There are numerous hot springs in Montana, but the question remains: where should you go? Listed below are the best spots to enjoy a soak. Read on to discover more about each hot spring. Then, plan your next trip to Montana! Here’s what to do:
Rose’s Plunge Hot Springs
For those who are searching for a relaxing soak, try the Rose’s Plunge in Hot Springs, Montana. This rectangular soaking pool sits overlooking the town. Combine a soak with yoga, meditation, or rejuvenating activities to truly enjoy this hidden treasure. You’ll be glad you did! Here are some great reasons to visit this hot springs spa:
The hot springs’ name is derived from a legend – Nez Perce Indians left their children at the springs and came back to find them safe. The resort was later built after the hotel from the 1890s. The mineral springs are a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Despite the name, they are also accessible year-round. And the best part is, there are several pools in the town to choose from.
In 1862, a prospector named James Riley filed a claim in the area and built a tavern and bathhouse. In 1909, Butte millionaire James A. Murray purchased the hot springs and remodeled the west wing in California Mission style. The resort also features restaurants, full bars, and an arcade. The Hot Springs resort is a great choice for families and couples.
If you’re looking for a less developed hot springs experience, you can choose from the many in the area. Bozeman has a hot springs resort with all the facilities and live events. Big Medicine has cabins and is run by the same people who run Rose’s Plunge. Big Medicine Hot Springs is located near the city of Missoula. Nimrod is another great hot springs experience with underwater caves. Getting there is easy and you can book a hotel near the springs.
Alameda’s Hot Springs
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway in the middle of nowhere, check out Alameda’s Hot Springs in Montana. The resort is situated about sixty-four miles from the city of Kalispell. It features an outdoor pool that can get up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll find that children are not permitted to swim here, but older children can enjoy the pool. The hotel has a retro feel and private mineral baths, so you can enjoy the water in privacy.
The spa’s name comes from a local legend: Nez Perce Indians left their children in the water and later returned to find them safe. The spa was named after the hotel in the 1890’s. The spa’s water temperature ranged from 100 to 106 degrees. Guests can enjoy a beer at the hotel’s bar. The resort has an RV park on-site, so bring your RV if you’re planning on spending the night.
The Spa at the Hot Springs Resort in the town of Alameda offers various treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa is equipped with a hot and cold pool, a large sauna, and five updated cabins. A full-service restaurant and a snack bar are also available. The resort was built as part of the WPA project to create jobs for the community during the Great Depression. Its name has been given after the hot springs that encircle it.
Renova Hot Springs
Renova Hot Springs, Montana, is an ancient natural hot spring located on private property. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office recently closed the facility, which violates the social distancing ordinance and poses a serious safety risk. Visitors should contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office if they have any questions about the closure. If you are planning a vacation to the area, you should plan on spending at least one day there.
While the facility’s hot spring is located on private property, many locals still use it. The area is visible from the public road, but trespassing is not permitted. The abandoned hot spring contains a large quonset hut that used to be an open-air swimming pool. A steady flow of hot water can be seen pouring from the pool building area under a gravel road and footbridge. Visitors may want to bring a hat and some other items for the day.
The Montana area is home to many hot springs and resorts. Each location offers a unique experience, and each one is special in its own way. Hot springs are often found in areas of volcanic activity. There are many in Montana. Whether you want a relaxing soak or an extravagant meal, you’ll find it in this state. You can even reserve a private hot spring for a more intimate experience. But be warned, these resorts can be a bit pricey.
Goldbug Hot Springs
If you’re looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon, visit the Goldbug Hot Springs, a natural hot spring in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, 20 miles south of Salmon. There are six waterfall-fed pools that you can enjoy at Goldbug Hot Springs. There are waterfalls and swimming holes in each pool, but you can also rent a kayak and explore the surrounding area. This attraction is open daily.
The first major swimming area at Goldbug Hot Springs is the heart-shaped one. Located just after the bridge, this pool is surrounded by lush trees and an expansive valley below. It’s the biggest and most scenic of the pools, with a bench nearby. The natural hot springs are also the perfect temperature and elevation to keep snakes at bay. The waterfalls that feed the pools are also the most photogenic, so bring a camera – you’ll be glad you did!
The trail to the hot springs is two miles long and uphill, so bring your hiking shoes. The trail is steep and shady and marked with wooden fences. The first half of the trail is on private land, while the second half is on public land. The hike is well-marked and easy to follow, and the pools are a short distance away from the trail. The campground is equipped with a composting toilet, and there is a bathroom on site.
Fairmont Hot Springs
The history of the Fairmont Hot Springs can be traced back to 1860 when prospector James Riley filed a claim to the land and built a crude bathhouse and tavern. In 1909, Butte millionaire James A. Murray purchased the hot springs and remodeled them. In 1910, the west wing of the resort was completed with California Mission-style architecture. Since then, the resort has been the site of many special events.
For decades, the Fairmont Mountain Resort was considered a medicinal water source. It was thought to treat rheumatism and arthritis, among other ailments. In the early 20th century, the two-story hotel was built here. The hotel closed in the 1970s due to disrepair, but has been reopened several times since. Its 153 rooms are spacious and luxurious. It is also possible to enjoy casual dining at the Fairmont’s Whiskey Joe’s Lounge, which serves full-service cocktails and appetizers.
The Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers an abundance of outdoor activities. In addition to the spa treatments, guests can enjoy a heated river rock massage, reflexology, facial massage, raindrop technique, and luxury body treatments. During the winter, visitors can cross-country ski, ice skate, or ride a mountain bike. The Fairmont also offers lodging in its cabins. Its location is close to many other destinations in the area, including the towns of Butte, Anaconda, and Dillon.
Yellowstone Hot Springs
When you visit Yellowstone National Park, be sure to visit the Boiling River, which is located south of the 45th Parallel Bridge in Mammoth. This river mixes with boiling hot springs, and the only area where you can soak legally is there. Be careful to bring your swimsuit, though, as spring runoff often creates dangerously high water levels. The area is also home to some wildlife, including bison and elk.
From Bozeman, drive south on 90E for about 23 miles. Then, take exit 333 from 89 South and follow that road to Livingstone. At the Livingstone exit, turn left onto East Gate Road, and follow signs for Yellowstone Hot Springs. The drive to Yellowstone should take one and a half hours. You can stay in a cabin or rent a cabin if you’re staying in the area.
There are three flow-through pools in the Yellowstone Hot Springs complex. The main pool has a temperature of 102 degrees, while the cold plunge is 60-65 degrees. You can also take a kneeling walk, where you can interchange hot and cold water, which helps circulate the blood. This activity is not just for kids, but for adults, as well. And the best part? The water is clean and naturally flowing.