Weir Creek Hot Springs
Near Elk Summit, Idaho · Clearwater National Forest
Verified · 5 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- hot spring
- ACCESS
- Local spot, unofficial
- FEE
- Free
- SEASON
- Spring
About Weir Creek Hot Springs
Weir Creek Hot Springs is an undeveloped, forest-fed geothermal soaking site in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest (formerly mapped as Clearwater NF) along US Highway 12 in northern Idaho, roughly between Kooskia, ID and Missoula, MT. A short trail off the highway leads to a small cluster of volunteer-built rock pools fed by hot water emerging along Weir Creek. It is one of several popular roadside hot springs along the Lochsa River corridor, alongside Jerry Johnson and Stanley Hot Springs.
The springs sit in a narrow, cedar-forested canyon along Weir Creek just south of US-12, at roughly 2,900 feet elevation, with the creek running below the main soaking pool and a steep, root-covered hillside trail connecting the highway pull-out to the pools.
Swimming at Weir Creek Hot Springs
This is a soaking spot rather than a swimming hole: a handful of small rock-and-gravel-lined pools built into the hillside hold geothermally heated water in the 100-105F range (source water reportedly closer to 118F before cooling), with a main pool large enough for about ten people perched on a ledge overlooking the creek, plus smaller, cooler pools nearer the water. The creek itself runs warm and shallow near the springs and is described as good for casual wading/splashing rather than true swimming.
How to get to this swimming hole
Park at a small gravel pull-out on the south side of US Highway 12 near milepost 142-143 (roughly 68-76 miles from Kooskia, ID or Missoula, MT), then hike about 0.7 miles up along Weir Creek to reach the pools.
Parking: Small, informal gravel pull-out along US-12; capacity is limited and multiple sources note it fills during peak summer visitation.
The hike in
- To the water
- about 0.7 miles one-way from the US-12 pull-out
Difficulty: moderate - short overall distance but steep in places with narrow, rocky footing and slick/muddy creek crossings; conditions worsen substantially when wet or icy
Trailhead: Small gravel pull-out on the south side of US-12 near milepost 142 (also cited as 142.1); this pull-out is the trailhead itself, not a signed/named trailhead facility.
This is a short, unnamed spur trail dedicated to reaching the springs (not a segment of a longer named through-trail); it is a well-traveled route, with hundreds of hikers having logged and reviewed it.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
The only access is a 0.7-mile trail with steep, slick, root/rock-covered sections and slippery creek crossings, and the soaking pools themselves sit on slippery rock ledges above the creek with no lifeguards or barriers, manageable for sure-footed older kids in river shoes but not a toddler-friendly or casual-stroll spot.
Parking
Free
Free small gravel pull-out on the south side of US Highway 12 near milepost 142-142.1 (roughly 68-76 miles from Kooskia, ID or Missoula, MT); capacity is limited to a handful of vehicles and multiple sources recommend arriving early since it fills during peak summer visitation.
Water clarity
Clear
findinghotsprings.com describes the soaking-pool water as 'clear and warm' at 100-104F; no source specifically addressed clarity of the adjacent Weir Creek itself, e.g. during spring runoff.
Hours
No set park/forest hours; one source (hotspringslocator.com) states the immediate springs area is closed to overnight use from 8pm-6am daily, but this was not corroborated elsewhere.
On the water
Not a boatable site - this is a small, shallow, non-navigable creek with rock-lined soaking pools rather than open water. hotspringslocator.com notes kayaking is available regionally on the nearby Lochsa River, but not at Weir Creek itself.
Backstory
One source states the springs have long been known to regional Native American tribes for their reputed therapeutic properties, though no citation for this claim was located beyond that guide site.
Weir Creek Hot Springs: FAQ
Does Weir Creek Hot Springs charge a fee?
Free; no permits or day-use fees reported.
Is Weir Creek Hot Springs kid friendly?
The only access is a 0.7-mile trail with steep, slick, root/rock-covered sections and slippery creek crossings, and the soaking pools themselves sit on slippery rock ledges above the creek with no lifeguards or barriers, manageable for sure-footed older kids in river shoes but not a toddler-friendly or casual-stroll spot.
How hard is the hike to Weir Creek Hot Springs?
A hike is required, about about 0.7 miles one-way from the US-12 pull-out to the water. Wear real shoes, since approaches to natural swim spots are often rocky or rooty.
Where do I park for Weir Creek Hot Springs?
Free small gravel pull-out on the south side of US Highway 12 near milepost 142-142.1 (roughly 68-76 miles from Kooskia, ID or Missoula, MT); capacity is limited to a handful of vehicles and multiple sources recommend arriving early since it fills during peak summer visitation.
When is the best time to visit Weir Creek Hot Springs?
Late spring through fall is most commonly recommended; the trail and pools remain reachable in winter but ice and snow make the steep approach considerably more hazardous.
What are the rules at Weir Creek Hot Springs?
Located on Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest land: day-use, glass containers prohibited, clothing optional at the pools, pets allowed on leash near the water but not in the springs themselves, and camping directly at the springs is discouraged in favor of designated dispersed sites or nearby campgrounds (Colgate, Jerry Johnson).
More swimming holes near Elk Summit
★ Top verifiedJerry Johnson Hot Springs
Elk Summit, Idahohot spring
🥾 1.3 mi hike⛺
Lake Como Beach Swimming Site
Darby, Montanareservoir
⛺🛶🏄🚤
Pink House Recreation Site
Orofino, Idahoriver
⛺🛶🚤🛟
Nimrod Hot Springs
Byrne, Montanahot spring
🥾 0.5 mi hike⛺
Skookumchuck Recreation Site
White Bird, Idahoriver
Seeley Lake Campground
Seeley Lake, Montanalake
⛺🛶🚤