Pipestone Hot Springs

Jefferson County, Montana · Near Whitehall
45.8960°N, 112.2330°W · 4,537 ft
135°F 36°F air · Good soaking weather 4,537 ft Roadside Camping nearby (7.3 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Pipestone Hot Springs

The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

Pipestone Hot Springs sits under seven miles from Whitehall in Jefferson County, Montana, on Hot Springs Road. It runs hot, at the top of the range where people still manage to soak, and only a little short of scalding. The water is alkaline per a 1977 sample, the one chemistry reading on file. Owner and access are not recorded. No photograph exists.

Location

Roadside, about a hundred feet from Hot Springs Road, low in a dry valley. Moderate snow in winter. The record names no land unit and no designation, which leaves ownership an open question.

Be careful with the water; at this temperature a few seconds is enough to burn. Toll Mountain Campground is seven miles or so out. The cold months carry the best rating, and snowfall is moderate. No fee is recorded either. The temperature dates from 1977. Confirm access before you go, since nothing on file says the public is allowed.

Terrain

USGS hasn't flown a detailed laser scan here yet, so this view comes from aerial photos and older elevation data.

Setting
Gentle slope
The ground tilts gently up to the west.
Highest ground nearby
95 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the west
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from west to east, about 0.6 miles end to end.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Heat Below
107 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's about 1½ times the US average of 65. It's higher than at 57% of the springs on this site.

Heat flow measures the warmth working its way up through the ground from deep inside the earth. Where it runs high, rain and snowmelt that seep down through cracks in the rock come back up hot.

Heat flow estimate: Stanford Thermal Earth Model (Aljubran & Horne, 2024), CC BY 4.0.

Monthly Climate
21°
Jan
22°
Feb
32°
Mar
41°
Apr
51°
May
61°
Jun
71°
Jul
70°
Aug
59°
Sep
44°
Oct
30°
Nov
20°
Dec
Annual Precip: 16.8 in Annual Snow: 47.2 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 20°F · Water 135°F · +115° contrast
January Air 21°F · Water 135°F · +114° contrast
February Air 22°F · Water 135°F · +113° contrast
December offers 50°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
36°F
NNW 3.6 mph 87% Good soaking weather
Today 70° Low 41° Sunny
Spring is +65° warmer
Wednesday 68° Low 44° Sunny 4% precip
Spring is +67° warmer
Thursday 75° Low 48° Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 36% precip
Spring is +60° warmer
Friday 69° Low 45° Rain Showers Likely 68% precip
Spring is +66° warmer
Saturday 71° Low 45° Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain 18% precip
Spring is +64° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1977-06-21

The water at Pipestone Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 8.1).

pH 8.1 Slightly Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Calcium 3 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 0 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 100 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 95 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 22 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 70 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Toll Mountain Campground 7.3 mi away

Toll Mountain campground is located on the eastside of the Highland Mountain Range, approximately 20 miles east of Butte. The campground  has 5 units that will accommodate trailers up to 22 feet and also has a group picnic area. The campground is close to a creek and offers a quiet forest setting for weekend getaways.

Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
135°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 135°F (57°C)
Avg Air Temp 44°F
Above Ambient +91°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Roadside
Nearest Road Hot Springs Road
Distance to Road 118 ft
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Pipestone Hot Springs?
Pipestone Hot Springs has a water temperature of 135°F (57°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Pipestone Hot Springs located?
Pipestone Hot Springs is located in Jefferson County, Montana at 4,537 feet elevation, near Whitehall. Coordinates: 45.8960°N, 112.2330°W.
How do I get to Pipestone Hot Springs?
Pipestone Hot Springs has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Hot Springs Road (118 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Pipestone Hot Springs?
Yes, Toll Mountain Campground is located nearby (7.3 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Pipestone Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 8.1 (slightly alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Pipestone Hot Springs?
With care. At 135°F Pipestone Hot Springs is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.
Sources: USGS NWIS