Outdoors NearbyJerry Johnson Hot Springs
A set of natural rock pools along Warm Springs Creek above the Lochsa River, including pools below a small waterfall and pools in a meadow. It sits on national forest land off US-12 and is open for daytime use only. You can soak at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs for free. Plan on hiking 1 mile each way to reach the water.
| Access | Free, public land Day use only, 6 am to 8 pm. No overnight camping at the springs; rangers cite people found there outside those hours. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring |
| Location | Lowell, ID Managed by USFS Nez Perce-Clearwater NF (Lochsa-Powell Ranger District) Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Hours | 6 am–8 pm daily (day use only) |
| Season | year-round |
| Reservations | not needed |
| Hike | 1 mile one way from Warm Springs Trailhead (US-12, milepost 152) Cross the Warm Springs pack bridge over the Lochsa River, turn right and follow Warm Springs Creek about a mile to the pools. |
| Parking | Small trailhead lot on US-12 near milepost 152; no fee listed |
| Camping | Jerry Johnson Campground (USFS) |
| Website | fs.usda.gov |
Best time to soak: Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Most people soak in the cooler months. From October to April average highs around Lowell stay at 34 to 57 °F, with nights down to 18 °F. Expect frost from November to March. Check road and trail conditions with the land manager before driving up.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35 °F | 19 °F | 3 |
| Feb | 39 °F | 20 °F | 3 |
| Mar | 49 °F | 25 °F | 4 |
| Apr | 56 °F | 31 °F | 3 |
| May | 66 °F | 38 °F | 5 |
| Jun | 73 °F | 45 °F | 5 |
| Jul | 84 °F | 50 °F | 3 |
| Aug | 82 °F | 48 °F | 3 |
| Sep | 72 °F | 40 °F | 3 |
| Oct | 57 °F | 31 °F | 3 |
| Nov | 43 °F | 23 °F | 4 |
| Dec | 34 °F | 18 °F | 4 |
More to do nearby
- Upper Sweathouse Falls (waterfall, 29 mi)
Pack for the hot springs
- Cold-day pick SUN CUBE hooded changing robe poncho Change in and out of a wet suit at a trailhead with no changing room, and stay warm after a winter soak. View on Amazon
- Earth Pak roll-top waterproof dry bag Keeps your phone, keys and dry clothes safe on wet rocks next to the pool. View on Amazon
- Battery-free floating water thermometer Check a pool before you get in. Natural springs can run hotter than they look. View on Amazon
We haven't tested these ourselves; we chose them by size and specs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Check the current price on Amazon.
More hot springs nearby
- Stanley Hot Springs Free
- Lolo Hot Springs Day pass
- Red River Hot Springs Day pass
- Quinn's Hot Springs Resort Day pass
- Barth Hot Springs Free
- Symes Hot Springs Hotel & Mineral Baths Day pass
- Wild Horse Hot Springs Day pass
- Burgdorf Hot Springs Day pass
Sources
Access, prices and rules come from these official pages, checked October 2026. Hot springs close for weather, repairs or high water, so confirm before you go.
Something changed? Tell us.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs free?
Yes. Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is on public land with no soaking fee; small trailhead lot on US-12 near milepost 152; no fee listed.
How long is the hike to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
1 mile one way from Warm Springs Trailhead (US-12, milepost 152). Cross the Warm Springs pack bridge over the Lochsa River, turn right and follow Warm Springs Creek about a mile to the pools.
When is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs open?
6 am–8 pm daily (day use only). year-round.
Can you camp near Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
Jerry Johnson Campground (USFS).