Horse Creek Hot Springs

## Overview Horse Creek Hot Springs is a free, natural hot spring tucked into the rugged backcountry of Lemhi County, Idaho, near the small community of Shoup. Situated along Horse Creek at an elevation typical of the Bitterroot Range foothills, the springs feed multiple soaking pools that cascade down toward the creek. The area sits within the Salmon-Challis National Forest, surrounded by mountainous terrain shaped by both volcanic geothermal activity and, more recently, wildfire. The springs have long been a favorite among backcountry soakers for their remote setting, free access, and the convenience of an adjacent Forest Service campground. The main pool is roughly three feet deep and enclosed by a wooden structure that also houses the spring's source. Water temperatures at the pools have been reported at approximately 100°F just below the source, making for a comfortably hot soak. When you're ready to cool off, Horse Creek itself runs nearby and offers a refreshing plunge. ## Directions Horse Creek Hot Springs is most commonly accessed from the west via Conner, Montana. The drive covers roughly 45 miles of increasingly remote road. 1. **Start in Conner, MT** — From Missoula, take US Highway 93 South to the small community of Conner. 2. **Turn right (west) onto State Highway 473** — Follow the signs toward Painted Rocks State Park. Continue past the state park and drive approximately 31 miles to the West Fork Road junction. 3. **Turn onto Woods Creek Road** — At the junction, look for the road marked for hot springs. Follow Woods Creek Road for about 14 miles until you reach **Horse Creek Campground**. The hot springs are located near the campground. **Road notes:** The road is generally passable for standard passenger vehicles, but be aware that much of the forest between the Woods Creek junction and Woods Creek was burned by wildfire. Standing dead trees (snags) line the route and could pose a hazard during high winds. Use caution and check current road conditions with the Salmon-Challis National Forest ranger district before heading out, especially in spring or after storms. ## What to Expect At Horse Creek Hot Springs you'll find multiple pools fed by the geothermal source, with the main soaking pool enclosed by a wooden frame and reaching about three feet in depth — deep enough for a comfortable full-body soak. The water temperature hovers around 100°F near the source, and the pools gradually cool as they flow downhill toward Horse Creek. The creek itself provides a natural cold plunge for those who want to alternate between hot and cold. The adjacent **Horse Creek Campground** offers several campsites and two newer vault-style outhouses, making it easy to turn a soak into an overnight trip. The campground is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The surrounding landscape bears the scars of past wildfire — many trees along the approach and around the springs are burned — but the area is recovering, and the open views can be striking in their own way. The remote location means you may have the springs to yourself on weekdays, though weekends can draw more visitors during summer months. There is no cell service in the area, so plan accordingly and let someone know your itinerary before heading out.