Quinn’s Hot Springs Montana- Directions, Pools & Adventures

Nestled in a forested canyon along the Clark Fork River, Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort offers a genuine Montana escape. Steam rises from natural pools carved into river rock, cozy log cabins dot the hillside, and a rustic lodge beckons with hearty meals.

It’s a tranquil alternative to the more crowded Yellowstone Hot Springs, giving visitors a quieter, equally rejuvenating experience in the heart of nature. Whether you’re chasing wellness in mineral water, exploring mountain trails, or simply seeking a peaceful family getaway, Quinn’s delivers.

In this guide, Chanin walks you through everything from quick facts and directions to the pools, nearby adventures, dining, lodging, and even the question of nudity.

Quick Overview of Quinn’s Hot Springs

Directions to Quinn’s Hot Springs

By Car:

From Missoula, hop on I-90 W to MT-200 W, then turn south onto MT-135 E (Quinn’s Canyon Road). Follow winding forest highways for about 66 miles until you see wooden signs for Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort.

From Spokane or Coeur d’Alene, take US-2 W into Montana, then ID-1 north to MT-135. GPS users can enter “Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort” or use coordinates 47.45° N, 115.5° W. In winter, watch for icy spots and pack chains if needed.

Public Transit:

Limited service runs to nearby towns, but the most reliable way is a rental car. If you arrive by bus to St. Regis or Thompson Falls, arrange a shuttle or taxi for the final 15–20 miles.

When you turn off the highway onto the resort drive, you’ll pass a small gift shop and parking lot. Check in at the riverside lodge before exploring the pools, cabin areas, or grabbing a bite.

For adventurous travelers, the scenic backroads offer a beautiful route—find dirt roads on Google Maps to make the most of your journey.

A Short History of Quinn’s Hot Springs

Quinn’s Hot Springs began when Irish miner Martin Quinn discovered the healing waters in the 1880s. He built bathhouses and cabins that welcomed weary locals. In 1949, the Harwood family added the iconic stone Harwood House.

Through fires and floods, the resort has endured—blending rustic charm with modern comfort. Today, guests relax in the same mineral pools that soothed pioneers, dine where history lingers, and sleep in cabins echoing a century of Montana hospitality.

Best Time to Visit Quinn’s Hot Springs

Quinn’s is a true four-season retreat:

• Summer (June–August): Warm days perfect for hiking and river fun. Pools offer cooling relief on hot afternoons, and children love the saltwater pools and splash zones. Expect lively weekends and midweek deals on lodging.
• Fall (September–October): Crisp air and golden cottonwoods frame the pools. Fewer crowds make it ideal for couples and solo travelers. Be sure to grab an early reservation, as Quinn’s Hot Springs resort prices often dip in shoulder season.
• Winter (November–March): Snow blankets the pines, steam billows over 106°F pools, and adults-only soak hours at dawn or dusk create magical, silent mornings. Nearby ski areas invite you to combine snow sports with hot-water recovery.
• Spring (April–May): Melting snow fuels waterfalls and wildflowers appear. The pools warm the chill in the air, and rates tend to be lower. Spring rains can make the canyon lush—just pack a waterproof jacket.

No matter when you arrive, checking Quinn’s Hot Springs maps online or at the front desk helps you plan which pools to hit first and where your cabin or lodge room sits relative to the river and trails.

Features & Pools at Quinn’s Hot Springs

Quinn’s Hot Springs is all about water—and lots of it! Here’s a detailed insights into exactly what makes each pool and feature special, so you can plan your perfect soak.

1. Natural Hot Spring Pools (100–106°F)

• Number & Layout: Five stone-lined pools sit terrace-style on the canyon slope. Each pool is slightly different in shape and depth—some are cozy two-person tubs, others are wide three-to-four-person basins.
• Water Source: 100% pure mineral water flows constantly from the ground beneath, at about 140°F. It’s piped into each pool then blended with cooler creek water to your ideal temperature.
• Temperature Zones:
  • 100–102°F – ideal for longer soaks (20–30 minutes) without overheating.
  • 104–106°F – perfect for quick, therapeutic dips to ease muscle tension.
• Atmosphere: Each pool has its own unique view—some peer over the riverbank, others are tucked under towering pines. Look for comfortable stone benches built right into the pool walls.

