Weir Creek Hot Springs

What to expect

Weir Creek Hot Springs is a small, rough soak in a narrow side canyon above the Lochsa River. Hot water seeps out of the rock beside Weir Creek, and soakers have dammed it with local stone into one main pool on a rock slab. From the pool you look down into the creek and across a canyon of cedar, pine and rock walls. It holds about ten people at a squeeze.

The pool is usually reported at about 100-105°F38-41°C. When it is full, or you want some space, there are spots in the creek itself where hot water mixes in, but only when the creek is running slowly.

This is a popular and heavily used spot, and that has caused problems. In 2022 the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests put an overnight closure on the springs after years of trash, vandalism, human waste along the trail, illegal camping and drug and alcohol citations. Rescues, often at night and often involving intoxicated visitors, were a big part of the decision. Signs at the trailhead now say emergency medical services will no longer provide backcountry aid there. Treat it as a quick daytime soak and leave it cleaner than you found it.

Status in 2026

The overnight closure (8pm to 6am Pacific) has been in force since late November 2022 and is the rule to plan around.

There is one conflicting note. A Visit North Central Idaho article published in October 2025 says the area “has been closed until further notice” because visitors did not follow recreation guidelines. We could not find a matching closure on the Nez Perce-Clearwater alerts page in October 2026, which listed no order for Weir Creek, and trail guides describe it as open. The notice may date from the 2020 closures, when the forest shut Weir Creek and Jerry Johnson for a time. Before you drive, call the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District or the Supervisor’s Office in Kamiah (208-935-2513) to confirm.

Getting there

The springs are in Idaho County on the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District, off US Highway 12, the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway.

• From Missoula, Montana: Drive south to Lolo, then west on US-12 over Lolo Pass and down into the Lochsa canyon. The trailhead is about 66 miles from Lolo, past Powell and the Jerry Johnson trailhead.
• From Kooskia, Idaho: Drive east up the Lochsa on US-12 for about 68 miles, past Lowell.

The parking lot is on the river side of the highway, just east of milepost 142. The Forest Service and the Nez Perce Tribe upgraded the lot and installed a vault toilet there. It sits on a corner with limited sight lines, so slow down well before you turn in and take care pulling back onto the highway.

From the lot, walk up the trail on the left side of Weir Creek for about half a mile. It climbs gently through the trees, with roots and rocks underfoot, and it is known for being slippery. Wear real shoes. In winter, icy slopes with steep drops to the creek make it hazardous, so bring microspikes.

When to go

Late summer and fall are the most comfortable months. The trail is dry and Weir Creek is low, so the pool is not flooded by runoff.

Spring brings high water and mud. The creek can run fast beside the pool.

Winter is quiet and US-12 stays open, but the trail ices up and daylight is short. Remember that the 8pm closing time still applies.

The pool is small and the trailhead is close to the highway, so it fills up fast. Arrive early on a weekday for the best chance at space. Summer weekends are the busiest.

Rules and etiquette

• Closed 8pm to 6am Pacific, every day. No one may be at the springs or in the surrounding area during those hours. Officers can issue citations.
• No camping at the springs or the trailhead.
• No fee.
• Clothing: The Nez Perce-Clearwater does not post a swimsuit rule here that we could find, and visitors vary. Bring a swimsuit and expect a mix.
• Use the vault toilet at the trailhead. There is nothing at the pool, and human waste along the trail is one of the reasons for the closure.
• No glass, no soap. Pack out everything, including food scraps and clothing.
• Share the pool. It is small. Keep your stay short when others are waiting, and keep music off.

Where to stay nearby

There is no camping at the springs, but the US-12 corridor has Forest Service campgrounds and a lodge.

• Jerry Johnson Campground is a short drive east on US-12. It has first come, first served sites with toilets but no drinking water, and it is open in summer and early fall.
• Lochsa Lodge at Powell, further east toward Lolo Pass, has rooms, meals and fuel and is open year-round.
• Missoula and Kooskia have the nearest full services.

Safety notes

• Footing: The trail and the rock slab around the pool are slick, especially when wet or icy. Most injuries here come from falls.
• No backcountry rescue: Signs at the trailhead warn that EMS will not provide backcountry aid at the springs. Do not drink, and leave well before dark.
• Hot water: Test with your hand before you get in, and keep your head above the water.
• Highway traffic: The lot is on a blind corner of a busy highway. Do not park on the shoulder.
• No signal: Cell coverage is missing along most of the Lochsa. Fill your tank in Lolo or Kooskia and tell someone your plans.

Nearby stops worth adding

Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is about 10 minutes east, with three groups of pools along a flatter 1.3-mile trail and the same day-use hours. The Lolo Pass visitor center at the Montana line is a good place to check road and trail conditions on your way through.