Stanley Hot Springs is one of the most remote and adventurous hot springs in northern Idaho. Located deep within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, one of the largest and wildest protected areas in the United States, the springs are accessible only by a long mountain trail. The pools are natural, stone-lined basins tucked among boulders and old-growth forest, overlooking a narrow river canyon filled with the scent of pine, cedar and warm mineral steam.
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What You Should Know Before Going to Stanley Hot Springs
Stanley Hot Springs is one of the most remote hot springs in northern Idaho, offering a truly backcountry wilderness experience. There are no roads, campgrounds or facilities anywhere nearby — the springs lie deep inside the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, accessible only by a long mountain hike. The entire area feels untouched, quiet and raw, surrounded by towering trees, steep canyon walls and complete natural silence.
The springs themselves form one single hot springs site, but with multiple natural pools scattered across the hillside. Hot mineral water emerges high on the slope and flows downward, forming a series of stone-lined soaking pools. The upper pools are generally the hottest, while the lower pools mix with creek water and stay cooler. This creates a variety of soaking spots, each with a slightly different temperature and shape — from shallow rock-lined basins to deeper pools where you can fully relax.
Water temperatures typically range around 100–110 °F (38–43 °C), though seasonal conditions, snowmelt and creek flow can shift the exact heat and appearance of the pools. Each pool feels unique: some are tucked between moss-covered boulders, others open into small clearings with views of the canyon, all with steam drifting softly through the trees.
Because this is true wilderness with zero services, visitors must be fully prepared. There are no restrooms, no trash facilities, no cell service and no maintained amenities. The trail can become muddy, steep or slippery depending on weather, so proper footwear and good planning are essential.
Stanley Hot Springs is perfect for travelers seeking quiet, isolation and a fully natural hot spring experience. It’s not a casual stop — it’s a destination that rewards effort with one of Idaho’s most beautiful and unforgettable soaking spots.
How to Get to Stanley Hot Springs
Stanley Hot Springs lies deep within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, and reaching it requires a long backcountry hike, which is part of what makes this place so special. The main access point is the Wilderness Gateway Campground, located directly on US-12, easily reachable from both Idaho and Montana.
If you’re coming from Idaho, the nearest towns are Kooskia and Orofino. Kooskia is the closest full-service stop, sitting about 48,9 miles west of Wilderness Gateway, and it’s the best place to fuel up, restock food and water, or pick up last-minute gear. Orofino lies farther west but offers more restaurants, stores and accommodation options.
Coming from Montana, the springs are roughly 2 hours east of Missoula, following one of the most scenic stretches of US-12 through Lolo Pass and down the Lochsa River canyon. Towering forests, steep canyon walls and constant river noise guide you toward the wilderness boundary.
The trail to Stanley Hot Springs begins in Wilderness Gateway Campground, trail #211, following Colt Killed Creek (White Sands Creek) into the heart of the wilderness. The hike is approximately 10 miles (16 km) one way, making it a strenuous full-day trek with elevation gain, downed logs and sections that turn muddy during rain or spring melt. But the beauty of the route — quiet cedar groves, flowing creeks and long stretches of solitude — makes the journey as memorable as the destination.
Because this is true backcountry with no services, preparation is essential. There is virtually no cell service, and conditions change rapidly. Carry plenty of water, food, warm layers, a map or GPS, and be prepared for a full day on the trail. Many visitors choose to camp overnight at Wilderness Gateway to start early and hike at a comfortable pace.
For those willing to put in the effort, Stanley Hot Springs offers one of the most rewarding wilderness soaking experiences in Idaho.
Best Time to Visit Stanley Hot Springs
Stanley Hot Springs can be visited for much of the year, but the best time to go is late summer through early fall. During this window, the trail is dry, creek crossings are easier and the weather is far more predictable. September and October are particularly stunning — cool mountain air, warm water and golden forest scenery make this remote area feel almost otherworldly.
Spring can be more challenging due to snowmelt swelling the creek, flooding parts of the trail and occasionally cooling or clouding the pools. It’s not a bad time to visit, but conditions shift quickly and require extra caution.
Summer offers long daylight hours and the best overall trail access, though it can also bring high temperatures and more active wildlife. Many hikers choose early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the heat.
