From Lewiston, Idaho, take U.S. Route 12 east toward Lolo Pass. Once past the town of Lowell drive approximately 26 miles (42 km) to the Wilderness Gateway Campground. Trailhead parking is located past the 'A' and 'B' loops. There is no parking fee. Access to the hot springs is via Trail #211.
The bridge crossing Boulder Creek washed away in the winter of 1998–99. The USFS has not yet expressed intent to rebuild it. As of 2021[update], the hot springs are accessed as follows:
Ford the creek and head for the log jam, located a little downriver from the trail site. The logs are well stuck in place and make a bridge across the river. Follow the logs zig zagging across the river to the center island. There is a log with a rope strung into a makeshift bridge which can be used to cross over the last half of the creek.
The optimal times to visit are after the spring runoff and before heavy snowfall, although it is possible to snowshoe into the hot springs.
^ abBerry, George W.; Grim, Paul J.; Ikelman, Joy A. (1980). Thermal Springs List for the United States. Boulder, Colorado: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. p. 23.
Media related to Stanley Hot Springs at Wikimedia Commons
