Bear Creek Hot Springs - Backpack, Camp, Hike, Horseback, Hot Springs, and Mountain Bike near Irwin, Idaho
Forest Rd 058, Irwin, ID 83428, USA,Irwin,Idaho
43.27591400241, -111.23238799142
9.8 miles S of Irwin, Idaho
Address: Forest Rd 058, Irwin, ID 83428, USA
GPS: 43°16'33.3"N 111°13'56.6"W
Maps | Directions
State: Idaho
MTB Trail Type: Singletrack
Trails/Routes: 13.2-13.5 mi

Backpack, Camp, Hike, Horseback, Hot Springs, and Mountain Bike

Bear Creek Hot Springs is a 15 mile out and back trail with a hot spring at the end. The trail is not well marked and is only recommended for very experienced outdoorsmen and primarily used for hiking. It is also popular for horses and motorcycles. During archery season, the area near the pool is a popular area for a hunting camp. The pool itself is about 10ft x 10ft. Most of the time, this soak is pretty secluded so it's often a clothing optional soak. Just be courteous of others when they're there.

Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.

Read More

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

Read More

Be careful. Pay attention to posted signs and always test the waters before you get in. Some hot springs can get up to boiling temperatures. Be sure to drink plenty of water to combat the dehydrating effect of the spring.
Be respectful of other soakers and the hot spring. Don't hog the pool. Camp at least 200 yards away and keep fires in designated areas. Keep your pets out of the water and never pee in thermal feature. Glass bottles should never go near a hot spring.

Read More
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Irwin, Idaho

  1. Head southeast toward Old Irwin Rd (161 ft)
  2. Turn left onto Old Irwin Rd (0.1 mi)
  3. Turn right onto US-26 E (6.2 mi)
  4. Turn right onto Forest Rd 277 (0.4 mi)
  5. Turn right to stay on Forest Rd 277 (0.1 mi)
  6. Turn left to stay on Forest Rd 277 (1.7 mi)
  7. Sharp left onto Forest Rd 076 (2.6 mi)
  8. Turn right onto Bear Creek Rd (5.6 mi)
  9. Turn right
    Destination will be on the left
    (0.3 mi)
or

The trail follows Bear Creek upstream (West) from the trailhead. The main trail crossed the river six times in the first four miles. Before each set, there's a detour to the right (North) that will take you up the hill and around the crossings. That will really save you when the water's higher. The first set has four crossings and the second set has two. At about 4 miles, you'll come to the North Fork of Bear Creek.  If you've been detouring, it will look like another up and around detour. Don't do it. Follow the trail to cross over the North Fork and continue. About a mile further, you'll see Warm Springs Creek come in on your left (South). That's the really hard way to get there. Follow Bear Creek another 1/4 mile and watch off to your left(South) for a dirt bike trail up the hill. At this point, the leisurely hike is pretty much over. Follow the trail up South the hill. At one point, you'll cross over a little ravine. After that, there's about a mile or less  to go. There's a pretty good campsite near the springs and the trail goes right to it.

to add photos & videos and suggest edits

Guest Review/Comments

/5
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

wishfulangel

6/2/15 7:51 pm
Finally made it and it was well worth it... Beautiful and green. Trail up to top is not for the faint of heart, even on a horse it is a workout up and down.
Reply
Edit Review Delete Review
Reply Cancel
The actual hot springs pool. About 10x20 and a perfect temperature. courtesy of Victor Walker The actual hot springs pool. About 10x20 and a perfect temperature. courtesy of Victor Walker↗
Hot Spring Hot Spring Dirt Bike Crossing by Lauren Brewer Dirt Bike Crossing by Lauren Brewer Beautiful start to the hike. If only we didn't have to cross that stream so often... courtesy of Victor Walker Beautiful start to the hike. If only we didn't have to cross that stream so often... courtesy of Victor Walker↗ Love the steam in the morning air courtesy of Victor Walker Love the steam in the morning air courtesy of Victor Walker↗ Not a lot of shade on the way down. courtesy of Victor Walker Not a lot of shade on the way down. courtesy of Victor Walker↗ This is a fresh-water spring where you can get cold clean water. And some pools to soak in when it i courtesy of Victor Walker This is a fresh-water spring where you can get cold clean water. And some pools to soak in when it i courtesy of Victor Walker↗

Trails

Distance ?

