Stanley Hot Springs

Stanley Hot Springs is a chain of rock- and log-dammed pools in the ancient forest of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, more than 20 miles east of Lowell, Idaho — not to be confused with the town of Stanley in the Sawtooths. The pools sit at the end of a grueling 6-mile hike on a rough trail, and the reward is a deep, wide soaker in one of the wildest settings in North-Central Idaho.

Description

A series of rock and log dammed pools linked along the creek, with the best pool running about 103°F. The water is crystal-clear with no odor, and the setting is lush, green, old forest. Deer and moose are both sighted here — moose have been known to visit the pools themselves. The area sees heavy to extreme use for such a remote spring, and the ecosystem is fragile: it has been visibly damaged by people and horses, so treat it gently.

Seasonal Notes

Snow-covered trails and a river ford control the calendar. The best window is after spring runoff (around March or April) and before winter snowfall (around October or November).

Camping

Wilderness Gateway Campground, with around 90 full-facility sites, sits at the trailhead. There are also many primitive sites at and around the hot springs — please use existing sites rather than creating new ones, and leave as light a footprint as possible.

Stanley Hot Springs Soak Stats

• Access Type: Hike (6 miles, rough trail)
• Public Land: Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness
• Elevation: 3,600 ft
• Water Temperature: 103°F
• Water Clarity: Crystal-clear
• Visibility: Moderate
• Odor(s): None
• Nearest Town: Lowell (20+ miles)
• Wildlife: Deer, moose
• Usage Level: Heavy to extreme