Owen Cabin Hot Springs

Owen Cabin Hot Springs is a historic hot spring site on Loon Creek in the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, just beyond Upper Loon Hot Springs — and, honestly, a place to visit for the history and the meadow rather than the soak. Only the outlines of the old rock-walled pools remain where the spring’s outflow meets Loon Creek.

Pool Condition

The source drains into Loon Creek where the remnants of a couple of past pools lie. Flow from the source is very low and the source itself is choked with algae, so the pools have not been rebuilt — there is no dependable soak here. The historic Owen Cabin stands in ruins at the edge of the meadow nearby.

Seasonal Notes

The access road to the Loon Creek Trailhead is open only from July through October.

Camping

A fairly large, grassy flat with a good primitive site sits slightly before Owen Cabin, with room for a tent or two right next to the cabin itself. The next best camping is at Upper Loon Hot Springs, just down the trail.

Owen Cabin Hot Springs Soak Stats

• Access Type: Hike / backpack (Loon Creek Trail)
• Public Land: Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness (south half)
• Elevation: 5,400 ft
• GPS: 44.652, -114.734
• Water Temperature: Not documented (no intact pools)
• Water Clarity: Murky
• Visibility: Low
• Odor(s): Slight
• Nearest Area: 7–8 miles north of Loon Creek Airstrip
• Wildlife: Many snakes, black bear, deer, elk, moose; mountain lion sign
• Usage Level: Seasonally moderate