Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Swimming hole in Missoula Mt, Idaho · Spring
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is a hot spring swimming hole. It is at US Hwy 12 Warm Springs Pack Bridge (MM 152–153), Lowell, ID. Fee notes: Free — no day-use or parking fee at Warm Springs Pack Bridge; day-use only (camping at th…. Best season: Weekday mornings and shoulder seasons for lighter crowds.
Typical season: Weekday mornings and shoulder seasons for lighter crowds
About Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs sits in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest along the Lochsa River corridor of US Highway 12. one of Idaho’s most searched free soak destinations between Kooskia and Lolo Pass. Three geothermal sources feed a string of creek-side pools (often ~100, 115°F depending on how much creek water you mix). Access is day-use only roughly **6 a.m., 8 p.m.**: Forest Service closed overnight camping near the pools after heavy abuse in the 1990s.
From the Warm Springs Pack Bridge lot (north of US-12 between mile markers 152 and 153), cross the highway and the Lochsa suspension bridge, then follow Warm Springs Creek about **1, 1.4 miles** on a mostly flat forest trail to the first waterfall pools; more pools continue another half-mile along the trail. Expect crowds on summer weekends; arrive early. Pack out all trash. there are no toilets or trash cans at the pools (vault toilet at the lot only).
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- US Hwy 12 Warm Springs Pack Bridge (MM 152–153), Lowell, ID 83539
- Water type
- Hot Spring
- Water body
- Jerry Johnson Hot Spring/Lochsa River
- Fee
- Free — no day-use or parking fee at Warm Springs Pack Bridge; day-use only (camping at the springs prohibited)
- Nearest town
- Missoula Mt
- State
- Idaho
- Coordinates
- 46.46292, -114.87295
- Best season
- Weekday mornings and shoulder seasons for lighter crowds; winter soaks are magical but icy
- Access difficulty
- Easy–moderate: ~1.4 miles one-way, mostly flat; ice/runoff can complicate access
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- None on site
- Camping
- Nearby Jerry Johnson / Clearwater NF campgrounds — not at the hot springs
- Land manager
- U.S. Forest Service
- Activities
- Soaking, short hike, photography
- Facilities
- Vault toilet at Warm Springs Pack Bridge lot only; none at the pools
- Last verified
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Weekday mornings and shoulder seasons for lighter crowds; winter soaks are magical but icy
- Access Easy, moderate: ~1.4 miles one-way, mostly flat; ice/runoff can complicate access
- Facilities Vault toilet at Warm Springs Pack Bridge lot only; none at the pools
- Camping nearby Nearby Jerry Johnson / Clearwater NF campgrounds. not at the hot springs
Highlights & features
- Geothermal pools with varying temperatures
- Scenic one-mile forest hike
- Rich historical and cultural significance
- Wildlife and birdwatching opportunities
- Year-round picturesque views
- Geothermal pools set in a forested landscape
- Proximity to the historic Lolo Trail
- Seasonal beauty with colorful foliage and winter steam effects
How to get there
Trailhead: Warm Springs Pack Bridge parking on the north side of US-12 between MM 152, 153 (~25 miles west of Lolo Pass / ~78 miles east of the US-12/13 junction at Kooskia). Winter/shoulder: trail can be icy or flooded with spring runoff; traction devices help after freeze-thaw.
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1. Park in the unpaved lot (free; fills early on weekends).
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2. Cross US-12 carefully on foot, then the pack bridge over the Lochsa.
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3. Take the main Warm Springs Creek trail west/upstream ~1 mile to the first pools; continue ~0.5 mile for additional soaks.
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4. Return the same way before dark — overnighting at the springs is banned.
Plan your visit
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs works well as a day trip from Missoula Mt or Moscow Id. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Hot Springs Campground or browse more Idaho spring spots in our directory. For the full list in Idaho, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access requires a 1-mile (each way) hike from the parking area. The trail and hot springs are on public land within the Clearwater National Forest. The site is unofficial and receives no regular maintenance. Parking is free but limited and fills quickly on weekends and holidays.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs free?
Yes. There is no Forest Service day-use or parking fee at the Warm Springs Pack Bridge trailhead.
How long is the hike to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
About 1–1.4 miles one-way (~2–2.8 miles round-trip) on a mostly flat trail along Warm Springs Creek after you cross the Lochsa pack bridge.
Can you camp at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
No. The springs are day-use only (roughly 6 a.m.–8 p.m.). Camp nearby at developed Clearwater NF campgrounds such as Jerry Johnson Campground — not at the pools.
Where do you park for Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
Warm Springs Pack Bridge lot on US-12 between mile markers 152 and 153 (north side of the highway). Free parking; vault toilet at the lot.
How hot is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
Pool temperatures typically range roughly 95–115°F depending on the source and how much creek water you scoop in. Always test before sitting down.
Is Jerry Johnson clothing-optional?
Many soakers treat it as clothing-optional, but you will share space with mixed groups — use judgment, especially midday weekends.
Do you need a permit for Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
No day-use permit is required for the hike or soak. Standard national-forest rules (Leave No Trace, fire restrictions) still apply.
Is there cell service at Jerry Johnson?
Expect little to no service along this stretch of US-12 and at the pools. Tell someone your plan and carry a headlamp for late returns.
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Map & location
Culture & history
The hot springs hold historical significance as a sacred site for Indigenous tribes and a waypoint for the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Conservation
Visitors should adhere to Leave No Trace principles. Avoid using soaps or shampoos in the pools to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.