Explore Jerry Johnson Hot Springs near Missoula, Montana
Exploring Jerry Johnson Hot Spring in Winter near Missoula, Montana
One of our many favorite wintertime activities in Montana is stripping down to almost nothing and soaking our aching bodies in the hot waters of a natural hot spring. The feeling of driving through icy roads, then hiking in snowy conditions while seeing your breath and wondering, “Why would I take off my clothes now? It’s winter!”
For me, the tingles throughout my body (similar to those in a hot tub but better because I’m in chemical-free water) make the trip totally worth it!
where is Jerry johnson hot springs?
Jerry Johnson Hot Spring is located 84 miles from The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins and takes about 1:45 hours. Located in Clearwater National Forest in Idaho, you’ll actually be on Idaho time when you arrive (one hour behind Montana).
This is a beautiful drive to this year-round family destination, it takes you through the meandering roads of Lolo Pass. In the wintertime, it is extra photogenic, making you feel like you’re driving through Winter’s Wonderland.
Lochsa River on the way to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
how long of a hike is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
There are three hot springs sources and the hike generally takes 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending on your speed and fitness level) to cover 1.3 miles one way (2.6-mile roundtrip). It is considered an easy hike, but in the wintertime, because the trail is heavily treed and the snow has a harder time melting, it is recommended to bring crampons for easier walking.
The trailhead parking lot is called Warm Springs After parking, cross Highway 12 and the pack bridge over the Lochsa River. Take a right to follow Warm Springs Trail #49 south along the creek for about one mile.
Start of the trail - crossing the Lochsa River on the way to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs.
Are dogs allowed at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
Yes, this hot spring is pet-friendly and dogs need to be on a leash. No dogs are allowed in hot springs.
Is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Clothing Optional?
Yes, like many natural hot springs, Jerry Johnson is clothing optional, allowing you to soak freely in ways you feel comfortable.
There are no facilities (except for the bathroom at the beginning of the trail across the road).
Searching for pool #1 at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Are there fees at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?
No, there are no fees, it is a free hot springs site.
Camping at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
There is no overnight camping at Jerry Johnson. It is designated for day use only. There is a campground one mile from the Warm Springs.
whats the ‘glitter’ in the water at jerry johnson hot springs?
The elevated levels of sulfur (glitter-looking particles) in hot spring waters offer antifungal and antibacterial properties that can soothe and even help heal the skin. Healing hot spring waters can also improve skin irritations and conditions.
“Soakers enjoy reduced stress levels when spending time in natural hot springs.”
Pool #3 at Jerry Johnson Hot Spring
In under two hours from The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins, you can enjoy the healthy benefits of hot springs at Jerry Johnson. PRO TIP! You can also make a pit stop at Lolo Peak Brewery and Grill on the way there or back. There you can enjoy some refreshing libations and check out the building itself - it is a gorgeous log building, which is definitely unique, unlike the other breweries in Missoula.
Have you visited Jerry Johnson Hot Springs before? In which season?
Larch Madness at Heart and Glacier Lakes
Hiking and capturing fall at its prettiest at Heart and Crescent Lakes.
I’m a Woman Who Explores!
Nice to see you here again, I’m Alla and let me tell you about my latest hike which left me breathless, naked, and hugging a tree.
I’m so excited that Women Who Explore (WWE) chapters exist all over this country and the world, and this past year I’ve been to not one but four exciting events with them.
what exactly is WWE?
“From the beginning, our mission has been to create a safe space for all women-identifying voices, bodies, skill levels, and journeys. We bring together women who share a passion for adventure and love for this planet” Women Who Explore.
At the time of this writing, Montana chapter has over 12,000 members, check inside their Facebook Group to see if your city/town has an ambassador organizing trips. If not, why not apply to become one?
Missoula chapter has two ambassadors - Hauna and Melissa who volunteer to put on at least 6 trips in a single year.
On one of the floating trips, we had a gal, who was passing by, looking for fun things to do, which is actually really clever. WWE has so many chapters around the country and the world, that it becomes a great way to venture outside whether you’re a local or traveling through.
What trips have you done so far?
I’ve gone on a River Paddling and Charcautery trip, Zip Lining (around my Birthday), Missoula Spooky Walking History Tour (with Unseen Missoula), and this hike I’m going to tell you more about.
How did this event begin?
Any WWE trip begins with ambassadors posting a trip on the WWE Facebook Page, where anyone who is interested can sign up via their Eventbrite Link. Best part - this hike was absolutely free and who can say no to free opportunities to connect, sightsee, and get sweaty. I’m in!
Then ladies connected on Facebook messenger, coordinating car-pulling rides and figuring out who was coming from where. Amazingly, some girlies were coming from as far as Great Falls (a 3-hour drive), some from the Bitterroot Valley, and some from nearby Idaho.
