Country
United States
Reviews
No reviews yet
Family friendly
Yes
Season
July to October (after spring runoff, before heavy snow)
About Stanley Hot Springs
Stanley Hot Springs is a set of primitive soaking pools in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness of north-central Idaho, high above the Lochsa River corridor and about 50 miles east of Kooskia. It has nothing to do with the town of Stanley in the Sawtooths, which causes frequent mix-ups. Water at about 106°F (41°C) emerges from several sources on a forested hillside and runs through a chain of pools built up with rocks and logs before draining into Huckleberry Creek, at roughly 3,600 feet elevation. Temperatures differ from pool to pool, so test before getting in. There are no buildings, fees or facilities: just the pools, a scatter of primitive campsites in the trees and the sound of the creek. The roughly five-mile approach keeps casual visitors away, so the people you meet are mostly backpackers and hikers, many of whom camp overnight. Clothing is optional by long custom and hot spring guides list it as such; most soakers go nude, but swimsuits are also common and there is no rule either way. Wildlife includes elk, moose, black bears and occasionally mountain lions, so food storage matters. It is a genuine wilderness outing rather than a casual soak.
Legal context & local rules
The springs are on National Forest wilderness land with no designated clothing-optional status; nudity is a matter of long-standing custom. Idaho's indecent exposure law is generally not applied to discreet nudity in remote backcountry, and no enforcement reports were found (checked 2026). Wilderness rules apply: no mechanised travel, pack out all trash.
Public nudity is largely prohibited in the US under indecent exposure laws which vary significantly by state. Vermont has no state-level law against public nudity, making it unique. Florida designates specific beaches as clothing-optional (Haulover Beach, Blind Creek State Park). Federal jurisprudence under the First Amendment has occasionally recognised nude expression in protests, though states regulate for public decency standards. Most states prohibit exposure of "sexual organs" in public under statutes similar to Florida Statute § 800.03.
Getting there and visiting
From Lowell on US-12 drive about 26 miles east to Wilderness Gateway Campground (near milepost 122). Trailhead parking is beyond the A and B loops and is free. Follow Trail 211 up Boulder Creek for roughly 5 miles one way with about 1,500 feet of gain. The Boulder Creek bridge washed out in 1998-99 and was never rebuilt: you must ford or cross on log jams, which is impossible during spring runoff and high water. No signs at junctions, no cell service, no public transport and not accessible for wheelchairs. Vault toilets are at the campground only.
What visitors say
Hikers consistently say the soak is worth the effort, especially after a long day on the trail, and that the pools and campsites are usually clean. The creek crossing is the main talking point: people describe fording or balancing across logs and advise asking returning hikers how it looks. Crowds are moderate in summer, with several groups camping at once on weekends. Visitors describe clothing as optional and mixed, and recommend bear spray, food storage and water filtering.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Before you go
- 1 Check the current local rules and access conditions before travelling.
- 2 Bring a towel and sit on it when using shared seating.
- 3 Never take photographs of other people without clear consent.
- 4 Respect the venue’s clothing, privacy, and behaviour rules.
Location
⌖View this place on the map
46.3163, -115.2586
Frequently asked questions
Is Stanley Hot Springs clothing optional?
Yes by custom: hot spring guides list it as clothing optional, and many soakers go nude, but swimsuits are also common.
How long is the hike?
About 5 miles each way on Trail 211 from Wilderness Gateway Campground, with roughly 1,500 feet of climbing and an unbridged crossing of Boulder Creek.
When can I go?
Midsummer to autumn is best. The creek crossing is not passable during spring runoff or high water.
Can I camp at the springs?
Yes, there are primitive sites around the pools and no advance permit is needed for ordinary recreation. Hang food or use a bear canister.
Is this near Stanley, Idaho?
No. It is in north-central Idaho off US-12 near Lowell, several hours from the town of Stanley.
Sources
- Stanley Hot Springs (Wikipedia)
- Stanley Hot Springs, Idaho (Hot Springs Guides)
- Hot springs in North Central Idaho (Visit North Central Idaho) Official
- Stanley Hot Springs review (The Dyrt)
- Stanley Hot Springs (Matador Travelstoke)
Researched 24 October 2026 .
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