Washakie Mineral Hot Springs

Fremont County, Wyoming · Near Fort Washakie
43.0080°N, 108.8350°W · 5,480 ft
111°F 5,480 ft Unknown Roadside DESG Camping nearby (21.9 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Washakie Mineral Hot Springs LiDAR bare-earth view of the same ground around Washakie Mineral Hot Springs
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag the handle to compare the two views. The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

Washakie Mineral Hot Springs is a hot spring on the Wind River Reservation in Fremont County, a few miles from Fort Washakie. The water is hot, above soaking range at the source, with iron among the minerals sampled. This is tribal land and public access is recorded as unknown. The road passes close by.

Location

Tribal land, Wind River Reservation, with the road about 140 feet away. Mid elevation, dry, moderate snow. Worthen Meadow Campground is the closest listed, some 22 miles away. Nothing on file describes the pool or any development.

Roadside and hot. Access unknown; check with the tribe before you go. Hot enough to scald skin on contact at the source, so go carefully. Winter months are listed best on file. Worthen Meadow Campground is the camping on record. Chemistry and temperature are from an October 1989 sample.

Terrain

Aircraft with laser scanners measured this ground to within inches. The scan strips out trees and buildings, leaving the bare shape of the land around Washakie Mineral Hot Springs.

Setting
Open ground
Flat, open ground all around.
Highest ground nearby
6 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the west
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from southwest to northeast, about 0.6 miles end to end.

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

Heat Below
101 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's about 1½ times the US average of 65. It's higher than at 49% 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
20°
Jan
21°
Feb
33°
Mar
40°
Apr
50°
May
63°
Jun
71°
Jul
69°
Aug
59°
Sep
43°
Oct
31°
Nov
20°
Dec
Annual Precip: 15.4 in Annual Snow: 48.6 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 20°F · Water 111°F · +91° contrast
December Air 20°F · Water 111°F · +91° contrast
February Air 21°F · Water 111°F · +90° contrast
January offers 51°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
Today 73° Low 48° Mostly Sunny
Spring is +38° warmer
Wednesday 80° Low 48° Sunny 2% precip
Spring is +31° warmer
Thursday 76° Low 49° Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 25% precip
Spring is +35° warmer
Friday 78° Low 44° Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 13% precip
Spring is +33° warmer
Saturday 73° Low 43° Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 20% precip
Spring is +38° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1989-10-16

The water at Washakie Mineral Hot Springs is neutral (pH 7.2). It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief), and sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation).

pH 7.2 Neutral
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Calcium 130 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 30 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 40 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 270 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 49 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 33 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Worthen Meadow Campground 21.9 mi away

Worthen Meadow Campground has 28 campsites on the shores of Worthen Meadow Resevoir. Trailheads at the campground accesses the Popo Agie Wilderness. No trailers over 24 feet. Amenities include potable water, three vault toilets, picnic tables, cook grates and boat ramp. Worthen Meadow Picnic Area is nearby.

Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 5,480 ft

Washakie Mineral Hot Springs sits at 5,480 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 22% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
111°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 111°F (44°C)
Avg Air Temp 44°F
Above Ambient +68°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Unknown
Road Access Roadside
Distance to Road 137 ft
Land
Ownership DESG
Agency DESG
Designation Tribal Land
Unit Wind River Reservation
Manager TRIB
Protection 4 - No known protection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Washakie Mineral Hot Springs?
Washakie Mineral Hot Springs has a water temperature of 111°F (44°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Washakie Mineral Hot Springs located?
Washakie Mineral Hot Springs is located in Fremont County, Wyoming at 5,480 feet elevation, near Fort Washakie. Coordinates: 43.0080°N, 108.8350°W.
How do I get to Washakie Mineral Hot Springs?
Washakie Mineral Hot Springs has Roadside road access (137 ft from the road).
Is Washakie Mineral Hot Springs free to visit?
Washakie Mineral Hot Springs has Unknown access. It is managed by DESG.
Can I camp near Washakie Mineral Hot Springs?
Yes, Worthen Meadow Campground is located nearby (21.9 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Washakie Mineral Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 7.2 (neutral).
Is it safe to soak at Washakie Mineral Hot Springs?
With care. At 111°F Washakie Mineral 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