Winter transforms the region into a quiet world of deep snow. The trail can become icy, buried and difficult to follow, and although the pools remain warm, reaching them requires good gear, experience and awareness of cold-weather hazards. For those prepared, soaking in steaming pools while snow covers the forest can be one of Idaho’s most unforgettable wilderness experiences.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs at Stanley Hot Springs
Stanley Hot Springs lies deep within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, and as a result, there are no official opening hours and no entry fees. The area is open to anyone willing to make the long trek, and access is entirely free, with no permits, reservations or managed entrances.
Because this is true backcountry, it is strongly advised to travel only during daylight. Hiking the trail at night can be dangerous due to creek crossings, uneven terrain, fallen logs and complete darkness once the sun sets. Visibility drops immediately, and navigation becomes extremely difficult.
There are no restrooms, trash facilities or amenities anywhere near the springs. Visitors must follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all waste and respect the fragile wilderness environment that makes this place so extraordinary.
Stanley Hot Springs offers a rare chance to experience unspoiled wilderness — but it requires responsibility, preparation and respect for the land.
Where to Stay Nearby Stanley Hot Springs
Stanley Hot Springs sits far inside the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, with no cabins, lodges or facilities anywhere near the springs. The only place to stay close to the trailhead is Wilderness Gateway Campground, located right off US-12 and used as the official starting point for the long hike. It’s a quiet forested campground perfect for staying overnight before an early-morning departure.
For hotels, travelers stay in nearby towns west of the wilderness. Kooskia is the closest town, small and scenic. A better option is Orofino, a riverside town offering comfort and good access to US-12. Those wanting the widest selection of restaurants and services stay in Lewiston, the largest city in the region and still within easy reach of the trailhead.
Recommended Stays nearby Stanley Hot Springs
Best Western Lodge at River’s Edge – Orofino
A top-rated riverside hotel with a heated indoor pool, spacious rooms, excellent breakfasts and warm hospitality. The best choice if you want to stay as close as possible to the trailhead.
Hampton Inn Lewiston – Lewiston
A modern and comfortable hotel with a pool, fitness center and beautiful views of the Snake River valley. Perfect for travelers who prefer a larger town with more services before heading into the wilderness.
You can check the interactive map below to explore and book more nearby stays:
What to Do Nearby Stanley Hot Springs
The main attraction at Stanley Hot Springs is simply soaking — slipping into hot stone pools surrounded by moss, boulders and tall cedar trees after a demanding backcountry hike is an experience that stays with you. Steam rises through the forest canopy, the creek rushes below and the entire basin feels completely wild and serene. Most visitors spend a good amount of time here, moving between pools and enjoying the quiet wilderness atmosphere unique to the Selway-Bitterroot.
For those who want to explore more, the trail itself offers countless moments worth pausing for — deep cedar groves, narrow canyon passages and stretches of forest where the only sound is flowing water. Many hikers stop along the way to take photos, rest by the creek or appreciate the solitude of this enormous wilderness.
Before or after the hike, it’s worth spending time along the Lochsa River, one of Idaho’s most beautiful wild rivers. There are several pullouts and quiet spots where you can sit by the water, cool your feet or simply enjoy the scenery. If you continue east on US-12, you’ll reach Lolo Pass, a high mountain pass with sweeping views of the Bitterroot Mountains and access to more hiking trails.
Stanley Hot Springs and its surroundings are perfect for anyone looking to experience Idaho at its purest — hot water, cold streams, ancient forests and vast, untouched land. It’s the kind of place where the wilderness feels endless and the silence feels complete.
Other Hot Springs Nearby Stanley Hot Springs
If you’re looking for more hot springs to explore after visiting Stanley Hot Springs, start with Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, one of the most scenic natural pools along the Lochsa River. Just a few minutes farther on US-12, you’ll find Weir Creek Hot Springs, a set of warm, rocky pools perched above a forested creek. And for a more relaxed, rustic retreat, head to Red River Hot Springs, where natural geothermal water meets simple lodge-style soaking deep in the forest near Elk City. Each of these destinations offers a unique and memorable way to experience Idaho’s geothermal beauty.