Owen Cabin Hot Springs
Closed
Historic site only; no dependable soak remainsOpen seasons
- Access
- Hike or backpack in on the Loon Creek Trail, just beyond Upper Loon Hot Springs
- Accommodations
- No lodging; a primitive site sits on the grassy flat just before the cabin, with more camping at Upper Loon Hot Springs down the trail
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you soak at Owen Cabin?
No. All that is left of the pools is their rock-walled outline where the outflow meets Loon Creek. The source flow is very low and algae-choked, nobody has rebuilt the pools, and there is no dependable soak here.
What is there to see?
A ruined historic cabin at the meadow's edge beside Loon Creek, and what is left of a couple of old pools where the outflow meets the creek.
When can you visit?
The listing gives July through October as the open window for the road to the Loon Creek Trailhead, the same high-country season as the trail beyond it.
How do you get there?
On foot, along the Loon Creek Trail in the Frank Church wilderness, just beyond Upper Loon Hot Springs. The site sits 7 to 8 miles north of the Loon Creek Airstrip.
Can I camp nearby?
Yes. The meadow by the cabin holds a primitive site with room for a tent or two; the next best camping is a short way down the trail at Upper Loon.
What does it cost to visit?
The listing states no fee for the site, and no official source publishes one. Not verified.
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