, slippery dirt path, and the pools sit right along a creek/river with slick, algae-covered rocks. Fine for families who stick to the easier pools and watch footing, not ideal for toddlers or unsupervised kids near the steeper cliffside area.
Parking
Free
Large gravel/dirt roadside pullout on US Highway 12 between mile markers 152-153 (Warm Springs Trailhead #49). Free, no day-use fee, but limited spaces that fill up on busy summer weekends; arriving before ~9 AM improves odds of finding a spot.
Restrooms
Yes
One pit toilet located at the trailhead parking pullout; no facilities at the pools themselves.
Water clarity
Mostly clear
Described by a first-hand visitor account as clear to semi-clear across the pool system overall, with the larger, cooler 'Big Pool' specifically noted as very clear; clarity can vary pool to pool and worsens during spring runoff when the creek runs high.
Hours
Day-use only, roughly 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM; no overnight camping or use permitted at the springs.
On the water
Restrictions: Warm Springs Creek at the soaking pools is a small, non-navigable creek; no watercraft use is documented or practical there. The adjacent Lochsa River corridor is a designated Wild and Scenic river running Class III-IV whitewater near this stretch (per American Whitewater's Idaho river list), which is advanced kayaking/rafting terrain rather than a casual canoe/paddleboard/rental spot.
American Whitewater notes only a handful of licensed commercial outfitters run the Lochsa at all, reflecting its advanced/expert character rather than recreational rental use.
What regulars say
Visitors describe the Lochsa River highway pullout as busy and often full on peak summer days, with early arrival (before about 9 AM) recommended to get parking and have the pools to yourself. The steep dirt path down to the cliffside source pools is repeatedly flagged as slippery, and winter visitors are advised to bring microspikes for icy trail sections. Fall is frequently cited as offering the best balance of comfortable water levels and thinner crowds.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs: FAQ
Does Jerry Johnson Hot Springs charge a fee?
No day-use fee reported.
Is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs kid friendly?
The shallow riverside pools and the larger 'Big Pool' are gentle enough for kids, but the trail down to the hottest cliffside source pools is described as a steep, slippery dirt path, and the pools sit right along a creek/river with slick, algae-covered rocks. Fine for families who stick to the easier pools and watch footing, not ideal for toddlers or unsupervised kids near the steeper cliffside area.
How hard is the hike to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
A hike is required, about about 1.3 miles one-way (2.6 miles round trip) to the water (roughly 30-45 minutes each way at a casual pace.). Wear real shoes, since approaches to natural swim spots are often rocky or rooty.
Where do I park for Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
Large gravel/dirt roadside pullout on US Highway 12 between mile markers 152-153 (Warm Springs Trailhead #49). Free, no day-use fee, but limited spaces that fill up on busy summer weekends; arriving before ~9 AM improves odds of finding a spot.
When is the best time to visit Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
Late summer and fall recommended for the best pool conditions; accessible year-round but spring high water can submerge some pools and winter brings icy trail conditions.
What are the rules at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
Day-use only, reported hours roughly 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM; no overnight camping at the springs themselves.
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