Jerry Johnson Hot Springs: trail, hours and temperature
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs feeds a string of rock-walled pools along Warm Springs Creek, reached by a short trail off U.S. Highway 12 near Lolo Pass. Three separate spring sources keep the pools running at different temperatures, and the whole site is free, no permit required. It's one of the stops in our hot springs in Idaho guide, in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest section of the state.
Fact box
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Lolo Pass area, off U.S. Highway 12 |
| Access | Hike, 1.4 miles one way from the Warm Springs Pack Bridge trailhead |
| Fee | None |
| Hours | Day use only, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; no overnight camping |
| Legal status | Public, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest |
| Temperature (source, historical) | The NOAA/NCEI thermal springs archive lists a spring in this drainage at 118°F (historical estimate, base year 1980) |
| Temperature (pools, recent) | Roughly 95–115°F near the three source points, per current trail reports; pools further from a source run cooler as they mix with Warm Springs Creek |
Trail and access
From the Warm Springs Pack Bridge trailhead on U.S. Highway 12, the trail crosses the footbridge and follows Warm Springs Creek for 1.4 miles to reach the spring area, an easy grade compared with several other hikes on this list. Three separate sources feed a series of rock-walled pools spread along the creek, so the walk continues a short distance past the first pools to reach the rest. There's no fee or permit, and the site is limited to day use between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., with camping not allowed at the springs.
The pools
Because three distinct sources feed this system rather than one, temperature varies more by which pool you're in than by time of day. Pools closest to a source run 95–115°F according to current trail reports, broadly consistent with the NOAA archive's historical 118°F estimate for a spring in the same drainage, while pools farther downstream cool as creek water mixes in. That spread makes it easier to find a comfortable pool here than at single-source springs, where the whole system tracks one temperature.
How this guide was researched
This page draws on U.S. Forest Service recreation information for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, the NOAA/NCEI thermal springs archive, and published trail reports. We haven't visited this site ourselves. Hours and trail conditions are set by the forest and can change; verify current status with the ranger district before you go. Last checked August 2026.
FAQ
How long is the hike to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
About 1.4 miles one way from the Warm Springs Pack Bridge trailhead on U.S. Highway 12, an easy grade for most hikers.
Is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs free?
Yes. There's no fee or permit, only the day-use hours.
What are the hours at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
Day use only, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Overnight camping isn't allowed at the springs.
How hot is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
Pools near the three source points run roughly 95–115°F per current trail reports, with pools farther from a source cooling as they mix with creek water.
Are there multiple pools at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
Yes. Three separate spring sources feed a series of rock-walled pools along Warm Springs Creek, each running a slightly different temperature.
We haven't visited these places ourselves, and every page says so rather than implying otherwise. Details are compiled from public land-manager, USGS and NOAA sources and cross-checked where possible; conditions, access rules and fees change without notice, so confirm with the managing agency before you go. Page last checked August 2026. Read our full methodology.