Outdoors NearbyStanley Hot Springs
A series of rock-lined pools on Huckleberry Creek inside the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Getting there means a roughly five-mile hike from the Wilderness Gateway Campground on US-12. Stanley Hot Springs is on public land and free to visit. Expect a 5-mile walk each way.
| Access | Free, public land Free backcountry springs in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, reached only on foot or horseback. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring |
| Location | Lowell, ID Managed by USFS Nez Perce-Clearwater NF (Lochsa-Powell Ranger District) Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Water | 120 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980) |
| Season | Best in late spring, summer or early winter; high water on Boulder Creek can make spring trips harder |
| Hike | 5 miles one way from Wilderness Gateway Campground (Trail 211) Follow Trail 211 up Boulder Creek about five miles, then continue up Huckleberry Creek to the pools. |
| Camping | Wilderness Gateway Campground (USFS, US-12 milepost 122.5) (5 mi) |
Best time to soak: Stanley Hot Springs
Soaking feels best when the air is cool. From November to March average highs near Lowell stay at 38 to 54 °F, with nights down to 29 °F. Freezing nights from December to February mean icy steps and possible road closures; traction for your shoes helps. From July to August highs reach 92 °F. Take breaks out of the water and bring plenty to drink on summer days. January is the wettest month with about 12 days of rain or snow, and creekside springs can flood or cool down after heavy runoff.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 40 °F | 29 °F | 12 |
| Feb | 44 °F | 30 °F | 10 |
| Mar | 54 °F | 34 °F | 12 |
| Apr | 63 °F | 38 °F | 10 |
| May | 72 °F | 44 °F | 9 |
| Jun | 79 °F | 50 °F | 7 |
| Jul | 92 °F | 55 °F | 1 |
| Aug | 92 °F | 54 °F | 2 |
| Sep | 79 °F | 48 °F | 4 |
| Oct | 61 °F | 40 °F | 9 |
| Nov | 46 °F | 33 °F | 11 |
| Dec | 38 °F | 29 °F | 11 |
More to do nearby
- Selway Falls (waterfall, 18 mi)
Pack for the hot springs
- Top pick 4Monster quick-dry microfiber towel with case Packs small for the hike to the pools and dries in the car on the way home. View on Amazon
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Illustration SIMARI quick-dry water shoes for women and men Grip on slick rock and gravel pool bottoms, and they dry fast on the walk out. View on Amazon - 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
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.
Hot springs in the area
- Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Free
- Red River Hot Springs Day pass
- Lolo Hot Springs Day pass
- Barth Hot Springs Free
- Quinn's Hot Springs Resort Day pass
- Burgdorf Hot Springs Day pass
- Symes Hot Springs Hotel & Mineral Baths Day pass
- Wild Horse Hot Springs Day pass
Waterfalls nearby
- Selway Falls (18 mi)
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.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Stanley Hot Springs cost?
Yes. Stanley Hot Springs is on public land with no soaking fee.
How hot is Stanley Hot Springs?
120 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980). Pool temperatures are usually lower than at the source and change with the season.
How long is the hike to Stanley Hot Springs?
5 miles one way from Wilderness Gateway Campground (Trail 211). Follow Trail 211 up Boulder Creek about five miles, then continue up Huckleberry Creek to the pools.
When is Stanley Hot Springs open?
Best in late spring, summer or early winter; high water on Boulder Creek can make spring trips harder.
Can you camp near Stanley Hot Springs?
Wilderness Gateway Campground (USFS, US-12 milepost 122.5) (5 mi).