Fortunately, I got to sleep in, and around 8:30 am I was picked up from the bottom of (basically) my driveway. It was quickly evident that it was going to be a pretty drive.
Visibility deteriorated fast and while passing the beautiful Potomac Valley, it was covered in a very thick, white fog.
As we drove toward Glacier Lake Trailhead, the fog hung around the mountains and made for quite a gorgeous vista. The lakes were even more stunning than usual, with steam rising off the lake, forgive my spur-of-the-moment image from a moving car.
The photographer in me is always excited and ready to capture these views, even though I’ve driven past here a few hundred of times.
The mission of the trip was to see larch trees, changing colors from typical green to a lovely yellow, before dropping the needles for next year’s rebirth.
Driving North on Highway 83 is always a treat, because of the various lakes and Swan Mountain Range that come into view.
This time of the year - around 3rd week of October - the lakes were reflecting a bunch of larches, so we made a note to return on the way back. Those photos are below.
The trail
If you’re in the area and are looking for an easier hike - Glacier Lake Trail (3.2mi) is fantastic! We hiked to it on the way back and I highly recommend it if you’re not looking for a challenge.
Here are a few photos to get you excited!
Larches at Glacier Lake
The beauty of Montana’s Glacier Lake
Heart Lake Trail (7.8 mi with a gradual elevation gain of 1,361 ft) is considered moderate on All Trails. It was a little challenging to find because GPS tries to take you off-road, but if you stay on the main dirt road, you should be able to find your way.
A windy road took us up in elevation, where we ALSO passed some stunning larch vistas. Despite the trees in the foreground, you can appreciate the insane amount of larch trees that go far into the horizon. How stunning!
As group trips go, there always tends to be that one or two people who are late or cancel coming altogether. On this trip, we also ran into this phenomenon, which delayed our hike a bit.
Starting around 10:30am the temperature had warmed up finally from miserable 30’s to around 50s and off we went.
Our awesome guide Hauna led the way and made plenty of room for photos, drink/snack breaks, and made the vibe of the hike very welcoming and inviting.
I love this group, primarily because I get to meet some bad-ass females and learn about their lives.
I may or may not have been the slowest hiker in the group, but I was the only one to get (almost) naked. Keep reading to learn more!
On the way to Crescent and Heart Lakes, we were able to get a bird’s eye view of Glacier Lake, which makes for postcard-type images.
Tip! Go on trips with other photographers who can take stunning photos of you. This is not a stock photo, its me as taken by Hauna (thank you for making me look to cool).
I’m a Woman Who Explores!
Arriving at Crescent Lake first, we snapped a few quick shots and kept going.
Crescent Lake
A few more minutes later, at Heart Lake, our final destination, we unpacked and enjoyed our packed lunches.
Surprisingly to all of us, another solo hiker caught up to us, making us realize she was one of the WWE participants. Blown away by her speed to catch up with us and her ability to brave the wilderness alone, we were all so impressed by Hailey.
Meanwhile, I realized that I overdressed for the 60+ F day that it became. My insulated pants and extra thick socks made the bottom of my body uncomfortably hot, so what was a girl near a lake to do?
I walked around a corner, where some bushes would give me some privacy to undress, got down to my undies, and went for it.
Still feeling brave from the previous week’s dip in the chilly 49F Blackfoot River, Heart Lake’s water didn’t feel any warmer. But I’ll say this - after dipping to my neck a few times, I didn’t feel hot from the waist down anymore for the rest of that day :)
Honestly, we were all slightly disappointed, because looking for Larch Trees, we didn’t see very many at Heart and Crescent Lakes. But making our way over to Glacier, once again we took out our cameras to capture this very special time of the year in Montana.
As we drove South on Highway 83, we had to make another sightseeing pit stop to visit Gus.
Who is Gus?
“Two feet taller than the Statue of Liberty, Gus was awarded the prestigious title “Largest Larix occidentalis (Western Larch) Tree in the United States” by the National Register of Champion Trees in 2020. ”
While some old larches can live between 400-600 years, Gus near Seeley Lake, was able to survive over 10 centuries (1,000+ years old). A lot can happen in such a long span of time, like lightning strikes and forest fires and Gus was able to survive 40 fires!
He is so tall, you have to back up a few hundred feet just to see the top of it.
It also took a couple of us, holding hands, trying to hug the dang thing. Here is my miserable attempt at tree hugging Gus.
Trying to hug Gus, the largest Western larch tree in the world.
From the weather to the company to the sights - we had THE PERFECT day hiking with the Women Who Explore Missoula Chapter. We definitely got our fill of larches to last us a whole year. We made friends and connections. We patted and enjoyed the company of dogs (always a plus in my book). And if you’re a woman who is into the outdoors, you should join us on the next adventure with WWE. See you outside!
