Hot Springs in Idaho

Are there hot springs in Idaho?

Yes, more than almost anywhere. Idaho has about 130 hot springs you can soak in, the most of any US state, from free roadside pools near Stanley and Lowman to resorts like Burgdorf and the state-run pools at Lava Hot Springs.

Most of the natural springs are in the central mountains, along the Salmon, Payette and Boise rivers. Many sit right at the river's edge, so they are under water during spring runoff and at their best from late summer onwards.

Best hot springs in Idaho

The Idaho hot springs most visitors plan a trip around, from roadside pools to backcountry soaks.

• Natural

  Goldbug Hot Springs

  Near Salmon

  Waterfall-fed pools in a canyon at the end of a moderate hike.

• Natural

  Kirkham Hot Springs

  Near Lowman

  Hot waterfalls and rock pools on the South Fork Payette.

• Historic resort

  Burgdorf Hot Springs

  Near McCall

  Historic log pools and off-grid cabins, by reservation.

• Public pool

  Lava Hot Springs

  Lava Hot Springs

  Five state-run pools at 102–112°F, open all year.

• Natural

  Sunbeam Hot Springs

  Near Stanley

  Free pools where hot water meets the Salmon River.

• Natural

  Jerry Johnson Hot Springs

  Near Lolo Pass

  Free forest pools a short hike from US-12.

• Public pool

  Gold Fork Hot Springs

  Near Donnelly

  Six terraced pools at 85–110°F near McCall.

• Resort

  The Springs

  Idaho City

  A large pool and private tubs about 35 miles from Boise.

Hot springs in Idaho map

Every one of the 82 hot springs on this page, with natural springs, resorts and pools shown by pin shape.

Famous hot springs in Idaho

All 82 hot springs we list in Idaho, A to Z, from roadside pools to remote rafting stops.

• Resort

  1000 Springs Resort, Idaho

  Indoor pool with lifeguards, 15 private tubs and Snake River camping.

• Lodging

  Aura Soma Lava Hot Springs, Idaho

  Riverside lodging with an outdoor geothermal pool and spa services.

• Resort

  Banbury Hot Springs, Idaho

  Artesian outdoor pool and private tubs on the Snake River, with camping and kayak rentals.

• Backcountry

  Barth Hot Springs, Idaho

  140°F source on the Main Salmon River, reached on multi-day rafting trips.

• Natural

  Basin Creek Hot Springs, Idaho

  Volunteer-built pools at 95–104°F along the Salmon River, fed by a hot seep.

• Public pool

  Baumgartner Hot Spring, Idaho

  Forest Service concrete pool at 101–110°F by a campground; May to September, with a day-use fee.

• Backcountry

  Bear Creek Hot Spring, Idaho

  Secluded pool in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, a long hike of nearly 14 miles.

• Resort

  Bear Lake Hot Springs, Idaho

  Two untreated pools by the beach, with camping and water rentals; Memorial Day to Labor Day.

• Backcountry

  Bear Valley Hot Spring, Idaho

  Pools at about 104°F below a 130°F source, a 3.5-mile hike from Fir Creek Campground.

• Backcountry

  Big Smokey Hot Spring, Idaho

  Free 102°F pool on the South Fork Boise River, a 4-mile hike from Baker Creek Road.

• Natural

  Boat Box Hot Spring, Idaho

  A single metal tub fed by a hot pipe on the Salmon River, 3 miles from Stanley off Highway 75; free.

• Natural

  Bonneville Hot Springs, Idaho

  Creekside rock pools and an old soaking shack with a cast-iron tub, a 0.4-mile walk from the campground.

• Natural

  Bronco Billy Hot Spring, Idaho

  Very hot roadside pool on the Banks-Lowman Highway.

• Natural

  Browns Creek Hot Spring, Idaho

  Hot water cascades down a cliff into pools by the Middle Fork Boise River; free.

• Historic resort

  Burgdorf Hot Springs, Idaho

  Historic log pools and off-grid cabins north of McCall, by reservation; snowmobile access in winter.

• Public pool

  Challis Hot Springs, Idaho

  Two untreated mineral pools and riverside camping, run by Idaho State Parks; open all year.

• Natural

  Chattanooga Hot Springs, Idaho

  Pool below a geothermal waterfall near Atlanta, reached by 4WD and a short, steep trail.

• Backcountry

  Council Mountain Hot Springs, Idaho

  Free pools in the Payette National Forest, a 4.5-mile moderate hike.

• Natural

  Cove Creek Hot Springs, Idaho

  Free roadside pools on the Salmon River about 9 miles from Stanley, with a vault toilet.

• Natural

  Coyote Hot Spring, Idaho

  Free primitive pools at 100–104°F with views over the Snake River Valley.

• Backcountry

  Dash Creek Hot Springs, Idaho

  Two pools at 106–110°F, a 4.2-mile hike from Boiling Springs Campground.

• Resort

  Downata Hot Springs, Idaho

  Family resort with a geothermal pool, tubs, waterslides, cabins and yurts.

• Natural

  Dutch Frank Hot Spring, Idaho

  Riverside pools below a 149°F source on the Middle Fork Boise River Road; free.

