Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs
Open
Access depends on snow, road conditions and runoff; the pools bury under spring runoff. Prime soaking season is late June to late October.Open seasons
- Access
- User-built pools on both sides of Warm Springs Creek in the Sawtooth National Forest near Ketchum. Day use; no camping at the springs.
Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs is a popular set of wide, shallow pools on both sides of a creek in the Sawtooth National Forest, in the Ketchum/Smoky Mountains area. The water is clear, the setting is classic Wood River country. Plan on a daytime soak, and note there is no camping at the springs.
Pool Condition
Wide and shallow pools, rock-walled with gravel and sand bottoms, lying on each side of the creek during low-water conditions. The water is clear with a slight odor. Use is heavy.
Seasonal Notes
Access is weather and runoff dependent: the forest road is typically snowbound from late fall into spring, and the pools are buried under spring runoff. Prime soaking season is between late June and late October.
Camping
No campsites around the spring; campgrounds and primitive sites are available in the surrounding Sawtooth National Forest.
Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs Soak Stats
- Access Type: Roadside
- Public Land: Sawtooth National Forest
- Elevation: 6,400 ft
- Water Temperature: Varies by season and pool
- Water Clarity: Clear
- Visibility: High
- Odor(s): Slight
- Nearest Town: Ketchum (Smoky Mountains area)
- Wildlife: Deer, elk
- Usage Level: Heavy
- Note: Day-use soak; no camping at the springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot is Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs?
It varies by season and pool; the user-built pools mix creek water with spring water.
Is Frenchman's Bend a day-use soak?
Plan on a daytime soak. There is no camping at the springs themselves; campgrounds are in the surrounding Sawtooth National Forest.
When can I soak at Frenchman's Bend?
The pools bury under spring runoff, and winter and spring access depends on snow and road conditions on Warm Springs Road. Prime season is late June to late October.
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