While I was visiting St. Regis, Montana, one of the more spectacular explorations was to Hot Springs, Montana. Hot Springs itself is a town that looks like a “throw-back” to the 1950’s. The Symes Hotel and Hot Springs is a landmark that began operations in 1930.
The town itself it quite compact. It has a population of just over 600, but features a business district with a number of shops and restaurants. The overall vibe is very low key. It truly looked to me like a resort town whose time has come and gone. That said, anyone with a sense of history or nostalgia will appreciate Hot Springs, Montana.
Hot Springs is about 55 minutes from St. Regis or about 30 minutes from Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake is a major camping and recreation area in Northwestern Montana. St. Regis is about 30 minutes from Lookout Pass which separates the Idaho Panhandle from Montana. Be aware: If you cross into Idaho, this “slice” of Idaho is on Pacific Time.
Hot Springs in Hot Springs, Montana
There appear to be numerous hot springs within the town of Hot Springs. I did some searching (google) before heading there and found that none of the hot springs was “the” place to go, and none were anything like Glenwood in Colorado or even Strawberry Park near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The latter was a favorite of mine in the years I was instructing at Steamboat Ski Resort.
A closer look at the Symes Hotel and Hot Springs
In my research, the Symes Hotel seemed to be the best place to visit for hot springs. First, they allow day visitors. In contrast, Sophia Springs (and perhaps others) are only open for those who are lodging or camping there. Further, reviews commented upon how clean the water was at the Symes Hotel. Others were not rated as highly by reviewers.
The Symes also has changing rooms, showers and even a coffee shop for day visitors. Overnight rates appeared to be quite reasonable (and includes the $15. fee for the springs!)
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The Symes Hotel Pools (hot springs)
When I visited the Symes Hotel, I found 4 “pools” ranging in temperature from 86F to 110F.
These pools and to my knowledge, none of the pools/springs in the town of Hot Springs are treated with chlorine. While in my view, that is a VERY GOOD thing, it’s also important that the “residence time” be kept to a minimum. As an example, in Saratoga Springs, Wyoming, I know the residence time is under 30 minutes between when water enters the pool to when it exits (to the North Platte River.) This is fast enough to ensure the water in the pool is safe without treating it.
RV Camping in Hot Springs
The Symes Hotel and Hot Springs, home of the “premier” hot springs in town, does accommodate RV’ers. From online reviews (most recent in 2024), they do not have actual “rv sites”, but they do have at least one power receptacle (30A.) The water and sewer hookups are present, but not in convenient locations. One review indicated their fee at that time was $60 per night. When I was at the Symes Hotel hot springs, I saw no evidence of RV’s or RV sites on their property.
Hot Springs RV is an RV park about a block from the Symes Hotel. One review online commented upon their affordable rates. The sites appear to be level and typical of a small (perhaps 15 sites) town RV park.
Hot Springs Campground and RV Park – not to be confused with Hot Springs RV! It’s another small RV park located about 2 miles from the town. It is situated just off Rt. 28.
Hot Springs has an RV park that also has hot springs on site. Sophia Springs charges about $65 per night, offers a reasonable (in today’s world) weekly rate and actually a very affordable monthly rate. Their online reviews are quite favorable.
A brief walking tour of Hot Springs, Montana
I did walk around town abit. That’s how I ran into Sophia Hot Springs. I also got the “’50’s vibe” as I wandered about. Here’s what I saw…
Here’s a few more with a “nostalgic” or “vintage” vibe…
Incidentally, I recommend DJ’s for breakfast. It’s a bit eclectic, but its a good place and quite affordable. Located about 2 blocks south of the Symes Hotel and not far from “downtown.”
A few more shots from the Symes Hotel…
And the dining room – I believe breakfast is offered daily (to everyone – guests and non-guests) and dinner is done over the weekend. Call their office to check on hours, etc.
And lastly, there’s even a parlor at the Symes…
This is where I started the morning… The Nugget Resort in St. Regis
Overall, I highly recommend staying in this area. As I noted in an earlier post, the Nugget is NOT cheap, so if its summertime when you plan to come, this post will help you to understand more about the Nugget and other options in this region.
Last Thoughts…
As we head into winter, I’ll share more about where I am and what I’m learning about the Silver Valley. Hint… so far I like it! More to come (including ski stories)…
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