Are you looking for the best hot springs near Missoula, Montana? If so, you’re in the right place.
Thanks to the expansive network of geothermally heated waters underneath the western part of the state, Montana is home to more than 23 natural and developed hot springs, 13 of which are near Missoula.
For example, Nimrod Warm Spring is just 35 minutes from Missoula along I-90. Lolo Hot Springs lies just 45 away, on beautiful Lolo Pass, and Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort is just one hour away on the stunning Clark Fork River in Paradise, Montana.
Read on for a list of the 13 best hot springs near Missoula, Montana.
13 best hot springs near Missoula, Montana
Guidelines for visiting hot springs in Montana:
- Pack it in, pack it out, and leave the area cleaner than you found it.
- Never bring bottles or other containers near the water.
- Do not use any kind of soap or shampoo in the water.
- Check the conditions before you go – floods, rising water temperatures, bacteria presence, and closures can occur.
Skip to:
- Nimrod Warm Spring
- Lolo Hot Springs
- Quinn’s Hot Springs
- The Symes Hot Springs Hotel
- Alameda’s Hot Springs
- Big Medicine Hot Springs
- Sleeping Child Hot Springs
- Lost Trail Hot Springs
- Jackson Hot Springs
- Elkhorn Hot Springs
- Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
- Broadwater Hot Springs
- Boulder Hot Springs
1. Nimrod Warm Spring (Closest warm spring to Missoula)
Rate
Free
Hours
Year-round
Temperatures
70°F (21°C) year-round
Accommodation
None
Location
Roughly 35 minutes southeast of Missoula off Interstate 90.
Access
The spring is about a half-mile walk from the parking lot.
Pets
Dogs must be leashed and aren’t allowed in the hot springs.
A cool, natural spring perfect for hot summer days
Nimrod Warm Springs is as natural as it gets. This is a large pool fed by a warm natural underground spring that bubbles up from the hillside and pours down into the pool.
This is one of the closest hot springs near Missoula on our list, though it’s not a “hot” spring, per se. Rather, it’s a “warm” spring. If you’re looking for a truly “hot” hot spring near Missoula, move on to number 2 on this list.
The pool
The pool lies along the bottom of a hillside by a large rock outcropping on the Clark Fork River. The pool is very deep, so we only recommend this hot spring to skilled swimmers.
Its large size means the water remains at a lower temperature than the other hot springs near Missoula – about 70°F (21°C) year-round.
The water is a clear, blue color and visitors here enjoy expansive views of the surrounding mountains. It’s perfect for a hot, summer afternoon.
Amenities
None. Swim at your own risk.
*A special request from the owners
The owners of the property on which Nimrod Hot Springs is located have noted an increase in trash left behind by visitors. To keep the spring open to the public, they ask visitors to clean up after themselves.
Find Nimrod Warm Spring on the map
2. Lolo Hot Springs (Closest hot springs to Missoula)
Rate
| With lodging | Without lodging |
|---|---|
| Included | Age 13 – 54: $7 |
| Age 55+: $6 | |
| Age 5 – 12: $5 | |
| Age 0 – 4: Free |
Hours
| Winter | Summer |
|---|---|
| Sun – Thurs: 10 am – 9 pm | Mon – Thurs: 8 am – 10 pm |
| Fri – Sat: 10 am – Midnight | Fri – Sun: 8 am – Midnight |
Temperatures
103°F – 106°F (39°C – 41°C)
Accommodation
- Deluxe cabin
- Economy cabin
- RV pitches
- Tent camping
Location
About 45 min southwest of Missoula on Highway 12.
Access
On-site parking.
Pets
Pets are allowed, but they incur a $25 fee.
A quaint resort with plenty of activities
Lolo Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs near Missoula for people looking for a relaxing getaway, or to immerse themselves in the outdoor recreation opportunities of the Bitterroot Range.
Guests here have access to hiking, mountain biking, golfing, Nordic skiing, and snowboarding. After a day of recreation, what better to do than soak in hot springs?
