Dewar Creek Hot Springs
A serious wilderness hike to scalding springs in the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy.
Dewar Creek is the Kootenays’ true wilderness soak: an ~18 km round-trip hike (about 540 m of gain) into the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy leads to springs that vent at up to ~77°C — genuinely scalding at the source. Soak only in the pools where spring water mixes with cold creek water, and test before you commit.
This is core grizzly habitat, and the springs’ mineral licks draw wildlife; travel in a group, carry bear spray, and camp only in durable spots. No fees, no facilities, no shortcuts — that’s the point.
Quick facts
| Location | Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park, NW of Kimberley |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | Source extremely hot (up to ~77°C) — scalding; soak only where mixed with creek |
| Access | ~18 km round-trip hard hike (540 m gain) |
| Fees | Free; wilderness — no facilities |
| Good to know | Core grizzly habitat; bear-aware travel essential |
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.
More springs in Kootenay Rockies
- Lussier Hot Springs Closed
- Radium Hot Springs Open
- Fairmont Hot Springs Open
- Ainsworth Hot Springs Open
Official information
- Official page ↗ — always check current conditions before you go.
Soak BC is an independent directory. Conditions, fees and hours change — always confirm with the official source above before travelling, especially for remote sites. Spotted something out of date? We correct fast.