• Public pool

  Easley Hot Springs, Idaho

  Seasonal geothermal pool and two tubs in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area; paid entry.

• Natural

  Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs, Idaho

  Free rock-walled pools by Warm Springs Creek west of Ketchum; you can adjust the temperature.

• Resort

  Givens Hot Springs, Idaho

  Year-round indoor pool with a kiddie pool, cabins and camping near Marsing.

• Public pool

  Gold Fork Hot Springs, Idaho

  Six terraced pools at 85–110°F with changing rooms, open all year.

• Natural

  Goldbug Hot Springs, Idaho

  Free waterfall-fed pools on BLM land, reached by a moderate hike of about 2 miles each way with a steep finish.

• Natural

  Granite Creek Hot Spring, Idaho

  Free roadside pools at 100–115°F on the Middle Fork Boise River Road.

• Resort

  Green Canyon Hot Springs, Idaho

  Three geothermal pools, an indoor pool, a cold plunge and camping, with a history of over a century.

• Backcountry

  Ground Hog Hot Springs, Idaho

  Free 100°F pool, a 3.5-mile hike from Boiling Springs Campground.

• Resort

  Haven Hot Springs, Idaho

  Mineral pool, private tubs, motel rooms, camping and a cafe on Highway 21 in Lowman.

• Resort

  Heise Hot Springs, Idaho

  Family resort with a 105°F pool, a 350-foot waterslide, a zipline, golf and camping.

• Guest ranch

  Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch, Idaho

  All-inclusive guest ranch founded in 1930, with a pool at 99–104°F under the Sawtooths.

• Resort

  Indian Springs Resort, Idaho

  Spring-fed pool with two waterslides, lifeguards and year-round RV camping.

• Natural

  Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, Idaho

  Free Forest Service pools from three sources, about a mile and a half from US-12.

• Natural

  Kirkham Hot Springs, Idaho

  Hot waterfalls and rock pools on the South Fork Payette by Highway 21; $5 parking, family friendly.

• Public pool

  Lava Hot Springs, Idaho

  State-run complex of five outdoor pools at 102–112°F in the town of Lava Hot Springs; open all year.

• Natural

  Loftus Natural Hot Spring, Idaho

  Two sandy pools fed by a hot waterfall on the Middle Fork Boise River Road; free.

• Backcountry

  Lower Loon Creek Hot Spring, Idaho

  Wooden tub fed by a 120°F spring in the Frank Church Wilderness, a stop on Middle Fork rafting trips.

• Resort

  Maple Grove Hot Springs, Idaho

  Six mineral pools, a sauna, yurts and cabins on the Bear River, with accessible access.

• Natural

  Mile 16 Hot Springs, Idaho

  Free riverside pool on Forest Road 474, often under water in spring.

• Natural

  Milford Sweat Hot Spring, Idaho

  Two pools beside US-26 on private land near Carey.

• Resort

  Miracle Hot Springs, Idaho

  Shared pools, private tubs, massages and glamping domes near Thousand Springs.

• Natural

  Mollys Hot Spring, Idaho

  Free hillside pools fed by a pipe, near Warm Lake.

• Private tubs

  Mountain Village Resort Hot Springs, Idaho

  Log-cabin and private tubs at a Stanley lodge, booked by reservation for guests and visitors.

• Resort

  Mundo Hot Springs, Idaho

  102°F mineral pool with a bistro and RV and tent camping near Cambridge.

• Resort

  Nat-Soo-Pah Hot Springs, Idaho

  Large mineral pool with a waterslide, diving boards and lifeguards; May to September.

• Natural

  Panther Hot Springs, Idaho

  Free travertine pools and a rock sauna by Panther Creek, with easy access.

• Public pool

  Pincock Hot Springs, Idaho

  Family pools from 1903 at 96–115°F with a cold plunge and camping.

• Natural

  Pine Flats Hot Springs, Idaho

  Hot waterfall and cliff pools above the South Fork Payette, a short trail from Pine Flats Campground.

• Natural

  Prince Albert Hot Springs, Idaho

  Free BLM pools reached by a steep road or a 2-mile hike, with wide desert views.

• Lodge

  Red River Hot Springs, Idaho

  Remote lodge with a 95°F pool and hotter tubs, open all year.

• Private estate

  Riggins Hot Springs, Idaho

  Private estate with a hot spring pool 9 miles east of Riggins, by reservation only.

• Resort

  Riverdale Resort Hot Springs, Idaho

  Four geothermal pools and two waterslides with cabins and RV camping.

• Historic hotel

  Riverside Inn and Hot Springs, Idaho

  Adults-only historic hotel with private geothermal soaking rooms and a spa.

• Natural

  Rocky Canyon Hot Springs, Idaho

  Tiered primitive pools, the upper ones near 105°F, reached by fording the Middle Fork Payette.

• Private rental

  Roystone Hot Springs, Idaho

  Covered mineral pool and jetted tub, by private reservation only.