The pools
Lolo Hot Springs in Montana has several indoor and outdoor pools onsite available year-round, kept at around 103°F – 106°F (39°C – 41°C).
Amenities
An on-site restaurant is available to guests who wish to try the local cuisine. Additionally, guests have access to numerous activities, including a disc golf course, volleyball nets, and horseshoes. Campgrounds feature showers and bathrooms.
Lolo Hot Springs near Missoula Montana is also an ideal space for events, reunions, weddings, company retreats, and other gatherings.
Find Lolo Hot Springs on the map
3. Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort
Rate
| With lodging | Without lodging |
|---|---|
| Included | Age 6+: $18/four-hour session |
| Age 0 – 5: Free, accompanied by an adult |
Hours
| With lodging | Without lodging (Four-hour sessions by reservation) |
| Under 18: 8 am – 10 pm | 8 am – 12 pm |
| Over 18: 7 am – 11 pm | 12 pm – 4 pm |
| Day of check-in: from 2 pm | 4 pm – 8 pm |
| Day of check-out: until 1 pm |
Temperatures
- Natural pools: 100°F – 106°F (38°C – 41°C)
- Salt-treated pools: 95°F – 100°F (35°C – 38°C)
Accommodation
- Suites
- Cabins
- RV pitches (at Cascade Creek Campground, three miles away)
- Tent camping (at Cascade Creek Campground, three miles away)
Location
About 1hr northwest of Missoula on Highway 135.
Access
On-site parking.
Pets
Pet-friendly.
A modern hot spring resort near Missoula, Montana
Located on the Clark Fork River in Lolo National Forest, Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort is an ideal place for anyone looking for a hot springs resort near Missoula with a variety of on-site amenities and solid infrastructure.
Guests here enjoy fine dining, various accommodation choices in lodges and riverside cabins, and, of course, several hot spring pools.
Year-round, the surrounding mountainous landscape serves as a delightful view for guests bathing in the pools.
The pools
Quinn’s Hot Springs near Missoula, Montana, offers two salt-treated pools at 90°F to 100°F (35°C – 38°C) and two untreated pools that sit at 100°F – 106°F (38°C – 41°C). An ice plunge is maintained at 55°F (13°C).
Non-guests who wish to use the pools must reserve an available four-hour session in advance, from the following time slots:
- 8 am – 12 pm
- 12 pm – 4 pm
- 4 pm – 8 pm.
Find Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort on the map
4. The Symes Hot Springs Hotel
Rate
| With lodging | Without lodging |
|---|---|
| Included | Age 12+: $10 |
| Age 0 – 11: $5.50 | |
| Punch cards: 10 soaks for $60.00 |
Hours
- Sun-Thur: 7 am – 9 pm
- Fri-Sat: 7 am – 10 pm
- Wednesday: large pool closed for cleaning
Temperatures
- Upper pool: 107°F (42°C)
- Lower pool: 101°F (38°C)
- Large pool: 95°F (35°C)
Accommodation
- Hotel
- Cabins
- RV pitches (no hookups, electric only, or full hookups)
- Tent camping
Location
About 1 hour northwest of Missoula in Hot Springs, Montana, off Highway 28.
Access
On-site parking.
Pets
Dogs are permitted in some rooms.
A quaint, charming establishment
Symes Hot Springs Hotel and Mineral Baths is located in the town of Hot Springs, Montana, known for its numerous hot spring establishments.
The area is steeped in history that dates back to long before Europeans settled the Americas. Native tribes referred to this quiet region of Montana as “Big Medicine”.
Symes offers 31 hotel rooms of different layouts with kitchenettes and jacuzzis. They also offer cabins for guests who prefer more space.
The pools
Symes has a larger, upper pool out front that sits at 107°F (42°C). A waterfall connects the larger pool to the lower pool, which sits at 101°F (38°C). A third pool is kept at 95°F (35°C).
Symes also offers 4 clawfoot tubs, a jetted hot tub, and a jacuzzi.