13.2 miles Round Trip

Elevation Gain ?

1,183 feet

Real Ascent ?

1,779 feet

Real Descent ?

596 feet

Avg Grade (2°)

3%

Grade (-18° to 25°)

-33% to 47%

Distance ?

13.5 miles Round Trip

Elevation Gain ?

1,180 feet

Real Ascent ?

1,924 feet

Real Descent ?

744 feet

Avg Grade (2°)

3%

Grade (-18° to 25°)

-33% to 47%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.

Other Mountain Bike Trails, Hiking Trails, Horseback Trails, Hot Springs, and Backpacking Trails Nearby

Add Location

Bear Creek Campground at Palisades

Irwin, Idaho

3.7 miles N

Palisades Reservoir is ideal for water skiing in the summer and features many picnic spots and boat docks. The area forest service hosts nine campgrounds containing 181 family units. Boat launch...

Camp, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

horseback Horseback Trail

Calamity Campground

Irwin, Idaho

3.7 miles N

Calamity Campground is located just 55 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho. This is the perfect area to access the Palisades Reservoir and enjoy the water activities available there. The water here is...

Camp, Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Mountain Bike, Swim

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

kayak Kayaking Area

Palisades Hot springs

Swan Valley, Idaho

5.7 miles SE

Legend has it... The hot water flows right into the lake. Feel free to dig your own little hot tub in the sand.

Hot Springs, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hot springs Hot Spring

Sheep Creek/little Elk Connection

Irwin, Idaho

6.0 miles NE

The trail headed up hill is extremely rigorous. Some walking will be necessary at first. Follow the climb about 1.5 miles till you reach a plateau. The trail divides and heads south...

Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

3.9 mi

Little Elk Creek Trail

Irwin, Idaho

6.1 miles NE

Backpack, Hike, Horseback, and Mountain Bike near Irwin, Idaho

Backpack, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

horseback Horseback Trail

backpack Backpacking Trail

3.3-10.0 mi

Sheep Creek Trail

Irwin, Idaho

6.6 miles NE

Hike and Mountain Bike near Irwin, Idaho

Hike, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

13.8 mi

Big Elk Creek

Irwin, Idaho

6.7 miles NE

Big Elk Creak Campground is a very versitile campground with plenty of activities to keep busy. Campgrounds are available, with three group sites that include picnic tables and campfire rings. There...

Backpack, Camp, Canoe, Hike, Horseback, Kayak

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

horseback Horseback Trail

kayak Kayaking Area

backpack Backpacking Trail

23.8 mi

Big Elk Creek Trail

Irwin, Idaho

7.0 miles NE

Non-motorized trail open to MTB. source: fs.usda.gov

Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

Red Ridge Trail

Swan Valley, Idaho

7.6 miles NW

OHV trail. source: fs.usda.gov

Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

Long Gulch/Indian Trail

Swan Valley, Idaho

7.6 miles NW

Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) less than or equal to 50 inches wide, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding, hiking. source: fs.usda.gov

Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

Hunts Corral

Irwin, Idaho

8.4 miles N

Non-motorized use only. source: fs.usda.gov

Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

Indian Creek Campground (Palisades)

Irwin, Idaho

8.5 miles E

Palisades Reservoir is a picturesque body of water in eastern Idaho on U.S. Highway 26 near the Idaho & Wyoming border and about 25 miles west of Jackson Hole Wyoming. The reservoir is nestled...

Camp, Hike, Horseback, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

horseback Horseback Trail

5.6-8.3 mi

Palisades Creek Trail / Lakes and Waterfall Canyon

Irwin, Idaho

8.5 miles N

Palisades Creek Trail is located about 50 miles southeast of Idaho Falls and about 60 miles west of Jackson Hole WY in Swan Valley Idaho. The four mile hike up to lower Palisades Lake or the 6.2 mile...

