Northwest Hot Springs Spring Runoff Guide

Spring runoff from mountain snowmelt season exponentially increases the level and amount of water flowing through many northwest creeks, rivers and lakes. Subsequently, submerging many streamside hot springs and often destroying user-built rock pools.

Hot Springs Impacted by Spring Runoff

While Spring runoff timing and conditions vary based on region, season and weather – a good rule of thumb is to plan for it to last from late May through mid-June in the mountains and mid-July for higher elevations. Keep in mind that Spring runoff season starts 1-2 months earlier in lower elevation and high desert regions.

Spring Runoff Recon

You can always check USGS Streamflow data to compare historical runoff conditions with current conditions to get a better idea if a particular hot springs is presently above water.

The Way is Shut

Many hot soaks that don’t submerge during runoff are still not accessible because they require a ford to reach. Fording rivers and creeks during Spring runoff is a serious mistake. I can’t stress enough how this should not be attempted until after runoff has ended.

When in doubt, contact the local National Forest Ranger Station for the final say. They are typically more than happy to help out.

Listing of Northwest Hot Springs with Spring Runoff Access Issues

Idaho Hot Springs

Region: North-Central

• Jerry Johnson Hot Springs – Source 1 (of 3) pools, known as the waterfall pools, are typically submerged until late July.
• Stanley Hot Springs – The ford across Boulder Creek, about 1 mile from the hot springs, is impassible until late July/early August.
• Weir Creek Hot Springs – The lower, much easier, hiking path submerges until late June/early July.

Region: Southwest

• Buckhorn Hot Springs – Buckhorn Creek ford not possible until late June/early July.
• Cable Car Hot Springs – Salmon River ford not possible until mid-August WITH a raft.
• Council Mountain Hot Springs – Primary soaking pool submerged until late July/early August.
• Darling’s Cabin Hot Springs – Salmon River ford not possible until late July/early August.
• Molly’s Tubs Hot Springs – Pools typically submerged until early-mid July.
• Penny Hot Springs – Pool usually above water mid-late August and typically requires rebuilding.
• Secesh Hot Springs – Secesh River ford across to the primitive campsites at the base of the mountain not possible until mid-August.
• Teapot Hot Springs – Tiny, stinky (sulfur) pool often found above water late August.
• Trail Creek Hot Springs – Lower pool frequently submerged until late May-mid June.
• Vulcan Hot Springs – Hot creek saturated with cold creek water until approximately late June.
• Other area hot springs with access or submersion issues: Indian Creek and Kwis Kwis

Region: Southeast

• Bear Creek Hot Springs – Pool submerged until late July/early August.
• Big Creek Hot Springs – Small pools submerged until late June/early July.
• Blackfoot – Area hot springs usually submerged until late season.
• Cronk’s Canyon Hot Springs – Tiny roadside pool often submerged until late July.
• Goldbug Hot Springs – Most pools above water by mid-late June.
• Owl Creek Hot Springs – Small pool submerged until late June/early July.
• Shower and Sitz Bath – Multiple river fords not passable until late July/early August.

Region: South-Central

• Basin Creek Hot Springs – Submerged until mid-late August.
• Bear Valley Hot Springs – Creek ford not possible until late July/early August.
• Boise River Road accessible that are not fordable until late July/mid-August:
  Browns Creek, Ninemeyer, Pete Creek, Round the Bend, Weatherby
• Boise River Road accessible that submerge until late July/mid-August:
  Granite Creek, Lynx Creek, Roaring River, Sheep Creek Bridge, Smith’s Cabin
• Bonneville Hot Springs – Lower pools submerged until mid-late June.
• Cove Hot Springs – Submerged until mid-late August.
• Dagger Creek Hot Springs – Submerged until mid-late August.
• Deadwood Hot Springs – Lower pools submerged until mid-late July.
• Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs – Pools submerged until mid-late June/early July.
• Indian Bathtub II Hot Springs – Lower pool submerged until late June/early July.
• Lunchbreak Warm Spring – Pool submerged until mid-late August.
• North of Crouch area hot springs submerged until mid-late June/early July:
  Bull Creek, Bull Rack, Boiling Springs, Fire Crew, Groundhog, Moondipper, Pine Burl, Rocky Canyon (not fordable)
• Owen Cabin Hot Springs – Pool submerged until mid-late August.
• Prince Albert Hot Springs – Pool submerged until late June/early July.
• Skillern Hot Springs – Lower pools submerge until late June/early July.
• Sunbeam Hot Springs – Pools submerged until late July/early-mid August.
• Tenmile Hot Springs – Pools submerged until late June/early July.
• Upper Loon Hot Springs – Pools submerged until mid-late August.
• Worswick Hot Springs – Lower pools submerged until late June/early July.
• Other area hot springs with access or submersion issues: Boundary Creek, Indian, Mormon, Sheepeater, Sitting Bull, Snake Pit, Trail Flat, Warfield

Oregon Hot Springs

Submersion Issues

• Austin Hot Springs – Pools submerged until late June/early July. Ford also dangerous during this time.
• McCredie Hot Springs – Some pools submerged until late June/early July.
• Paulina Lake Hot Springs – Pools underwater until late July/early August.
• Wall Creek Hot Springs – Pool often too cool until early-mid July depending on spring runoff level.

Stream Fording Issues

• Echo Rock Hot Springs – Lake Owyhee water level covers easier lake bed hike until mid to late summer. Strenuous overland hike still possible, watercraft access preferred.
• Juntura Hot Springs – River ford to island not safe until June/July.
• Three Forks Warm Springs – River ford not safe until late June/early July.

Washington Hot Springs

• Wind River Hot Springs – Pools submerged and Wind River ford not safe EXCEPT from late July to early September. Very small access window.