2. Saltwater Pools (Mid-90s°F)

• Gentler Option: Two chlorine-free, salt-sanitized pools hover around 94–98°F, offering a milder soak. These are great for children, seniors, or anyone who finds the hotter hot springs too intense.
• Design: Wide, shallow pools with smooth concrete edges and easy bench seating allow you to drift and chat. They’re buffered from wind by log walls, so all you notice is the warmth.

3. Cold Plunge Pool (55°F)

• Contrast Therapy: Standing chest-deep in icy 55°F water for 30–60 seconds jumps your circulation into high gear. It’s invigorating if you’ve been in a hot pool and want a brisk wake-up jolt.
• Access: A simple square basin next to the salt pools, with built-in steps and a handrail for safe entry and exit.

4. Creekside Rock Pools

• DIY Hot Tubs in Nature: Along the Clark Fork River’s sandy bank, resort staff have arranged river rocks into about a dozen shallow “hot pots.” Each collects spring water bubbling up underneath.
• Custom Temperatures: You can gently shift rocks to let more cold river water in, dialing the mix between warm (100°F+) and cool (mid-60s°F).
• Family Fun: Kids love splashing and adjusting the rocks, while adults linger in a private nook. Just bring water shoes for the rocky bottom.

The setup here gives off a rustic charm similar to Deep Creek Hot Springs, blending natural beauty with the joy of discovery.

5. Adults-Only & Family Hours

• Quiet Soaks: From 7–8 am and 10–11 pm, only guests 18+ may use the pools. These early-bird and late-night windows are blissfully peaceful—perfect for meditation under the stars or sunrise reflections.
• Family Time: Outside those hours, the pools welcome all ages, so you’ll enjoy laughter and splashes alongside multigenerational families.

6. Spa & Relaxation Lounges

• Spa Services: Book a massage, hot-stone therapy, or facial to gain exclusive access to a quiet spa lounge. Here you’ll find cushioned recliners, herbal teas, and views of the river through large windows.
• Sauna & Steam: A small cedar sauna and herbal steam room live behind the spa reception—ideal for warming up before a cold plunge or saltwater soak.

7. Fitness & Trails On-Site

• Mini Gym: A compact fitness room houses cardio machines and free weights—great for a quick workout before you reward yourself with a hot soak.
• Resort Walking Paths: Paved and gravel trails wind through the lodge grounds, riverbank, and forest. Morning birdsong and deer sightings are common.

8. Poolside Amenities

• Changing Rooms & Lockers: Heated, well-lit locker rooms with private changing stalls, showers, and hair dryers make pre- and post-soak routines easy.
• Towel Service: Fresh towels are provided free for lodging guests; day-visitors can rent towels at the front desk.
• Drink Station & Snack Bar: A small kiosk near the pool deck serves cold bottled water, herbal iced teas, and light snacks—ideal for hydration between dips.

9. Stargazing & Evening Ambiance

• Soft Lighting: Hidden lanterns and low-wattage LED lights around the pools create a gentle glow without washing out the night sky.
• Clear Skies: With minimal light pollution, the Milky Way and constellations shine bright—soaking under a canopy of stars is a must.

10. Using the Quinn’s Hot Springs Map

• Plan Your Soak Tour: Pick up a printed resort map at check-in or view the interactive digital Quinn’s Hot Springs maps on your phone. Mark which pools you want to hit first—perhaps starting with a hot creekside “hot pot,” then a brisk cold plunge, followed by a mellow saltwater lounge and finishing under the stars in the infinity hot spring.

The experience rivals natural retreats like Buckeye Hot Springs, where hot water, fresh air, and starlit skies create the perfect unwind.

With these varied pools and features, you can customize every soak to your mood and needs. Whether you crave a fiery 106°F immersion, a gentle saltwater float, or a DIY creekside adventure, Quinn’s Hot Springs delivers a full spectrum of therapeutic water experiences—wrapped in Montana’s wild beauty.

Real Reviews: What Visitors Love About Quinn’s

Based on recent guest reviews from June 2025, Guests consistently praise Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort for its scenic beauty, warm hospitality, and relaxing atmosphere. Families love hosting reunions here, while couples often choose it for romantic getaways and anniversaries.

Reviewers highlight the clean cabins, excellent service, and rejuvenating hot pools. The on-site dining receives rave reviews, especially the Harwood House.

While reservations can be hard to get and prices are high, most guests say it’s worth every penny. Whether for rest or adventure, Quinn’s offers an unforgettable Montana escape that keeps visitors coming back.

