Unearth The Voyage
Idaho is home to an incredible variety of hot springs, from remote pools hidden in the mountains to relaxing resort soaks with modern amenities. Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike, a riverside retreat, or a comfortable day of relaxation, there’s a hot spring to match every travel style.
These 10 hot springs showcase some of the best geothermal experiences across the state. From the Sawtooth Mountains to the Snake River Canyon, each offers a unique way to unwind while enjoying Idaho’s beautiful natural scenery.
1. Goldbug Hot Springs, Elk Bend, Idaho
The reward at the end of this trail is genuinely hard to match anywhere in the state. Goldbug Hot Springs sits in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, roughly 20 to 24 miles south of Salmon, and getting there requires a moderate hike of about 1.8 to 3.6 miles with an elevation gain of 900 to 1,350 feet.
Once you reach the top, a series of natural rock-walled pools greet you, stacked along a hillside with sweeping views of the valley below. Warm mineral water feeds continuously into each basin, and small cascades connect the pools as the water moves downhill.
The site is on Bureau of Land Management land, which means no entry fee and no staff on duty. Donations are accepted and appreciated. Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail corridor, as long as you set up at least 500 feet from any water source.
Dogs are welcome on the trail but must stay leashed on private property sections and cannot enter the pools. The terrain near the pools is rocky, so sturdy footwear makes a real difference on the way up and back down.
2. Kirkham Hot Springs, Lowman, Idaho
Not many hot springs come with their own built-in waterfall feature, but Kirkham delivers exactly that. Located about 5 miles east of Lowman along State Highway 21, this Boise National Forest site sits right beside the South Fork Payette River and requires almost no hiking to reach from the parking area.
Thermal water pours over exposed rock terraces into a series of pools, with temperatures ranging from 95 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit near the waterfall cascades. A short paved path and staircase connect the parking lot to the pools, making this one of the more accessible natural hot springs in the region.
Day use runs from 7 AM to 9 PM, and a $5 parking fee applies unless you carry a valid interagency pass. Vault toilets and changing rooms are available on site, though overnight camping directly at the springs is not permitted.
An interpretive trail winds through the geothermal seeps and source vents, giving visitors a closer look at what is actually happening underground. The South Fork Payette River nearby also draws rafters, kayakers, and trout anglers looking to round out their visit with something more active.
3. Burgdorf Hot Springs, McCall, Idaho
Burgdorf has been in business for over 150 years, which makes it one of the oldest continuously operating hot spring resorts in the entire state. The resort sits about 32 miles north of McCall inside the Payette National Forest, and the drive up Warren Wagon Road is scenic enough to count as part of the experience.
Three historic log-sided pools make up the main soaking area. The two smaller pools closest to the spring source run around 113 degrees Fahrenheit, while the larger communal pool ranges from 96 to 113 degrees depending on the season. A shallower section is set aside for younger guests.
Winter access is snowmobile-only, typically from December through April, which turns a visit into its own adventure. Summer access by vehicle runs from June through October, though the resort closes briefly during the transitional periods in fall and early spring.
Reservations are required for both public swim sessions and the 16 rustic cabins on the property. The cabins have no electricity or running water, which is either a dealbreaker or a major selling point depending on who you ask. Soaking sessions are typically limited to two hours for day visitors.
4. Gold Fork Hot Springs, Donnelly, Idaho
Six terraced pools, no chemicals, and water that refreshes completely every four hours. That is the basic setup at Gold Fork Hot Springs, a privately owned resort in Valley County near Donnelly that has quietly built a loyal following among Idaho soakers.
The pools are arranged so that water flows from the hottest pool at around 110 degrees Fahrenheit down to the coolest at approximately 85 degrees. One pool has a sandy bottom, and a small internal waterfall provides a natural hydro-massage spot that visitors tend to claim quickly on busy days.
The last six miles to the property are on a maintained dirt road, and the facility offers handicap-accessible parking and restrooms. No reservations are needed for day use, and the springs are open year-round. Wooden deck areas around the pools are geothermally heated in winter, keeping the outdoor experience comfortable even in cold weather.
There is no food service on site, so bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good plan. No tobacco or alcohol is permitted on the property. Nearby towns including Donnelly, Cascade, and McCall all offer lodging options for those wanting to stay overnight in the area.
5. The Springs, Idaho City, Idaho
About 35 to 45 minutes northeast of Boise, The Springs at Idaho City manages to feel like a full spa resort while sitting in the middle of Boise National Forest. The facility reopened in 2013 after a major renovation and now features an 80-by-40-foot outdoor saline mineral pool, a 16-foot shared hot tub, and four private soaking tubs.
The main pool holds temperatures between 85 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit, the shared hot tub runs around 104 degrees, and private tubs come in at about 105 degrees. The spring water has an alkaline pH of 9.6 and contains no sulfur, which is welcome news for anyone who has encountered less pleasant geothermal water elsewhere.
All visits require reservations, with 2.5-hour timed sessions for the general pool and one-hour slots for private tubs. This keeps crowd levels manageable and the atmosphere relatively calm even on weekends. Geothermal heating extends throughout the property, keeping walkways and changing rooms warm and even preventing ice buildup in colder months.
Additional amenities include a steam room, a cafe, massage services in a heated yurt, and glamping yurt rentals for overnight stays. Adult-only soaking times are available on select weekdays for those preferring a quieter visit.
