Nestled within the Rocky Mountains of northwestern Montana, Whitefish serves as an idyllic doorway into the region’s natural attractions, which include towering mountain ranges and the glacier-carved valleys of Glacier National Park.
However, along with the doorway to the region’s natural landmarks, the small resort community can also be a center of rejuvenation and features several soothing hot springs within a short drive from its quaint streets.
From luxurious hot spring resorts to primitive thermal pools tucked away in the state’s rugged terrains, visitors will find absolute bliss at these six hot springs near Whitefish, MT. (Distance from Whitefish in brackets).
6 Great Hot Springs Near Whitefish, Montana
1. Wild Horse Hot Springs (79 Miles)
Located about an hour and a half from the city, the Wild Horse Hot Springs are the closest hot springs near Whitefish, MT, and offer visitors an accessible facility for enjoying the region’s celebrated mineral waters.
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Sanders County, the Wild Horse Hot Springs offers visitors a natural retreat in the countryside, complete with 14 man-made thermal pools, averaging between 95 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pools are fed from an artesian spring source that pumps 1,200 gallons per minute. This constant flow provides a clean and refreshing soaking experience whether you are visiting the complex first thing in the morning or during the evening sunset.
Additionally, since the pools feature a constant natural flow, the mineral waters maintain their purity without the need for added chemicals. This results in the thermal pools maintaining their natural mineral compositions, which provides for a curative bath.
The Wild Horse Hot Springs offers two-hour soaking passes, which provide guests access to the complex’s thermal pools, changing rooms, and a small sauna. The property also features eight rustic cabins, two tipis, and several tent and RV campsites. Each accommodation option also features two unlimited soaking passes valid throughout the reservation.
2. Big Medicine Hot Springs (81 Miles)
Offering a primitive thermal pool alternative, the Big Medicine Hot Springs are found in the nearby community, aptly named Hot Springs. Despite being an hour and a half from the city, the Big Medicine Hot Springs are the most accessible primitive hot springs near Whitefish and offer guests an authentic soaking experience with no admission fee.
As a primitive facility, the big Medicine Hot Springs features no additional onsite amenities other than its large cement thermal pool. This swimming hole is about 6 x 15 feet with depths of about 3 feet, providing safe swimming conditions for all experience levels.
The pool averages between 101 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year and is a clothing options facility. While the property doesn’t boast any onsite amenities, the thermal pool is conveniently situated within walking distance of town, putting visitors within accessible distance of Hot Springs services and accommodation options.
3. Alameda’s Hot Springs Retreat (81 Miles)
Also operating out of the Hot Springs community, Alameda’s Hot Springs Retreat is a full-service thermal pool resort that has serviced the area’s locals and international tourists alike for nearly a century.
Established in 1930, Alameda’s Hot Springs have maintained much of their authentic charms but has undergone several renovations that have updated the complex to include several modern amenities.
The hotel features 23 private guest rooms, each boasting several comforts and amenities, the most notable of which is a mineral tub providing overnight guests unlimited access to the property’s mineral waters.
Despite having their own private access to the hot springs, guests can also enjoy a therapeutic soak in one of the property’s four public-use outdoor tubs. While not as secluded, these soaking options feature more natural settings and offer some of the most breathtaking views of the nearby Cabinet Mountains.
All the thermal pools feature on the property are fed from two natural spring sources — a hot spring and a cold spring. The hot spring averages between 110 and 120 degrees from the source but combines with the cold spring to provide more bearable temperatures. Each of the property’s tubs features a hot and cold spring control valve, which guests can adjust to preferred temperatures.
4. Symes Hot Springs Hotel & Mineral Baths (81 Miles)
The final hot spring complex operating out of the small town of Hot Springs near Whitefish, the Symes Hot Springs Hotel & Mineral Baths is another full-service resort offering guests unique access to the region’s mineral waters.
Like Alameda’s Hot Springs, the Symes Hot Springs first opened in the 1930s and continues to offer guests many of its historical charms while adding several modern amenities to its service catalog.
The property features three mineral pools, with its main swimming area being the flow-thru pool. This large swimming center features two pools. The facility’s upper pool is maintained at a balmy 107 degrees Fahrenheit and feeds into a lower pool via a waterfall. The lower pool is kept slightly cooler at about 101 degrees.
Also featured on the property is a large swimming pool maintained at a more comfortable 95 degrees, providing a more traditional swimming experience. Additional onsite services include several accommodation options, a restaurant, an espresso bar, and even an extensive spa facility.
5. Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort (108 Miles)
While slightly further from Whitefish, Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort is one of the state’s most extensive thermal pool resorts and is well worth the two-hour drive from the city for guests seeking a full-service soaking experience.
The property features soaking areas ranging from 100 to 106 degrees, each offering a serene setting for unwinding after a long drive. The property also offers a cold plunge pool maintained at 55 degrees and provides a cooling respite from the thermal springs’ elevated temperatures.
While Quinn’s Hot Springs is a fantastic day trip destination, the extensive complex offers onsite accommodation in 2 large lodges and 25 private cabins. Other services featured on the property include an onsite restaurant and an extensive event venue, making the resort a fantastic option for visitors traveling with a group.
6. Nimrod Hot Springs (167 Miles)
Located about a three-hour drive from the city, the Nimrod Hot Springs are a little more out of the way than other thermal destinations featured on this list. However, they are also the closest primitive hot springs near Whitefish for visitors seeking an immersion into one of the state’s most pristine natural springs.
Averaging 70 degrees throughout the year, the Nimrod Hot Springs are technically only considered a warm spring. Still, the geothermally heated waters are some of the most beautiful in the region and offer guests a serene setting for enjoying a soothing soak.
Upon arriving at the parking lot, visitors must follow a short half-mile trail to reach the spring, following which they are rewarded with picturesque views of the crystal clear blue-hued waters. The spring is surrounded by cliffs, which feature soft cascading waterfalls.
Despite the long drive to reach the springs, the Nimrod Hot Springs are some of the most beautiful hot springs near Whitefish and offer guests the best natural setting for enjoying the region’s mineral pools.
