Dunanda Falls Hot Springs
Also known as Boundary Creek Hot Springs
181°F
Source water (NOAA)
9mi
Hike, one way
Paid
Fees apply
Small pools below Dunanda Falls on Boundary Creek in Yellowstone's Bechler area, warmed by thermal water entering the creek. Reaching them takes a hike of roughly nine miles and a backcountry permit if camping. Soaking is only acceptable where thermal water has mixed with the creek.
01 · Before you go
Plan your visit
What to expect on the ground: rules, facilities and when to go.
- Camping nearbyPermit required. A summer visitor must use the designated ridge-top campsite above the falls.
- QuietLate summer and early fall when the creek is lower.
- SeasonRemote Bechler backcountry. Cave Falls Road can hold snow into June and can be muddy; high water in spring. Winter access is by ski or snowmobile and very long.
- Winter: possible with effortWinter access by ski or snowmobile only; very long. Winter guide
- FeesPark entrance fee applies plus a backcountry permit for overnight camping.
Best time to go. Late summer and early fall when the creek is lower.
02 · Live
Conditions
Access status, weather and hazards. Closure feeds are checked automatically every morning.
Access
No closures reported
No closure, fire or weather warning found in Forest Service, wildfire (NIFC) or National Weather Service feeds. That isn't confirmation it's open, so check with Yellowstone National Park.
Checked 22 Oct · updated daily
Searched for 2025-2026 Bechler closures and NPS soaking rules. No closure specific to Boundary Creek or Dunanda Falls found as of Oct 2026. NPS swimming page (accessed Oct 2026) bans soaking in thermal features park-wide, so this spot is only tolerated as river-mixed water; confirm with the backcountry office.
Soaking in Yellowstone's thermal features is illegal; only spots where thermal water mixes into a flowing river are tolerated, and the water is not tested or managed. Thermal crust is thin and can collapse into scalding water, so stay on trails and out of any pool fed by a vent. NPS warns of organisms in thermal water that cause rashes, gastrointestinal illness and rare life-threatening infections: do not submerge your head or swallow water. Bechler is grizzly country: carry bear spray and follow park bear rules. Overnight trips need a backcountry permit. Creek fords can be deep and cold during runoff and the backcountry office does not take reservations in the area before about July 10 because of high water. No lifeguards. No soap or shampoo in the pools.
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03 · Route
Getting there
Nearest town: Ashton, Idaho. Then a 9-mile hike, one way.
- 1
Start from the Bechler Ranger Station area reached via Ashton and Cave Falls Road and follow the Boundary Creek trail about 9 miles to the base of Dunanda Falls, where small rock-divided pools sit below the falls.
- 2
NOAA coordinates are rough and sit about 8 miles from Mr.
- 3
Bubbles; the identification with Dunanda is from the shared creek name.
44.2440, −111.0220 · nearest town Ashton, Idaho, WY
These coordinates are for the spring itself, not the parking area. Navigate to the trailhead named in the directions.
04 · Where to stay
Stay nearby
Start early and stay close. Places to stay near Ashton, Idaho, from campgrounds to cabins.
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Checked against 4 sources, with closures, wildfires and weather warnings re-checked daily.Show sourcesShare your photosSuggest an update
- idahohotsprings.com (name,access,permits,temperature)
- idahofallsmagazine.com (legality,hike length)
- nps.gov (thermal rule,health)
- kowb1290.com (closures)
