Valley Creek Hot Springs
Stanley, Idaho · on Valley Creek · Challis National Forest
Verified · 5 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- hot spring
- ACCESS
- Local spot, unofficial
- FEE
- Free
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Valley Creek Hot Springs
Valley Creek Hot Springs (also called Snake Pit or Sawtooth View Hot Springs) is an undeveloped natural hot spring soaking pool on the bank of Valley Creek, a short walk from downtown Stanley, Idaho. It sits just off Valley Creek Road near the Stanley Museum, reachable by a footbridge over the creek.
The spring sits in a small mountain basin where Valley Creek runs through grassy meadow near the edge of Stanley, with open views of the Sawtooth Mountains. It is close enough to town to be a quick stop rather than a backcountry destination, with a dirt access road passing the historic Stanley Museum before reaching a small parking area.
Swimming at Valley Creek Hot Springs
This is a soaking pool rather than a true swimming hole: a roughly circular pool about 20 feet across and 2-3 feet deep, formed where hot spring water mixes into the creek-side ground. The bottom is fine silt/mud that stirs up easily, and water temperature varies by spot, warm to lukewarm overall with some noticeably hotter bubbling areas near the source (measured up to 111F at the source itself). It suits soakers looking for a quiet, undeveloped hot spring rather than swimmers seeking a deep pool.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Stanley, drive north on Highway 75 about 0.7 miles, then turn left onto Valley Creek Road. Follow the dirt road past the Stanley Museum for roughly 0.3-0.4 miles to a small dirt parking area on the left (the road beyond is private and closed). From the parking area, cross a wooden footbridge over Valley Creek; the pool is immediately on the other side.
Parking: Small dirt parking lot at the trailhead; one source notes a hump at the entrance that can be difficult for low-clearance vehicles, with the option to park along the Valley Creek Road shoulder instead.
The hike in
- To the water
- about 0.05 mile one-way (roughly 0.1 mile round trip)
- Time on foot
- under 5 minutes each way
Difficulty: easy - flat, well under 5 minutes, but includes one footbridge crossing with no handrail
Trailhead: Small dirt parking area off Valley Creek Road, reached via the dirt road that also leads to the Stanley Museum, about 0.3-0.4 miles off Highway 75 just north of Stanley
No formal trail; this is a short informal walk/social path from the parking area, across a wooden footbridge over Valley Creek, directly to the pool on the far bank.
One trip report describes the whole visit (locating the unsigned bridge behind bushes, crossing, and soaking) as roughly 30 minutes or more depending on how long you stay in the water.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Pool is shallow (2-3 ft) with a soft, easily-stirred silty/muddy bottom, so drowning risk is low, but there is no railing on the access footbridge and a few unmapped spots in the pool run noticeably hotter (source measured up to 111F), so kids should be supervised and kept away from bubbling hot spots.
Parking
Free
Small unmarked dirt parking lot off the Stanley Museum access road on Valley Creek Road. One source notes a hump/rut at the lot entrance that can be difficult for low-clearance vehicles, in which case parking along the Valley Creek Road shoulder and walking in is an option. Free, no permit.
Restrooms
None on site
No restroom or toilet facilities at the parking area or at the springs themselves (confirmed by two independent trip reports); visitors are advised to plan ahead or use facilities in Stanley.
Water clarity
Varies with season and flow
Described by one source as clear, colorless water with a faint sulfur smell where it emerges, but the pool has a fine silt/mud bottom that clouds easily when disturbed by movement, so clarity within the soaking pool itself is inconsistent.
On the water
Restrictions: Not applicable on-site - this is a small 20-ft-across soaking pool, not a paddling destination.
No boating occurs at the hot spring itself. The closest developed watercraft access is Redfish Lake, about 5 miles south of Stanley, and the Salmon River, which runs through Stanley and is used for guided rafting/kayaking.
Rentals nearby
Single kayaks, double kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, and motorized boats (15hp outboard and 60hp touring boat) and pontoon boats, all self-rental by the hour
Prices: Single kayak $20/1hr, $55/4hr, $75/8hr; canoe $25/1hr, $60/4hr, $75/8hr; SUP $20/1hr, $65/4hr, $85/8hr; double kayak $30/1hr, $70/4hr, $90/8hr; paddle boat from $15/30min; motorboats from $55/1hr; pontoon boats priced by season
On the North Shore of Redfish Lake, directly in front of the historic Redfish Lake Lodge, about 5 miles south of Stanley · Peak season (Father's Day-Labor Day) 7am-8pm daily; shoulder season (May-early June, after Labor Day) 8am-7pm daily; closed mid-October through spring
Guided Salmon River trips out of Stanley: raft trips (Classic Raft Adventure, Thrill Seeker), inflatable kayak trips, and a mellow Scenic Float; equipment and guide included rather than bare rentals
710 Ace of Diamonds Street, Stanley, ID - in town, a short drive from Valley Creek Hot Springs
What regulars say
First-hand visitor accounts consistently describe it as a quiet, low-crowd, unsigned local spot popular partly because it's an easy walk from downtown Stanley.
Backstory
Also known locally as Snake Pit Hot Springs or Sawtooth View Hot Springs. A separate, privately run soaking pool operates nearby in a barn (associated with Mountain Village Resort) and requires reservation and payment, distinct from this free, undeveloped public pool.
Valley Creek Hot Springs: FAQ
Does Valley Creek Hot Springs charge a fee?
Free, no permit required.
Is Valley Creek Hot Springs kid friendly?
Pool is shallow (2-3 ft) with a soft, easily-stirred silty/muddy bottom, so drowning risk is low, but there is no railing on the access footbridge and a few unmapped spots in the pool run noticeably hotter (source measured up to 111F), so kids should be supervised and kept away from bubbling hot spots.
Do I need to hike to reach Valley Creek Hot Springs?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Valley Creek Hot Springs?
Small unmarked dirt parking lot off the Stanley Museum access road on Valley Creek Road. One source notes a hump/rut at the lot entrance that can be difficult for low-clearance vehicles, in which case parking along the Valley Creek Road shoulder and walking in is an option. Free, no permit.
When is the best time to visit Valley Creek Hot Springs?
Summer, fall, and winter are recommended; spring runoff in the region can complicate access to nearby springs.
What are the rules at Valley Creek Hot Springs?
Undeveloped hot spring with no official signage. Visitor-shared etiquette includes no soap, shampoo, or solvents (even biodegradable), no urination or defecation in the water, no glass or sharp items, pack out all trash, and Leave No Trace practices. Clothing is optional/not required by multiple accounts.
What water body is Valley Creek Hot Springs on?
Valley Creek Hot Springs is on Valley Creek, a natural hot spring verified in USGS hydrography data.
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