Explore 13 Pet-friendly Hikes near Missoula, Montana
Calling all hiking enthusiasts, who want to bring along their furry friend while hiking near Missoula, Montana
Summertime in and near Missoula, Montana means endless blue skies, warm sunshine, and a beckoning call to the great outdoors. It's the perfect season to lace up your hiking boots or sneakers, pack some snacks, and head out for a day of adventure. And with an abundance of pet-friendly trails to choose from, you'll never run out of new paths to explore.
In this blog post, we're diving into the treasure trove of pet-friendly hikes near Missoula. From leisurely strolls to challenging treks, there's something for every hiker and their four-legged friend. So, grab your hiking boots, leash up your pup, and let's embark on a journey through the stunning landscapes of western Montana.
Kim Williams Nature Trail
( Click the title to explore this trail in AllTrails App)
Type: Easy
Length: 15.8 km (9.8 mi)
Elevation gain: 69 m ( 226 ft)
Dogs: on leash
Discover this 15.8-km out-and-back trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 3 h 0 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Milk Thistle
deer creek loop
Type: Easy
Length: 4.5km (2.8 mi)
Elevation gain: 95m (311 ft)
Dogs: on leash
Get to know this 4.5-km loop trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through July. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Hiking with dogs near Missoula, Montana
The “L” Trail
Type: Moderate
Length: 2.7 km (1.6 mi)
Elevation gain: 190 m (623 ft)
Dogs: yes!
Get to know this 2.7-km out-and-back trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 8 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
Blue Mountain Lookout Deadman Ridge Trail
Type: Moderate
Length: 7.7 km (4.7 mi)
Elevation gain: 241 m (790 ft)
Dogs: yes!
Head out on this 7.7-km loop trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 12 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
the “M” Trail
Type: Moderate
Length: 1.9 km (1.1 mi)
Elevation Gain: 196 m (643 ft)
Dogs: on leash
Try this 1.9-km out-and-back trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 1 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through August. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Hiking the M Trail in Missoula, Montana
waterworks hill
Type: Easy
Length: 5.6 km (3.4 mi)
Elevation gain: 216 m (708 ft)
Dogs: yes
Explore this 5.6-km out-and-back trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 44 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
MOUNT JUMBO TRAIL
Type: Hard
Length: 10.3 km (6.4 mi)
Elevation gain: 709 m (2300 ft)
Dogs: yes
Check out this 10.3-km out-and-back trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 17 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
Dandelion
saddle trail
Type: Moderate
Length: 6.9 km (4.2 mi)
Elevation gain: 202 m (662 ft)
Dogs: yes!
Discover this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 55 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through October.
Saddle Trail in Missoula Montana
Froehlich trail and ridge trail loop
Type: Moderate
Length: 6.8 km (4.2 mi)
Elevation gain: 234 m (767 ft)
Dogs: yes
Discover this 6.8-km loop trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 0 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through June.
whitaker bridge trail
Type: Moderate
Length: 11.4 km (7.8 mi)
Elevation gain: 173 m (567 ft)
Dogs: yes
Explore this 11.4-km out-and-back trail near Bonner, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 37 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.
Whitaker Bridge Trail
garnet ghost town and hike
Type: Easy
Length: 4.8 km ( 2.9 mi)
Elevation gain: 141 m (462 ft)
Dogs: yes
Enjoy this 4.8-km out-and-back trail near Garnet Ghosts Town (worth a visit!). Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 21 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through September.
morrell falls
Type: Moderate
Length: 8.9 km ( 5.5 mi )
Elevation gain: 139 m (456 ft)
Dogs: yes
Try this 8.9-km out-and-back trail near Seeley Lake, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 2 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
holland falls
Type: Easy
Length: 5.3 km ( 3.2 mi)
Elevation gain: 148 m ( 485 ft)
Dogs: on leash
Explore this 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Condon, Montana. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 27 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and fishing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Holland Lake Views from Holland Falls HIke
BONUS HIKE: Bluebird Trail
Type: Easy
Length: 1.6 km (0.9 mi)
Elevation gain: 121m (396 ft)
Dogs: yes!
A brand new trail in Missoula, the latest additional to our Conservation lands system. Bluebird Preserve Trail is a 124-acre parcel which due to it’s newness should be crowd-free and should add a bigger variety to seasoned hikers and locals looking to explore more with their furry best friends.
So, whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor to the Big Sky Country State, Missoula's pet-friendly hiking scene promises endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. From leisurely strolls to adrenaline-pumping ascents, there's a trail waiting for you and your furry friend to discover.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, leash up your pup, and embark on the ultimate summertime adventure in Missoula, Montana. Trust me – the trails are calling, and they're ready to be explored!
