Buried deep within America’s vast national forests are nature jewels that reward those adventurous enough to venture off the beaten path. Geothermal hot springs—where the Earth’s internal fire warms crystal-clear water to perfect soaking temperatures—offer off-the-beaten-path wilderness experiences that enable travelers to connect with prehistoric geologic forces.
Unlike the resort-style spas that have been developed around them, natural hot springs are largely untouched since the initial discovery of their curative qualities by indigenous people centuries ago. The hike to reach these remote hot springs is typically a picturesque walk through untainted surroundings, so the payoff at the end is that much sweeter.
Following is a list of 15 remote hot springs nestled within America’s national forests that are worthy of discovery on your next foray into the wilderness.
Sykes Hot Springs
Tucked 10 miles into California’s Ventana Wilderness within Los Padres National Forest, these springs require commitment to reach. The challenging trail follows the Pine Ridge route through massive redwoods before descending to the Big Sur River, where several pools average 102°F.
Recent trail restoration has improved access after storm damage, though the trail’s difficulty keeps crowds low even during peak season.
Umpqua Hot Springs
These tiered travertine pools in Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest cascade down a mineral-stained hillside above the North Umpqua River. A short but steep half-mile hike from the parking area leads to multiple soaking options with temperatures ranging from 100–112°F.
Early morning visits during weekdays provide the best chances for solitude in these picturesque pools surrounded by towering Douglas firs.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Conundrum Hot Springs
Nestled at 11,200 feet in Colorado’s Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness within White River National Forest, these alpine pools require serious dedication. The 8.5-mile trail gains nearly 3,000 feet of elevation, but rewards hikers with 100°F springs offering panoramic views of surrounding 14,000-foot peaks.
A permit system now limits overnight visitors, preserving the experience and protecting the fragile alpine environment.
Weir Creek Hot Springs
Hidden within Idaho’s Clearwater National Forest, these granite-lined pools maintain a consistent 115°F year-round. A relatively accessible one-mile hike on a well-maintained trail makes this a popular option for first-time hot spring seekers.
The terraced pools comfortably accommodate 6–8 people, and the sound of the creek provides a natural soundtrack for peaceful soaking.
Wild Horse Hot Springs
These remote pools in Montana’s Flathead National Forest remain mostly undiscovered due to their location far from marked trails. Reaching them requires navigating about five miles of unmarked forest routes, ideally with GPS or a detailed topo map.
The reward is a collection of three pristine pools ranging from 95–108°F with views extending across the South Fork Flathead Valley toward the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
San Antonio Hot Springs
Perched on a hillside in New Mexico’s Santa Fe National Forest, these crystal-clear pools offer spectacular views of the Jemez Mountains. A 5-mile forest road (sometimes accessible by high-clearance vehicles) leads to the short trail ascending to several pools averaging 105°F.
The mineral-rich water flows over travertine formations, creating natural infinity pools above the scenic valley.
Melakwa Lakes Hot Springs
These are among Washington’s most isolated thermal features. These springs in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest remain overlooked even by experienced hikers.
The challenging 8.5-mile trail passes picturesque alpine lakes before reaching several small pools, maintaining temperatures around 104°F. Snow typically blocks access from October through June, making late summer the prime window for experiencing these pristine wilderness springs.
Buckeye Hot Springs
These springs emerge from a hillside in California’s Toiyabe National Forest, just outside the eastern Sierra town of Bridgeport. Natural rock pools capture the 100-120°F water as it cascades toward Buckeye Creek, allowing soakers to adjust their temperature by positioning accordingly.
The springs’ location near scenic twin lakes makes them an ideal addition to a fishing or hiking trip in this recreationally diverse region.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
McCauley Hot Springs
Located within New Mexico’s Jemez Mountains in Santa Fe National Forest, these pools require a moderate 3.5-mile hike through pine forests and meadows. The main spring feeds several rock-lined pools ranging from 95-105°F, comfortably accommodating small groups of soakers.
Ancient ponderosa pines surround the area, their fragrant bark adding to the sensory experience of these historic springs.
Terwilliger Hot Springs
Also known as Cougar Hot Springs, these cascading pools in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest feature five rock-lined tubs decreasing in temperature from 112°F at the top to 98°F at the bottom. A quarter-mile trail through old-growth forest leads to these springs nestled alongside a creek.
The forest service maintains these popular springs with an attendant during daytime hours and a modest access fee that supports ongoing conservation.
Chalk Creek Hot Springs
Scattered along Colorado’s Chalk Creek in San Isabel National Forest, these springs include both developed and natural options. The unmaintained “Hoodoo Hot Springs” requires a 3-mile hike up a primitive trail and rewards adventurous soakers with a scenic 104°F pool.
The surrounding canyon walls display striking geological formations, explaining the area’s designation as a National Natural Landmark.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Bald Mountain Hot Springs
Hidden deep in Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest, these springs require navigating unmarked Forest Service roads followed by a moderate 2-mile hike. The main pool comfortably fits 4–6 people and is consistently 106°F, with views of the Pioneer Mountains.
The springs’ remote location means that midweek visitors often have the entire area to themselves, even during summer months.
Mono Hot Springs
Tucked away in California’s Sierra National Forest near Edison Lake, these springs include both developed and wilderness options. Several natural pools ranging from 94–107°F can be found by exploring the surrounding riverbanks away from the historic resort.
The granite-lined pools offer spectacular High Sierra views, particularly from the aptly named “Old Pedro” spring perched above the San Joaquin River.
Paulina Hot Springs
These shoreline springs in Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest emerge along the edge of Paulina Lake within the Newberry Volcano caldera. A 7.5-mile trail circles the lake, with the springs located about halfway around on the northeast shore.
Visitors often dig their own soaking pools in the lakeshore sand, where 115°F spring water mixes with cool lake water to create ideal temperatures against a dramatic volcanic backdrop.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Upper Kern River Hot Springs
These springs are scattered along California’s wild Upper Kern River in Sequoia National Forest and require careful exploration to locate. The most accessible pool lies about a 2-mile hike from Johnsondale Bridge, where 98°F water fills a stone-lined pool built into the riverbank.
Spring runoff sometimes submerges the pools, making late summer and fall the most reliable visiting seasons.
Thermal Treasures
These remote hot springs are the outdoorsman’s ultimate ideal of adventure and relaxation in one, offering experiences that place viewers in touch with both natural marvels and forest landscape.
The effort of reaching these backcountry hot springs ensures that they remain untouched, existing in their untamed form for future generations of wild adventures. These pools of hot springs remind us that America’s national forests preserve not just trees and animals, but also rare geologic occurrences that have been attracting humans to them for millennia.
More from Travel Pug
- Cities Growing so Fast You Won’t Recognize Them in 10 Years
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 16 U.S. Cities That Are Quietly Becoming Travel Hotspots
- Where to Travel If You Love Long Bus Rides and Daydreams
- 20 Cities Perfect for Solo Travelers Who Crave Adventure & Culture
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.