Amenities
Guests have access to a conveniently located on-site restaurant and massage service. In short, Symes is a step back to simpler times.
Find Symes Hot Springs Hotel on the map
5. Alameda’s Hot Springs
Rate
Accommodation in rooms and cabins ranges from $85 – $141
Hours
- Sun – Thurs: 8 am – 5 pm
- Fri – Sat: 8 am – 5 pm
Temperatures
110°F – 120°F (43°C – 49°C)
Accommodation
- Cabins
- Suites
Location
About 1 hour northwest of Missoula in Hot Springs, Montana, off Highway 28.
Access
On-site parking.
Pets
Pets are permitted in some cabins and suites.
A cozy hot spring resort with in-room spring water
Alameda’s Hot Springs in Montana is one of the many historic hot springs in Hot Springs, Montana.
In addition to in-room hot spring tubs, guests at Alameda’s also have access to an outdoor public area and sauna.
The establishment is located in a vintage motel circa the 1930s, giving a delightful touch to the already pleasant atmosphere.
The pools
Every suite and on-site cabin has a private hot spring-fed bathtub. They recently installed several outdoor soaking tubs in the outdoor public space as well.
Find Alameda’s Hot Springs on the map
6. Big Medicine Hot Springs
Rate
$5, by honor system
Hours
Daylight hours, year-round
Temperatures
101°F – 105°F (38°C – 40°C)
Accommodation
- RV pitches
- Tent camping
Location
About 1 hour northwest of Missoula on Highway 28.
Access
On-site parking.
Pets
Pets must be leashed.
A simple, outdoor hot springs pool
Big Medicine Hot Springs near Missoula, Montana is a hidden gem. This is a cement hot springs pool with few amenities, though it features a small changing booth, toilet, and picnic table.
It’s located in a peaceful neighborhood of Hot Springs, Montana, away from the large crowds, and is suitable for anyone looking for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of other hot springs in the area.
The pool
The pool stands at 6 x 15 x 3 ft (1.8 x 4.6 x 1 m). There’s also a small hot tub. Water temperatures range from 101°F – 105°F (38°C – 40°C).
Amenities
Big Medicine features on-site RV pitches, tent camping spaces, a picnic table, a changing room, and a bathroom.
Find Big Medicine Hot Springs on the map
7. Sleeping Child Hot Springs
Rate
$1,750/night (includes the entire home)
Hours
24/7 access for guests.
Temperatures
- Main pool: 100°F (38°C)
- Hot tub one: 102°F (39°C)
- Hot tub two: 104°F (40°C)
Accommodation
This is a five-story, nine-bedroom home available for short-term rentals.
Location
About 1.5 hours south of Missoula on Highway 93.
Access
On-site parking.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
A luxurious home with a private hot spring pool
This is another one of the best hot springs near Missoula, Montana. This luxurious house is located on a hot springs site that is steeped in history. It is commonly believed that the Nez Perce Native American tribe first discovered the spring in the late 1800s.
Today, a five-story home stands on the site with a pool fed by the local hot springs. The inside of the home features rustic, plush furnishings across nine bedrooms, a kitchen, and other living quarters.
Guests can hike and explore the natural landscape in the surrounding Bitterroot National Forest, take a short drive to visit Skalkaho Falls, and in winter, partake in snowshoeing.
The grounds are only open to guests who rent out the house. This is an ideal place for a company retreat, reunion, or other gathering.
The pools
The house features one pool measuring 30 × 60 ft (9 x 18 m) and two hot tubs.
Amenities
In addition to the pool and hot tubs, guests of the luxurious Sleeping Child Hot Springs also have access to a sauna, outdoor fire pit, game room, deck, and fountain.
