Quick FactsOverview
About Weir Creek Hot Springs
Weir Creek Hot Springs, Idaho is a free, primitive geothermal site in the Clearwater National Forest at milepost 142.1 on US Highway 12 in Idaho County, approximately 68 miles east of Kooskia and 35 miles west of the Idaho-Montana border. Three to four volunteer-built soaking pools are set among cedar trees and volcanic rock cliffs above Weir Creek. The geothermal source emerges at approximately 118 degrees Fahrenheit. The upper main pool sits on a cliff ledge above the creek at around 105 degrees and seats up to ten people. Lower pools near the creek run cooler and vary by season and water level. Pools have gravel and sand bottoms with split log and rock edges. A vault toilet is on site. The springs carry a light sulfur odor.
Clothing is optional and the site is free. Overnight use is not permitted between 8pm and 6am daily. The site sees heavy use on summer weekends, particularly from Missoula visitors, and can attract loud groups. Early morning weekday visits offer the most reliably quiet experience.
For those seeking free hot springs Idaho offers along the US-12 Lochsa River corridor, Weir Creek is one of the well-known stops between Kooskia and Lolo Pass, situated a few miles east of Jerry Johnson Hot Springs.
Location & Access
Getting to Weir Creek Hot Springs
Weir Creek Hot Springs is accessed from a parking turnout at milepost 142.1 on US Highway 12, on the left (north) side of the highway when approaching from Kooskia. From Missoula, Montana, drive west on US-12 over Lolo Pass; the parking area is approximately 75 miles from Missoula and takes about 90 minutes. From Kooskia, drive east on US-12 for approximately 68 miles. Any standard vehicle can reach the parking area on the paved highway.
From the parking area, follow the trail upstream along Weir Creek for approximately 0.5 miles to reach the pools. The trail gains around 200 feet in elevation and can be steep and rocky in places. A walking stick is helpful on the descent. Trail conditions can be muddy after rain and icy in winter. Wearing footwear with grip is strongly recommended throughout the approach and at the pools, as the rock surfaces and log edges near the water are frequently slippery.
For those seeking hot springs near Kooskia Idaho along Highway 12, Weir Creek sits on the same corridor as Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, which is a few miles to the west, and Stanley Hot Springs further east toward Lolo Pass. No cell service is available along US-12 between Kooskia and the Montana border. Download offline maps before departure.
Several developed campgrounds lie along the highway within a few miles of the site, including Colgate Camp approximately 5.6 miles east. No overnight parking is permitted at the Weir Creek trailhead between 8pm and 6am.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Can Visit Weir Creek Hot Springs
Weir Creek Hot Springs suits adults and older teenagers comfortable with a short but steep hike on rocky terrain and a primitive site with no facilities beyond a vault toilet. The trail is 0.5 miles one-way but the steep sections and rocky footing require care, particularly on the descent. The site is not appropriate for young children, elderly visitors with limited mobility, or anyone who finds steep rocky terrain difficult.
The site is clothing optional throughout, the consistent norm at US-12 hot springs. The pools see heavy use on summer weekends and can attract large, noisy groups. Visitors seeking quiet should plan early morning visits on weekdays. The main upper pool's elevated ledge position above the creek with surrounding cedar and cliff scenery makes the approach itself distinctive.
For those seeking free hot springs Idaho offers along the Lochsa River corridor with a short accessible trail, Weir Creek rewards visitors willing to manage the steep sections. Primitive camping in the Clearwater National Forest and several nearby developed campgrounds, including Colgate Camp 5.6 miles east, make multi-day area trips practical.
Dogs are welcome on the trail and must be leashed. Dogs should not enter the soaking pools. The 8pm to 6am overnight restriction is enforced. No permit or fee is required for day use.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Weir Creek Hot Springs
Weir Creek Hot Springs requires visitors to be mindful of steep terrain, hot water, and slippery surfaces throughout the visit. The trail to the pools involves steep sections and rocky footing where falls are the primary injury risk. Wear footwear with traction, take your time on the descent, and use a walking stick if available. The trail can be icy in winter and muddy after rain.
The geothermal source temperature is approximately 118 degrees Fahrenheit, which is above safe soaking range. Always test water temperature with your hand before entering any pool. The upper pools closest to the source are the hottest. Lower pools near the creek are cooler but temperature varies by season and creek level. Exit any pool immediately if you feel overheated, lightheaded, or uncomfortable.
The rock and log edges around the pools are frequently slippery from mineral deposits, algae, and creek spray. Move carefully around the pool area at all times. The main upper pool sits on a cliff ledge above the creek; keep clear of the edge when not in the pool and supervise any children or dogs near the ledge drop.
No overnight use is permitted at the hot springs between 8pm and 6am daily. The site can attract large, loud groups on summer weekends. Alcohol is common at the site. Visitors who prefer a quiet experience should arrive early on weekdays. Leave No Trace principles apply throughout and the vault toilet should be used for all waste. Cell service is absent along this stretch of US-12. Emergency services are based in Kooskia, approximately 68 miles to the west.
