Wild Horse Hot Springs | Western Montana

• Wild Horse Hot Springs is a rustic hot spring resort with scenic mountain views

Wild Horse Hot Springs is a cozy, rustic hot spring resort near the town of Hot Springs, 80 miles northeast of Missoula in Montana's Little Bitterroot River Valley. Wild Horse offers access to private plunges filled with geothermal artesian water.

In 1912, Mollie Bartlett, the only daughter of Montana's second governor, drilled a water well on her property. She accidentally hit what we now known as Mother Dragon Geyser, releasing a massive column of hot mineral water.

The water was so hot that Mollie placed a wooden tub near the well to cool it down. Over the next 30 years, people from different parts of the country came to drink and bathe in the healing water.

In 1941, Mrs. Bartlett built a treatment center for children suffering from polio. In the early 1990s, the Larson family purchased the property and developed the facility to provide more soaking and lodging opportunities.

The resort has since changed hands, and the current owner continues to remodel the property.

To enjoy the springs, you can stay at the tent camp, come by RV, or swing by to soak during the day.

Geothermal Water & Soaking

The geothermal water comes out of the well at 128° F (53° C). The flow rate is 112 gallons per minute. Then, the water is mixed and piped into the 6 outdoor plunges.

The plunges are 8 ft x 8 ft and about 3 ft deep. The soaking pools are semi-private with wooden fencing, and you can adjust the temperature by closing the hot water valve.

All soaking spots are cleaned every day and free of chemicals.

The bath suits are required during daylight hours or when children are present.

Beyond Hot Springs: Other Adventures

The hot springs can host a wedding with a special feature - an overnight stay in a Honeymoon Cabin.

Flathead Lake, National Bison Range, and Lake Mary Ronan State Park are the closest places where you can go for outdoor adventures, including hiking, fishing, and more.

The spring has no dining options, but you can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the town of Hot Springs.

There are other soaking spots in the town of Hot Springs, including Camas/Big Medicine Hot Springs, Symes Hot Springs, and Alameda Hot Springs.

Location: 80 miles northwest of Missoula • Western Montana • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Soaking plunges
Clothing: Mandatory during daylight hours or when children are present
Amenities & Services: Campground

Hiking distance: Short
Road access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes

Elevation: 2,700 ft (823 m)