Dewar Creek Hot Springs
A serious wilderness hike to scalding springs and exceptionally sensitive wildlife habitat.
Dewar Creek is a demanding ~18 km round-trip wilderness hike into the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy. BC Parks says surface vents exceed 80°C — hot enough to cause severe burns — and only one small visitor-made pool remains.
This is not a destination to modify or develop for soaking. The mineral licks support elk, goats, deer and moose, while rare plants and a red-listed damselfly depend on the spring habitat. BC Parks removes new pool construction and explicitly points visitors toward more suitable hot-spring soaking locations. Stay on durable routes, do not enter or trample the bog, and treat the visit as a conservation-sensitive backcountry trip.
Quick facts
| Location | Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park, NW of Kimberley |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | Surface vents above 80°C (scalding); only one small pool remains |
| Access | ~18 km round-trip hard hike (540 m gain) |
| Fees | No fee; wilderness — no facilities |
| Good to know | Fragile mineral-lick and rare-plant habitat; BC Parks removes new pool construction and directs visitors to more suitable soaking locations |
Getting there
Trailhead northwest of Kimberley via St. Mary’s Lake and gravel FSRs; then a hard ~9 km hike each way to the springs.
Check current conditions ↗
Fees, hours and closures change — confirm with the official source before you travel.
More springs in Kootenay Rockies
- Lussier Hot Springs Open
- Radium Hot Springs Open
- Fairmont Hot Springs Open
- Ainsworth Hot Springs Open