Find Sleeping Child Hot Springs on the map
8. Lost Trail Hot Springs
Rate
| With lodging (excluding RV and tent camping) | With RV and tent camping | Without lodging |
|---|---|---|
| Included | $1 discount | Age 14 – 59: $9.25 |
| Age 60+: $7.25 | ||
| Age 3 – 13: $7.25 | ||
| Age 0 – 2: $3.25 |
Hours
- Fri: Noon – 9 pm
- Sat: 8 am – 9 pm
- Sun: 8 am – 7:30 pm
Temperatures
- Large pool: 95°F (35°C)
- Hot tub: 100°F – 106°F (39°C – 41°C)
Accommodation
- Cabins
- Lodges
- RV pitches
- Tent camping
Location
About 1 hour and 45 minutes south of Missoula off Highway 93.
Access
On-site parking.
Pets
Pets are allowed on a leash outside of the pool and hot tub area.
A well-equipped hot springs establishment in a historic region of Montana
Lost Trail Hot Springs, which is open year-round, is located at the southern end of the beautiful Bitterroot Valley on Gibbons Pass. About 100 years ago, the site was used as a place of respite and rest for people crossing the pass.
While driving south from Missoula to Lost Trail Hot Springs through the Bitterroot Valley, consider taking a break in beautiful Darby, Montana, located at the southern end of the valley, before continuing on your way.
Lost Trail Hot Springs’ relative isolation makes it a peaceful retreat, perfect for relaxing in geothermally heated waters.
The pools
Lost Trail Hot Springs features one outdoor pool that sits at about 95°F (35°C) and one indoor hot tub at 103°F – 105°F (39°C – 41°C).
Amenities
Lost Trail Hot Springs also features an on-site restaurant that is famous for its wood-fired pizzas. Guests also have access to numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking, bird-watching, and biking.
Find Lost Trail Hot Springs on the map
9. Jackson Hot Springs
Rate
| With lodging (excluding RV and tent camping) | Without lodging (including RV and tent camping) |
|---|---|
| Included | Adult: $10 |
| Kids: $7 |
Hours
Mon – Thurs: 8 am – 11 pm
Temperatures
100°F – 106°F (38°C – 41°C)
Accommodation
- Rooms
- Cabins
- RV pitches
- Tent camping
Location
About 2.5 hours south of Missoula on Highway 278.
Access
On-site parking.
Pets
Pets are allowed in some rooms and cabins for a $15 fee.
A remote, rustic, and pleasant resort with one large pool
Jackson Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs near Missoula, Montana. While it is one of the furthest from Missoula on our list, it’s worth visiting if you’re passing through the area.
This is a simple establishment located in the stunning Big Hole Valley of southwest Montana offering an authentic western experience.
They have one spacious pool of mineral-rich hot spring water sourced from deep in the earth, which sits at 100°F – 106°F (38°C – 41°C).
Guests at Jackson Hot Springs also have access to numerous outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the Big Hole Valley while they visit, including hiking, fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling.
Amenities
In addition to the pool, guests can play pool and shuffleboard, sit by the fireplace, and order food from the beautiful on-site restaurant.
*Note: the pool, restaurant, and lodge are closed from Monday to Wednesday night. However, guests are welcome to book lodging for these days.
Find Jackson Hot Springs on the map
10. Elkhorn Hot Springs
Rate
| With lodging | Without lodging |
|---|---|
| Included | Adults: $10 |
| Kids: $7 |
Hours
| Summer | Winter |
|---|---|
| Sun – Thurs: 8 am – 10 pm | Wed, Thurs, Sun: 8 am – 9 pm |
| Fri – Sat: 8 am – 11 pm | Fri – Sat: 8 am – 10 pm |
Temperatures
- Outdoor pool: 92°F – 102°F (33°C – 39°C)
- Indoor sauna: 104°F – 106°F (40°C – 41°C)
Accommodation
- Lodge rooms
- Cabins
Location
About 3 hours south of Missoula on the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Montana.
Access
On-site parking.
Pets
- Lodge rooms: Not allowed
- Some cabins: $15 fee
A remote and rustic resort
Elkhorn Hot Springs is not one of the closest hot springs near Missoula on this list, but if you’re up for some driving, or you’re in the area, it’s well worth a stop.