Backpack, Camp, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

horseback Horseback Trail

backpack Backpacking Trail

South Fork Bear Creek Trail

Wayan, Idaho

8.6 miles SW

OHV trail. source: fs.usda.gov

Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

Flat Iron Trail

Swan Valley, Idaho

10.1 miles NW

OHV trail. source: fs.usda.gov

Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

Echo/Indian Creek Trail

Swan Valley, Idaho

13.4 miles NW

OHV trail. source: fs.usda.gov

Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

Fall Creek Falls

Swan Valley, Idaho

13.5 miles NW

Falls Campground is located next to the Snake River near beautiful Swan Valley, only 45 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Mixed growth cottonwood trees provide partial shade, and grassy meadows with...

Camp, Cave, Hike, Kayak, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

cave Cave

kayak Kayaking Area

North/South Rainey Creek Trails

Irwin, Idaho

13.6 miles N

Motorcycle trail. source: fs.usda.gov

Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

South Fork Fall Creek Trail

Swan Valley, Idaho

13.6 miles NW

OHV trail.

Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

Echo Canyon aka Fall Creek

Ririe, Idaho

13.8 miles NW

Trail goes to the top of Deadhorse Ridge for some amazing views. Double-track, single-track, and gravel road.  Length: 15 miles

Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

Nearby Campsites

Add Location

Bear Creek Campground at Palisades

Irwin, Idaho

3.7 miles N

Palisades Reservoir is ideal for water skiing in the summer and features many picnic spots and boat docks. The area forest service hosts nine campgrounds containing 181 family units. Boat launch...

Camp, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

horseback Horseback Trail

Calamity Campground

Irwin, Idaho

3.7 miles N

Calamity Campground is located just 55 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho. This is the perfect area to access the Palisades Reservoir and enjoy the water activities available there. The water here is...

Camp, Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Mountain Bike, Swim

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

kayak Kayaking Area

13.8 mi

Big Elk Creek

Irwin, Idaho

6.7 miles NE

Big Elk Creak Campground is a very versitile campground with plenty of activities to keep busy. Campgrounds are available, with three group sites that include picnic tables and campfire rings. There...

Backpack, Camp, Canoe, Hike, Horseback, Kayak

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

horseback Horseback Trail

kayak Kayaking Area

backpack Backpacking Trail

Big Elk Campground

Irwin, Idaho

6.7 miles NE

Big Elk Creek Campground is a very versitile campground with plenty of activities to keep busy. Campgrounds are available, with three group sites that include picnic tables and campfire rings. There...

Camp

camp Campsite

Indian Creek Campground (Palisades)

Irwin, Idaho

8.5 miles E

Palisades Reservoir is a picturesque body of water in eastern Idaho on U.S. Highway 26 near the Idaho & Wyoming border and about 25 miles west of Jackson Hole Wyoming. The reservoir is nestled...

Camp, Hike, Horseback, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

horseback Horseback Trail

5.6-8.3 mi

Palisades Creek Trail / Lakes and Waterfall Canyon

Irwin, Idaho

8.5 miles N

Palisades Creek Trail is located about 50 miles southeast of Idaho Falls and about 60 miles west of Jackson Hole WY in Swan Valley Idaho. The four mile hike up to lower Palisades Lake or the 6.2 mile...

Backpack, Camp, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

horseback Horseback Trail

backpack Backpacking Trail

Alpine Campground

Alpine, Wyoming

11.0 miles SE

Located two miles west of Alpine, Wyoming. Campground is situated in lodgepole pine trees, on flat terrain, and subject to wind and summer thunderstorms. Area is located near the south end of...

Camp

camp Campsite

Falls Campground

Victor, Idaho

12.6 miles NW

Falls Campground is located next to the Snake River near beautiful Swan Valley, only 45 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Mixed growth cottonwood trees provide partial shade, and grassy meadows...

Camp

camp Campsite

Fall Creek Falls

Swan Valley, Idaho

13.5 miles NW

Falls Campground is located next to the Snake River near beautiful Swan Valley, only 45 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Mixed growth cottonwood trees provide partial shade, and grassy meadows with...

