Idaho is the hot springs capital of the United States. With 340+ known thermal springs, the state has more soakable hot springs than any other. The combination of volcanic geology, vast public land (63% of Idaho is federal land), and relatively low population means you can find pristine, uncrowded natural pools throughout the state.
Most Idaho hot springs are free, on public land, and range from easy roadside access to multi-day backcountry hikes.
The Best of Idaho
1. Goldbug Hot Springs
The crown jewel. A 2-mile hike through a narrowing canyon leads to a series of hot pools cascading down a mountainside. Multiple pools at different temperatures, all with stunning views of the Salmon River Mountains. Free, primitive, and considered by many to be the most beautiful hot spring in America.
Temperature: 100-110F | Hike: 2 miles | Difficulty: Moderate (steep final section)
2. Kirkham Hot Springs
The most accessible hot spring in Idaho. Natural pools right along the South Fork Payette River, visible from the road. Hot water cascades down the hillside into rock pools where you can mix hot spring water with cold river water. Developed campground adjacent.
Temperature: 100-108F | Hike: None (roadside) | Fee: Free
3. Trail Creek Hot Springs
Two main pools in a forested setting near the town of Trail Creek. The upper pool is hotter, the lower pool is cooler. Traditionally clothing optional. One of the most consistently pleasant soaks in central Idaho.
Temperature: 104-108F | Hike: Short walk | Fee: Free
4. Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
A series of pools along Warm Springs Creek in the Clearwater National Forest. Multiple soaking spots at different temperatures. Lush forest setting. A 1-mile trail leads to the springs from the Lochsa River road.
Temperature: 104-113F | Hike: 1 mile | Fee: Free
5. Stanley Hot Springs
A 3-mile hike through pristine forest leads to one of Idaho’s most remote and beautiful springs. Located near the town of Stanley in the Sawtooth Valley. Worth the effort for the solitude alone.
Temperature: 106F | Hike: 3 miles | Fee: Free
6. Pine Flats Hot Springs
Several natural pools along the South Fork Payette River near Lowman. Easy access from the highway makes these a popular stop for river runners and road trippers. Multiple pools at different temperatures.
Temperature: 100-106F | Hike: Short walk | Fee: Free
7. Boat Box Hot Springs
A unique spring best accessed by floating the Middle Fork Payette River, though a short trail also reaches it. The box-shaped rock pool sits right on the riverbank. One of Idaho’s most scenic soaks.
Temperature: 105F | Access: Boat or short hike | Fee: Free
8. Sunbeam Hot Springs
Right off Highway 75 along the Salmon River. Hot water seeps directly into the river, creating warm swimming holes. The main pool has been reinforced with rocks by visitors over the years. Easy stop on the Stanley-to-Salmon drive.
Temperature: 100-108F | Hike: Roadside | Fee: Free
9. Weir Creek Hot Springs
A short hike off Highway 12 leads to multiple pools in a creek canyon. Less crowded than nearby Jerry Johnson. The pools are naturally formed in the rock with good temperature variety.
Temperature: 100-115F | Hike: 0.5 miles | Fee: Free
10. Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
The closest natural hot springs to Boise, about 45 minutes from downtown. A short but steep scramble leads to pools along the South Fork Boise River. Popular on weekends but beautiful year-round.
Temperature: 100-106F | Hike: Short scramble | Fee: Free
11. Loftus Hot Springs
A hidden gem near the Middle Fork Salmon River. Less well-known than Goldbug or Kirkham, which means fewer crowds. Natural rock pool in a beautiful canyon setting.
Temperature: 104F | Hike: Short walk | Fee: Free
12. Skinmeyer Hot Springs
Near Cascade, Idaho. A large warm pool popular with locals. More of a warm spring than a hot spring (around 95F), but the pool is large enough for swimming. Beautiful mountain setting.
Temperature: 95F | Hike: Short walk | Fee: Free
13. Bonneville Hot Springs
Large warm pools near the Middle Fork Boise River. Great for families due to moderate temperatures and easy access. Less intense than hotter springs.
Temperature: 95-100F | Hike: Short walk | Fee: Free
14. The Springs (Idaho City)
A developed hot spring near Idaho City, about an hour from Boise. Natural pools in a forest setting with basic amenities. A good introduction to Idaho hot springs if you prefer some infrastructure.
Temperature: 100-108F | Fee: $8-12
15. Burgdorf Hot Springs
A historic hot springs site in the mountains north of McCall. The pool is maintained but primitive. The setting is gorgeous and the drive through the Idaho backcountry is half the experience.
Temperature: 100-106F | Fee: $8
Planning Your Idaho Hot Springs Trip
Best Base Camps
- Boise: Access to Rocky Canyon, Pine Flats, Kirkham, and the South Fork Payette corridor
- Stanley: Gateway to Goldbug, Sunbeam, Stanley Hot Springs, and the Sawtooth Valley
- McCall/Cascade: Access to Burgdorf, Skinmeyer, and Warm Lake area springs
- Highway 12 corridor: Jerry Johnson, Weir Creek, and the Lochsa River springs
Best Time to Visit
Idaho hot springs are a year-round activity. Summer offers the most comfortable hiking access. Winter soaking is magical when snow lines the pools, but road access to some springs may be limited.
What to Know
- Most Idaho hot springs are on National Forest land and are free
- Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most primitive springs
- Road conditions vary seasonally, especially in central Idaho
- Fire closures can affect access in summer and fall
Idaho also has the largest selection of free hot springs in the US — many of the 50 best free springs in America are right here. If you plan to camp overnight at a spring, see our hot springs camping guide for what to expect and how to plan.
Explore All 340+ Idaho Hot Springs
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