• Natural

  Russian John Hot Spring, Idaho

  Small free pool of 98–105°F a short walk from Highway 75 in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

• Natural

  Sacajawea Hot Springs, Idaho

  Free riverside pools along the Grandjean Road, with pullouts for parking.

• Lodge

  Sawtooth Lodge Hot Springs, Idaho

  1927 lodge with a 104°F pool and cabins at Grandjean; no cell service.

• Backcountry

  Secesh Hot Springs, Idaho

  Remote springs in the Payette National Forest, about an 11-mile hike in.

• Public pool

  Sharkey Hot Springs, Idaho

  Two concrete BLM pools with heated changing rooms in the Lemhi Valley east of Salmon.

• Natural

  Sheep Creek Bridge Hot Spring, Idaho

  Free roadside pools by a 142°F source on the Middle Fork Boise River Road.

• Backcountry

  Sheepeater Hot Springs, Idaho

  Three pools by the Middle Fork Salmon River in the Frank Church Wilderness, usually reached by raft.

• Backcountry

  Shower Bath Hot Springs, Idaho

  Warm water pours from an overhang like a shower, about 11 miles in on the Big Creek trail; source near 122°F.

• Resort

  Silver Creek Plunge, Idaho

  Large spring-fed pool with cabins and tent camping in Peace Valley.

• Backcountry

  Skillern Hot Springs, Idaho

  Primitive pool by a 140°F source, a 6-mile hike from Canyon Transfer Camp.

• Closed

  Skinny Dipper Hot Springs, Idaho

  Former hillside pools near Banks, closed by the BLM in 2016 for safety and environmental reasons.

• Backcountry

  Slate Creek Hot Spring, Idaho

  Remote pool in the White Clouds, a 4.6-mile hike from Slate Creek Road.

• Natural

  Smith Cabin Hot Spring, Idaho

  Free roadside pools below a 138°F source on the Middle Fork Boise River Road.

• Backcountry

  Stanley Hot Springs, Idaho

  Free pools on Boulder Creek, a 5-mile hike from Wilderness Gateway Campground.

• Public pool

  Starkey Hot Springs, Idaho

  Odor-free 95–105°F pools about 30 miles from McCall; day use only.

• Natural

  Sunbeam Hot Springs, Idaho

  Free pools where hot water meets the Salmon River, beside Highway 75 with roadside parking.

• Resort

  Terrace Lakes Hot Springs, Idaho

  Golf resort with a 90–100°F pool open all year; day use about $10.

• Resort

  The Springs, Idaho

  Idaho City resort about 35 miles from Boise, with a large pool, private tubs and a steam room.

• Natural

  Trail Creek Hot Springs, Idaho

  Two free primitive pools a short, steep path below Warm Lake Road; open all year.

• Membership

  Trinity Hot Springs, Idaho

  Membership-based retreat with a large outdoor pool, cabins and camping.

• Natural

  Vulcan Hot Springs, Idaho

  A creek warmed by a 190°F source, 0.75 miles from Stolle Meadows; the source is scalding.

• Natural

  Weir Creek Hot Springs, Idaho

  Free primitive pools in cedar forest, a steep half-mile trail from US-12.

• Natural

  Worswick Hot Springs, Idaho

  Free hillside rock pools on a steaming slope, reached late spring to autumn on dirt roads.

• Resort

  Zims Hot Springs, Idaho

  Two outdoor mineral pools in Meadows Valley with RV and tent camping, run by the Nez Perce Tribe.

Your questions about Idaho hot springs

When to go and how to reach hot springs in Idaho

Best time to visit

Late summer through winter. Riverside pools like Sunbeam, Kirkham and Mile 16 are often flooded during spring runoff, while some backcountry springs and roads are snowed in from late autumn.

Prices and fees

Most natural springs are free, though Kirkham charges $5 to park. Resorts and pools such as Lava Hot Springs, Gold Fork and The Springs charge entry, and Burgdorf and some others need a reservation.

How to get there

The Springs in Idaho City is about 35 miles from Boise, and Kirkham and the Lowman springs are about 75 miles north-east on Highway 21. Stanley's roadside springs line Highway 75, and Lava Hot Springs is about 35 miles south-east of Pocatello.

How to soak responsibly in Idaho

Idaho's free springs rely on visitors looking after them.

• Test the waterMany sources, like Vulcan and Dutch Frank, are scalding; mix in river water and check before you get in.
• Mind the riverSpring runoff makes riverside pools dangerous; stay out when the water is high.
• Respect closuresSkinny Dipper Hot Springs has been closed by the BLM since 2016.
• Keep your face out of the waterDon't submerge your head: the CDC links rare brain infections to warm, untreated water.
• Pack it outRoadside pools have no bins; carry out all trash and glass.
• Check the clothing ruleResorts need swimwear; at free springs, follow what other soakers are doing.

Pictures of hot springs in Idaho

Photos of Kirkham Hot Springs, Burgdorf Hot Springs and Lava Hot Springs, all hot springs in this guide. We only use photos whose license allows reuse and credit the photographer under each one. The full credits are on our photo credits page.

Explore hot springs in other states

Other states where we list hot springs.

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Hawaii
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wyoming

See all hot springs in the United States