A staple of the beautiful Grasshopper Valley in southwest Montana, this establishment dates all the way back to 1918. The on-site cabins were built in the 1920s and maintain most of their vintage charm, with the addition of electricity.
Guests visiting Elkhorn Hot Springs often stop off at Maverick Ski Resort while they’re in the area.
Those who want to stay the night can choose between dorm-style guest rooms on the second floor of the main lodge or book a cabin, some of which can sleep up to 10 people. Cabins feature a mini-fridge and a wood-burning stove and come stocked with wood.
All accommodations at Elkhorn Hot Springs include a complimentary buffet breakfast and access to the hot springs.
The pools
Geothermally heated water fills all of Elkhorn’s flow-through pools. The outdoor pool sits in the range of 92°F – 102°F (33°C – 39°C), while the indoor sauna is kept at around 104°F – 106°F (40°C – 41°C).
Amenities
In addition to the pool and sauna, guests at Elkhorn Hot Springs can relax by the fireplace and order delicious, locally prepared meals from the on-site restaurant.
Note: There is no cell service at Elkhorn, but guests can connect to WiFi in the lodge or poolhouse to make WiFi calls.
Find Elkhorn Hot Springs on the map
11. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Rate
| With Lodging (except the Chalet and RV park) | With RV or tent camping | Without lodging |
|---|---|---|
| Included (Rooms and suites range from $199 – $469) | N/A | Guest-use only |
Opening hours
7 am – 10 pm, daily
Temperatures
- Indoor Pool: 88°F – 94°F (31°C – 34°C)
- Indoor Hot Pool: 100°F – 104°F (38°C – 40°C)
- Outdoor Pool: 88°F – 94°F (31°C – 34°C)
- Outdoor Hot Pool: 100°F – 104°F (38°C – 40°C)
Accommodation
- Rooms
- Suites
- RV pitches
Location
About 1.5 hours southeast of Missoula off I-90 (20 min before Butte).
Access
On-site parking.
Pets
Not allowed.
A large, well-equipped hot spring resort for everyone
Fairmont Hot Springs is one of the best hot spring resorts near Missoula. This large establishment has numerous amenities in addition to the hot springs, including Olympic-sized pools, a five-story waterslide, on-site dining, and great access to the surrounding countryside.
Groups of any size will feel comfortable at this well-equipped resort.
The pools
Fairmont Hot Springs in Montana offers guests two Olympic-sized swimming pools (39m x 14m and 50m x 18m) and two hot spring pools.
One of each pool is situated indoors and outdoors. Geothermally heated water is pumped out from below the earth’s surface at 155°F (68°C) and cooled to various temperatures to fill the pools.
The pools are only open to guests and membership holders. If you stay in the Chalet and RV park, you’ll have access to the pools for a discount.
Amenities
In addition to the hot spring pools, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort also features a spa, three on-site restaurants, and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities right out its front door, including golfing, hiking, and mountain biking. In winter, guests can go Nordic skiing on the Mount Haggin trails.
Accommodation
Fairmont Hot Springs features numerous accommodation options for singles, couples, and families. They offer 153 guest rooms and suites of different sizes that can sleep up to 10 people. Some studios include a full kitchen.
All rooms feature modern amenities, such as a flat-screen TV, coffee machine, mini-fridge, and microwave.
Find Fairmont Hot Springs Resort on the map
12. Broadwater Hot Springs
Rate
| With annual membership ($20) | Non-Member Soak Fees |
| Mon – Thurs: $10 | Mon – Thurs: $15 |
| Fri – Sun: $15 | Fri – Sun: $20 |
Hours
- Mon – Fri: 8 am – 10:30 pm
- Sat – Sun: 10 am – 10:30 pm
Temperatures
- Spring pool: 97°F – 102°F (36°C – 39°C)
- Soaker pool: 97°F – 102°F (36°C – 39°C)
- Recreational pool: 89°F – 93°F ( 32°C – 34°C)
- Hot tubs: 101°F – 104°F (38°C – 40°C)
- Cold plunges: 60°F – 70°F (15°C – 21°C)
Accommodation
None
Location
About 2 hours east of Missoula on Highway 12 (just outside Helena).
