Preis Hot Springs
Open
A summer soak; winter access depends on snow.Open seasons
- Access
- Roadside in the Smoky Mountains on the Fairfield Ranger District of the Sawtooth National Forest, near Fairfield. The soaking box holds clear water at about 102 °F, a few feet from the forest road.
- Accommodations
- No campsites at the spring; campgrounds and primitive sites are available in the surrounding Sawtooth National Forest.
Preis Hot Springs is a tiny roadside soak in the Sawtooth National Forest, in the Fairfield/Smoky Mountains area: a small sunken wooden box, just a few feet from a seasonally busy forest road, holding clear 102°F water. It barely fits two people — nice and snug — and that’s most of its charm.
Pool Condition
The pool is a small sunken wooden box with seating and a gravel-and-sand bottom, fitting two soakers snugly. The average temperature is 102°F and the pH is approximately 7. One caution from the listing: the little bit of algae on the wood can be extremely slick, so be careful getting in and out.
Seasonal Notes
The forest road is typically snowbound from late fall into spring, and when it opens depends on snow level. The Forest Service describes the Fairfield District springs as accessible in the summer.
Camping
No campsites around the spring, but plenty of campgrounds and primitive sites are available in the surrounding Sawtooth National Forest.
Preis Hot Springs Soak Stats
- Season: Spring, summer, fall
- Access Type: Roadside
- Public Land: Sawtooth National Forest
- Elevation: 5,500 ft
- GPS: 43.576, -114.830
- Water Temperature: 102°F
- Water Clarity: Clear
- Visibility: High
- Odor(s): None noticed
- pH: 7
- Nearest Area: Fairfield / Smoky Mountains
- Wildlife: Deer, elk
- Usage Level: Low
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot is Preis Hot Springs?
The soaking box holds clear water at about 102 °F.
What is the pool like?
A small sunken wooden box a few feet from the forest road, fitting two soakers snugly, with a gravel-and-sand bottom. Algae on the wood is extremely slick.
When is it accessible?
The Forest Service describes the Fairfield Ranger District springs, including this one (spelled "Pries" on their page), as accessible in the summer; winter access depends on snow.
Can you camp there?
No campsites around the spring, but plenty of campgrounds and primitive sites are available in the surrounding Sawtooth National Forest.
Where is it?
In the Smoky Mountains on the Fairfield Ranger District of the Sawtooth National Forest, near Fairfield.
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