Stanley Hot Springs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stanley Hot Springs |
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Stanley Hot Springs, August 2008
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| Location | Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Idaho County, Idaho United States. |
| Coordinates | 46°18′59″N 115°15′31″W / 46.31639°N 115.25861°W |
| Elevation | 3,583 feet (1,092 m) |
| Type | Geothermal spring |
| Temperature | 106°F / 41°C |
 Stanley Hot Springs
Location in Idaho
Stanley Hot Springs
Location in the United States
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Stanley Hot Springs is a group of warm water pools found in the beautiful Selway–Bitterroot Wilderness. This special place is located in Idaho County, Idaho, in the United States. These springs are naturally heated by the Earth, making them a popular spot for visitors.
Finding Stanley Hot Springs
If you're starting from Lewiston, Idaho, you'd take U.S. Route 12 heading east towards Lolo Pass. After passing the town of Lowell, you'll drive about 26 miles (42 km) until you reach the Wilderness Gateway Campground. You can park your car past the 'A' and 'B' camping areas. Good news, there's no fee to park! To reach the hot springs, you'll follow Trail #211.
Crossing Boulder Creek
A bridge that used to cross Boulder Creek washed away a long time ago, back in the winter of 1998–99. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) hasn't rebuilt it. So, as of 2021, here's how people usually cross the creek to get to the hot springs:
You can carefully walk across the creek (this is called fording). Then, head towards a log jam a little downstream from the trail. These logs are stuck together tightly and form a natural bridge. You can walk across these logs, zig-zagging to a small island in the middle of the river. From there, another log with a rope acts as a makeshift bridge to help you cross the rest of the creek.
Best Times to Visit
The best times to visit Stanley Hot Springs are after the spring snow has melted and before heavy snow starts falling. Even though it's a bit harder, you can also visit in winter by using snowshoes to get there.
Water Temperature
The water in Stanley Hot Springs is heated naturally deep underground. When it comes out of the ground, it's about 106°F (41°C). This warm temperature makes the springs a cozy place to relax.