Access
On-site parking lot.
Pets
N/A
Hot spring and fitness center
Broadwater Hot Springs is a historic hot springs located just outside Helena, Montana. While this isn’t one of the closest hot springs near Missoula, 2 hours still makes it suitable for a day trip if you don’t mind the extra driving.
A hotel was first established at this site in 1889, the first hot springs center was opened here in 1979, and it was recently renovated in 2015. Today, it features seven different hot spring pools, including hot tubs and cold plunges, all with modern amenities.
The pools
Broadwater Hot Springs pulls water from their on-site artesian well and cools it down to ideal temperatures before filling each pool. The pools all sit at different temperatures, ranging from 97°F – 104°F (36°C – 40°C):
This hot spring health center is perfect for families, couples, or individuals.
Amenities
In addition to its multiple pools, hot tubs, and cold plunges, the grounds feature a restaurant, event space, and fitness center.
Find Broadwater Hot Springs on the map
13. Boulder Hot Springs
Rate
| With lodging | Without lodging |
|---|---|
| Included | Adults (age range unconfirmed): $10 |
| Age 60+: $8 | |
| Children: $5 | |
| 10-Pass: for the price of 9 |
Hours
10 am – 8 pm, daily
Temperatures
- Outdoor pool: 96°F – 100°F (36°C – 38°C)
- Women’s hot plunge: 103°F – 106°F (39°C – 41°C)
- Women’s cold plunge: 70°F (21°C)
- Co-ed hot plunge: 103°F – 106°F (39°C – 41°C)
Accommodation
- Guest rooms (shared baths, no breakfast)
- Bed & breakfast rooms (private baths, w/ breakfast)
Location
About 2.5 hours southeast of Missoula on Highway 69 in Boulder.
Access
On-site parking.
Pets
Not allowed.
A modern, cozy resort with historic charm
This is one of the furthest hot springs from Missoula on our list, but if you’re up for a few hours of driving, Boulder Hot Springs is well worth a visit. This is a modern resort that is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Boulder Hot Springs is located in the middle of 300 acres of wetland, forest, and meadows, which add a calming vibe to its already relaxing atmosphere.
Guests who stay the night can choose between luxurious rooms with a homelike feel and budget-friendly options.
The pools
Boulder Hot Springs offers guests one outdoor pool, indoor plunges, and mineral steam rooms.
Amenities
In addition to enjoying the various hot spring pools, guests can also order tasty food from the on-site restaurant, all of which is prepared with organic, locally grown ingredients.
The resort also features event spaces for company retreats, reunions, and other events.
Find Boulder Hot Springs on the map
Are there any hot springs in Missoula Montana?
About 13 hot springs are located within 170 miles (274 km) of Missoula, Montana, such as Nimrod Warm Spring (35 min), Lolo Hot Springs (45 min), and Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort (1 hour). However, there are no hot springs within the Missoula city limits.
Discover more Montana hot springs
- 23 Best hot springs in Montana
- 5 Best undeveloped hot springs in Montana
- 15 Best hot spring resorts in Montana
- 6 Best hot springs near Bozeman, Montana
- 7 best hot springs near Billings, Montana
- 6 best hot springs near Kalispell, Montana
- 5 best hot springs near Glacier National Park
- 8 hot springs in and near Yellowstone National Park
While the hot springs on this list are well-known and sometimes visited by the public, they are not managed by anyone or any official entity, so we can’t guarantee that they are safe to spend time at or swim in.
Conditions change daily in the Montana backcountry. Speak with regional authorities and check local weather conditions, water temperatures, and other relevant safety information before traveling to the locations on this list or getting in their waters. Swim at your own risk.
header: Djembayz – CC BY-SA 3.0