Camp, Cave, Hike, Kayak, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

cave Cave

kayak Kayaking Area

Pine Creek Campground

Victor, Idaho

20.6 miles N

The Pine Creek Campground has 10 single units and has restrooms.

Camp

camp Campsite

Mike Harris Campground

Victor, Idaho

21.0 miles NE

Mike Harris Campground is located along scenic Teton Pass, just 5 miles from Victor, Idaho at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Visitors enjoy fishing, exploring local trails and sightseeing in this...

Camp

camp Campsite

Bailey Lake

Jackson, Wyoming

26.0 miles E

Bailey Lake is located on the Guyandotte River in Wyoming and Mingo Counties in West Virginia, 3.3 miles (5.3 km) east of Justice. Originally referred to as Justice Reservoir, the lake was named by...

Camp, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

horseback Horseback Trail

Wolf Flats Recreation Area

Ririe, Idaho

29.3 miles NW

Wolf Flats is a completely free, dispersed, undeveloped camping area with 25 locations to camp. Some areas are large enough to accommodate groups of 50 people.

Camp

camp Campsite

Darby Canyon Camping

Alta, Wyoming

29.5 miles N

There's no official campgrounds up the canyon but there are several dispersed campsites with existing fire lays. Please adhere to principles of Leave No Trace. Use existing fire lays and leave...

Camp

camp Campsite

Moody Meadows

Driggs, Idaho

30.3 miles NW

Good place for kids, they can ride bikes in the meadow, play in the stream, and camping is off of the road. Hiking, motorbiking, and horseback riding trails are abundant in the area.

Camp

camp Campsite

Table Rock Campground

Ririe, Idaho

30.3 miles NW

Table Rock / Poison Flat Campground is located at the Caribou-Targhee National Forest which occupies over 3 million acres and stretches across southeastern Idaho, from the Montana, Utah, and Wyoming...

Camp

camp Campsite

Kelly Island Campground

Ririe, Idaho

32.3 miles NW

This is a BLM campground with 14 campsites for RVs or tents and 1 group campsite. Daily Rates $5-20 Showers No Bathrooms Vault...

Camp

camp Campsite

Paramount Wall / Blanche Rock

Ririe, Idaho

32.7 miles NW

Sitting high above the road, the routes at Paramount offer great exposure and relief from the afternoon summer sun. Chuck Oddette, Steve Reiser and Jed Miller established the routes from 1989...

Camp, Horseback, Rock Climb

rock climb Rock Climbing Wall

camp Campsite

horseback Horseback Trail

Big Hole Dispersed Campsites

Ririe, Idaho

33.2 miles NW

A dispersed campsite is simply an unestablished and unmaintained area where people camp. Often, this means that there is a campfire or other basic campsite feature to identify the site and that's...

Camp

camp Campsite

1.3-4.3 mi

Phelps Lake

Jackson, Wyoming

33.4 miles NE

The Phelps Lake trail, located in Teton National Park, Wyoming, is in one of the most scenic locations of the park. Usually overshadowed by nearby Jenny Lake, it can often be missed by visitors of...

Backpack, Camp, Dive, Hike, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

dive Diving Platform

backpack Backpacking Trail

More Campsites Near Bear Creek Hot Springs:

Campsites

Embed Arena

Where do you plan to embed this code?

<script src="https://www.freearenas.com/embed/a0f414439"></script>

Copy
×
loading...

Edit Your Experience

Log Your Visit to This Location

We've logged that you went. Is there anything else you want to add?

Thank you for your review/comment

We've recorded your comments. Is there anything else you want to add?

By recording your visit on FreeArenas.com, you'll have a collection of all the great places you've been and provide valuable information for yourself and others in the future.

Have you been to this location?

/5
Cancel

Donate to the Cause

Help us inspire and inform every person to enjoy life and the great outdoors in a responsible way. There's a lot of ways to do this. Here's a few ways we're working on our mission right now: Providing information, Building and maintaining local trails, Helping and teaching kids to fix their bikes, Cleaning up local parks to provide safe and clean places to enjoy nature. Learn More

Update Review

/5

New Collection

Add an Arena

Just some quick info about this location to get started...