Developed hot spring pool · Idaho
Owl Creek Hot Springs
Lemhi County, Idaho · 30 miles northwest of Salmon, ID
Last updated
- Type
- Developed Developed hot spring pool
- Water temperature
- 122°F (50°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Salmon, ID (30 mi / 48 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
About Owl Creek Hot Springs
Owl Creek Hot Springs is a developed hot spring pool in Lemhi County, Idaho, about 30 miles northwest of Salmon, ID. The nearest large city is Butte, MT, roughly 104 miles away as the crow flies.
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 122°F (50°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.
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 Owl Creek Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 45.34466, -114.46395.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Salmon, ID. The spring is about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Butte, MT, about 104 miles (167 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 Owl Creek Hot Springs
- Big Creek Hot Springs 199°F
- Horse Creek Hot Springs 109°F
- Snowshoe Johnsons Hot Spring 108°F
- Blue Joint Hot Springs Not recorded
- Mormon Ranch Warm Spring 117°F
- Barth Hot Springs 140°F
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 Owl Creek Hot Springs?
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 122°F (50°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 Owl Creek Hot Springs?
Owl Creek Hot Springs is in Lemhi County, Idaho, about 30 miles northwest of Salmon, ID. The GPS coordinates are 45.3447, -114.4639.
What hot springs are near Owl Creek Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Big Creek Hot Springs, about 6.6 miles southeast. Horse Creek Hot Springs is about 11 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
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.