Developed hot spring pool · Idaho
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Big Pool
Idaho County, Idaho · 37 miles northwest of Hamilton, MT
Last updated
- Type
- Developed Developed hot spring pool
- Water temperature
- 118°F (48°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Clothing optional
- Nearest town
- Hamilton, MT (37 mi / 60 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 4
- Very hot: above comfortable soaking temperature for most people. Enter slowly.
About Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Big Pool
Editor's note. Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is a set of riverside pools reached by a flat trail of about a mile from US Highway 12 along the Lochsa River. The site is day use only, and the Forest Service does not allow camping or alcohol there.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Big Pool is a developed hot spring pool in Idaho County, Idaho, about 37 miles northwest of Hamilton, MT. The nearest large city is Missoula, MT, roughly 50 miles away as the crow flies.
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 118°F (48°C). That puts it in the "too hot to enter at the source" range. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
This is a developed site with built pools, tubs or a bathhouse, so there is usually an entry fee, set opening hours and basic facilities.
The site has 4 mapped pools or sources within about 500 meters of each other, including Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Lower Pool, Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Small Pool, Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Upper Pool.
Water temperature
Too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Readings come from the NOAA thermal springs list, OpenStreetMap mappers, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.
Map and directions
Red marks Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Big Pool. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 46.46273, -114.87312.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Hamilton, MT. The spring is about 37 miles (60 km) northwest of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Missoula, MT, about 50 miles (80 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Missoula, MT.
- Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.
Weather forecast
Live forecast for this exact spot from the US National Weather Service.
Hot springs near Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Big Pool
- Colgate Warm Springs 106°F
- Weir Hot Spring Lower Pool Not recorded
- Stanley Hot Springs 120°F
- Lolo Hot Springs, Granite Springs 111°F
- Stuart Hot Springs Not recorded
- Martin Hot Springs Not recorded
Before you go
- Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
- Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Big Pool?
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 118°F (48°C), which is too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Where is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Big Pool?
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Big Pool is in Idaho County, Idaho, about 37 miles northwest of Hamilton, MT. The GPS coordinates are 46.4627, -114.8731.
Is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Big Pool clothing optional?
It is recorded as clothing optional. Rules can change, so follow any posted signs.
What hot springs are near Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Big Pool?
The closest listed spring is Colgate Warm Springs, about 3.1 miles west. Weir Hot Spring Lower Pool is about 7.7 miles away.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.
Sources and corrections
This listing combines OpenStreetMap, the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4
Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.