Boiling River Trail

This stretch of river runs warmer than most mountain streams. A half mile up the trail, underground discharge from Mammoth Hot Springs enters the current and creates a year-round climate for water birds, trout, and aquatic plants. Over the years, delicate travertine terraces have formed along the thermal channel. With as many as 200 visitors a day, Boiling River is threatened by its popularity. Trail traffic has collapsed several terraces; soap has polluted the water and killed fish and grasses. Little can grow in the heavily-compacted ground. Regulations are designed to prevent further degradation of the area while allowing use. The trail is open dawn to dusk, and bicycles or other wheeled vehicles except wheelchairs, pets, food or drink, camping, nudity, and soap, including biodegradable soap, are not allowed. The thermal runoff channel is always closed to swimming or wading.

Montana · United States