6. Pine Flats Hot Springs, Lowman, Idaho
A quarter-mile walk from the Pine Flats Campground is all that stands between you and one of the more scenic riverside soaks in the Boise National Forest. Pine Flats Hot Springs sits about 6 miles west of Lowman along the Banks-Lowman Highway, and the pools overlook the South Fork Payette River from a rocky perch directly above the water.
Pool temperatures vary by location, with riverside pools around 95 degrees Fahrenheit and upper pools near the source reaching 103 to 110 degrees. A natural hot waterfall drops down a cliff face into the main pool, and visitors can adjust the temperature in some pools by repositioning rocks to control the mix of geothermal and river water.
The paved road leads directly to the campground parking lot, though the trail to the pools involves uneven, rocky terrain. The site is visible from the highway, which means it sees steady traffic during summer. A day-use parking fee is required at the campground entrance.
The adjacent Pine Flats Campground offers 24 sites with vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection. The campground gate closes from September through May, so winter visits require roadside parking and a longer walk. Fishing, rafting, and kayaking on the South Fork Payette are popular companion activities.
7. Boat Box Hot Springs, Stanley, Idaho
Somewhere along Highway 75 north of Stanley, a recycled ocean buoy sitting beside the Salmon River became one of Idaho’s most talked-about soaking spots. Boat Box Hot Springs, also known as Elkhart Hot Spring, is a free community-maintained site located 3 to 3.8 miles north of Stanley, and the main attraction is exactly what the name suggests: a metal tub fed by a continuous pipe of geothermal water.
The water coming from the source can reach 136 degrees Fahrenheit, which is far too hot for comfortable soaking. A bucket left on site lets visitors scoop cold water from the Salmon River to bring the tub temperature down to something reasonable, typically around 100 to 104 degrees once adjusted.
The tub fits one or two people comfortably, three at a squeeze, making it an inherently intimate experience. Access is straightforward: a few steps down a short sloped bank from a gravel pullout on the highway, with no trail required and no entry fee charged.
The parking area holds only one or two vehicles, and there are no facilities of any kind. Visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles. The Sawtooth National Forest backdrop and proximity to the river make it a natural stop for anyone driving through the Stanley Basin.
8. Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, Kooskia, Idaho
The trail to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs runs 1.4 to 2.6 miles through old-growth cedar and fir forest in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, starting from the Warm Springs Pack Bridge trailhead off US Highway 12. The path is relatively flat and well-maintained, which makes it accessible to most hikers regardless of fitness level.
Several rock-walled pools with clear, sandy bottoms wait at the end of the trail, with temperatures ranging from about 95 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Upper pools near the source tend to run hotter, while lower pools offer gentler temperatures. The waterfall pools, accessible later in summer after spring runoff drops, are a particular highlight.
The site operates on a strict day-use-only schedule from 6 AM to 8 PM, and overnight stays are prohibited. No fees apply for parking or entry, and the only facility at the trailhead is a vault toilet. The pools are clothing-optional given the undeveloped nature of the site, though a swimsuit is worth bringing since pools are frequently shared with other visitors.
Highway 12, also known as the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, follows the route historically used by the Nez Perce people and later by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, adding a layer of historical context to the drive in.
9. Miracle Hot Springs, Buhl, Idaho
Convenience is the defining feature at Miracle Hot Springs, a developed resort near Buhl in the Snake River Canyon that delivers a full geothermal experience without requiring a single step on a trail. Four large outdoor communal pools maintain temperatures between 96 and 106 degrees Fahrenheit, continuously filled with fresh mineral-rich spring water.
Private soaking tubs are available by the hour and come with individual changing areas and adjustable temperature controls. Some private pools are equipped with hydraulic lifts for accessibility, which is a thoughtful detail that not every hot springs resort bothers to include. The spring water carries an alkaline pH of 9.6 and is notably soft and odorless, with no chlorine added to any of the pools.
On-site accommodations include glamping domes and RV sites near Salmon Falls Creek, and overnight guests receive all-day pool access when combined with a private pool reservation. Reservations are required for all services and are especially important to secure well in advance during peak summer and holiday periods.
Massage services are available by appointment, and the resort intentionally limits Wi-Fi access in certain areas to encourage guests to actually disconnect. Views of southern Idaho’s open countryside provide a wide, unhurried backdrop that suits the overall pace of a visit here.
10. Challis Hot Springs, Challis, Idaho
Challis Hot Springs has been welcoming visitors beside the Salmon River for generations, and in 2023 it became a unit of the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park under Idaho Parks and Recreation management. The facility sits about 9 miles east of Challis on paved roads accessible by any vehicle, which removes the barrier that keeps many people away from more remote springs.
Two outdoor mineral pools define the property. The larger one measures 100 by 30 feet and holds temperatures between 96 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while the smaller soaking pool stays at a consistent 105 degrees year-round. Both pools receive a continuous flow of fresh geothermal water that emerges from the source at about 127 degrees and is naturally cooled before entering the pools.
On-site amenities include changing rooms, showers, and restrooms, making this one of the more comfortable undeveloped-style hot spring stops in central Idaho. A riverside campground with mature trees and irrigated grass accommodates both tents and RVs, and camping guests get direct access to the pools throughout their stay.
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are regularly spotted on the cliffs above the property, adding an unexpected wildlife element to a visit. The Salmon River is right there for kayaking, rafting, and trout and steelhead fishing, rounding out what can easily become a full weekend trip.