Adventures Nearby Quinn’s Hot Springs

Quinn’s is as much a launchpad for adventure as it is a spa:

• Hiking & Biking: Trails in Lolo National Forest range from easy creek-side strolls to ridge-top summits. Bike rentals at the lodge let you explore gravel forest roads.

• Fly-Fishing & Rafting: The Clark Fork River teems with trout; guided float trips deliver both calm floats and class II–III rapids in season.

• Ghost Towns & Waterfalls: Discover abandoned mining cabins, explore Thompson Falls, or chase cascades at St. Regis Falls—all within a 30-minute drive.
• Winter Sports: Lookout Pass and Discovery Ski Areas are 1–1.5 hours away for skiing; backcountry snowshoeing and snowmobiling can start right from your cabin door.
• Wildlife Viewing: Deer, elk, bald eagles, and occasionally moose roam near the resort—keep your camera ready on dawn walks.

Whether you crave an active day on the river, a backcountry trek, or a wildlife photography outing, Quinn’s puts you in the wild heart of Montana.

Is Nudity Allowed at Quinn’s Hot Springs?

No. Quinn’s Hot Springs is a family-friendly resort, and swimsuits are required in all public pool areas. Even during adults-only hours, clothing rules remain the same.

This isn’t a clothing-optional setting—it’s about communal wellness, healing waters, and Montana camaraderie. Bring a good swimsuit, maybe two if you plan multiple dips, and embrace the shared experience of relaxing together.

Restaurants & Accommodation at Quinn’s Hot Springs

Quinn’s Hot Springs Restaurants

• Harwood House Restaurant: Fine-dining in a stone and timber lodge. The rotating menu features local trout, elk medallions, hearty steaks, and seasonal garden vegetables. Don’t miss the huckleberry cobbler. Dinner reservations are recommended, as the house fills quickly on weekends.
• Quinn’s Tavern: Casual pub atmosphere with bar-tap beers, whiskey flights, and simple comfort fare. Think buffalo burgers, chicken-fried steak, nachos, and fries. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—perfect for families.
• Snack & Coffee Shop: Light bites, grab-and-go sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and hot chocolate. Ideal for a poolside snack or picnic on the riverbank.

Between them you’ll find everything from artisan cocktails to menu items for picky eaters. Don’t miss their daily specials board—it often features soup of the day, fish tacos, or seasonal pastas.

Lodging Options

• Glacier Lodge: The original inn with cozy rooms, wood-paneled walls, comfy beds, and river or forest views. Ideal for couples or solo guests seeking convenience (just steps from the pools).
• River Lodge: Modern guest rooms with mini-fridge and balcony overlooking the Clark Fork River. Many travelers love the sunrise from these windows.
• Riverside & Canyon Cabins: Scattered around the property, cabins range from basic one-room cottages to deluxe multi-room family cabins with kitchens and fireplaces. Private porches let you sip coffee as deer graze below.
• Pet-Friendly Cabins: A handful of cabins welcome dogs for a nightly pet fee, plus pondside trails for four-legged friends.
• Resort Prices: Quinn’s Hot Springs resort prices include all taxes and fees. Midweek lodge rooms start in the high $200s, weekend premiums in deluxe cabins push into the $400s. Off-season rates can dip under $200 for basic rooms.

All guests enjoy unlimited 7 am–11 pm access to the pools. Check-in is 4 pm, check-out 11 am, and towels are provided (bring water shoes if you like). Early arrivals or late soaks are easy if your room is ready.

Final Words

Nestled in Paradise, Montana, Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort offers a perfect blend of natural hot springs, cozy cabins, fine dining, and mountain serenity.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, relaxing in steamy pools, or dining under the stars, this riverside retreat delivers genuine hospitality and unforgettable views.

Ideal for families, couples, or solo escapes—Quinn’s invites you to soak, explore, and unwind in pure Montana style.

Happy travels and warm socks

Chanin

Chanin is a seasoned traveler and digital nomad who has lived in various states across America, immersing herself in diverse cultures and experiences. Her passion for exploration and storytelling makes her an expert in uncovering the unique charm of every destination. As a writer for Wavy Destinations, Chanin shares her firsthand knowledge and insights on the best places to visit, hidden gems, and tips for making the most out of every journey.
Her writing not only inspires wanderlust but also offers practical advice for travelers seeking authentic and memorable experiences.