West Pass Hot Springs
Seasonal
Snowbound road in winter; no published season datesOpen seasons
- Access
- Roadside, seasonal high-elevation road
- Accommodations
- Primitive sites near the springs; campgrounds along the main road
West Pass Hot Springs is a trio of bathtubs soaking beside West Pass Creek in the Sawtooth National Forest, on the East Fork of the Salmon River near Clayton — about 60 miles from Sun Valley. The tubs are fed with clear, lime-tinted water at a moderate sulfur level, and you can adjust your soak temperature to suit your preferences.
Pool Condition
The soaking is in three bathtubs. The water is clear with a lime-green tint and a moderate sulfur smell.
Seasonal Notes
Access is by a high-elevation seasonal road that is snowbound in winter; no official opening or closing dates are published, so plan on a snow-free-season visit and check current conditions before you go.
Camping
There are a few primitive sites near the springs (not very private), plus many official campgrounds and primitive sites along the main road, close to Clayton.
West Pass Hot Springs Soak Stats
- Access Type: Roadside
- Public Land: Sawtooth National Forest
- Elevation: 6,800 ft
- GPS: 43.982, -114.486
- Water Temperature: Adjustable
- Water Clarity: Clear (lime-green tint)
- Visibility: Low
- Odor(s): Moderate sulfur
- Nearest Town: Clayton (East Fork Salmon River)
- Wildlife: Deer, badgers
- Usage Level: Low-moderate
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot is the water?
You set it yourself. The tubs fill with clear, lime-tinted water carrying a moderate sulfur smell.
What does it cost?
The listing publishes no fee, and no official source states one, so treat the cost as not verified.
When is it open?
Plan on the snow-free season. The springs sit at 6,800 feet on a high-elevation seasonal road that stays snowbound in winter, and no official opening or closing dates are published.
Are the tubs natural pools?
No. The soaking is in three plain bathtubs set beside West Pass Creek, not in rock pools.
How hard is the access?
Roadside once the road is open, but the road is the catch: seasonal, high, and snowbound until the snow melts out.
Can I camp nearby?
Yes, with a few primitive sites near the springs that are not very private, plus official campgrounds and more primitive sites along the main road.
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