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Idaho Hot Springs Guide
More Hot Springs Than
Any Other State.
Idaho has over 130 known hot springs—more than any other state in the lower 48. From roadside soaking pools to remote wilderness gems, find your perfect soak with temperatures, GPS coordinates, and access info.
♨️ 84 Natural🏨 28 Resorts🥾 21 Backcountry🚗 6+ Free Drive-up
130+
Known Hot Springs
50+
Soakable Springs
35+
Free Natural Pools
20+
Backcountry Springs
Interactive Map
GPS coordinates, temperatures, and access info for every spring. Filter by type, distance, and amenities.
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Temperature Range
Springs range from 95°F to 150°F+ at source. Many mix with cold creek water for comfortable 100-110°F soaking.
Ideal: 100-108°F
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings are least crowded. Winter soaking is magical—just prepare for cold access hikes.
Peak: Summer Weekends
Top-Rated Springs
Goldbug Hot Springs
natural
113°F2mi free
One of Idaho's most iconic hot springs featuring stunning travertine terraces. A huge waterfall cascades down the mountain creating multiple soaking pools; higher pools are warmer. Access requires a steep 2-mile hike.
Kirkham Hot Springs
developed
149°FDrive-up $5 (Free in Winter)
Located along the South Fork Payette River at MP 77. Features numerous pools and a steaming waterfall. Currently DAY USE ONLY. Gates may be locked in winter (walk-in access allowed).
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
natural
115°F1.3mi free
One of Idaho's most popular natural hot springs featuring three distinct sources. Source 1 (Waterfall Pools) is often submerged during spring runoff. Source 2 offers riverside soaking, and Source 3 is located in a scenic meadow.
Weir Creek Hot Springs
natural
105°F0.7mi free
A picturesque, rock-walled pool perched on a cliff overlooking Weir Creek. Surrounded by cedars, this primitive soak is beautiful but can get crowded. A second, cooler pool sits by the creek.
Lava Hot Springs
developed
112°FDrive-up $8-$12
World-famous sulfur-free mineral pools ranging from 102°F to 112°F. Features five gravel/rock bottom outdoor pools, dressing rooms, and heated decks.
Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
natural
104°F0.1mi free
A stunning series of tiered rock-and-mortar pools cascading down the hillside across the Middle Fork Payette River. Requires fording the river to access.
Browse by Type
Free Roadside Springs
Sunbeam Hot Springs
169°FFREE
Roadside hot springs along the Salmon River. Features rock-lined pools and large tubs that you manually fill and mix.
Atlanta Hot Springs
140°FFREE
Hot springs in the remote historic mining town of Atlanta. Multiple pools with views of the surrounding mountains.
Pine Flat Hot Springs
138°FFREE
Natural hot springs near Lowman with rock-lined soaking pools. Easy access from the road.
Russian John Hot Springs
100°FFREE
Natural springs near Ketchum with a comfortable soaking temperature. Easy roadside access in the Sawtooth NRA.
Sharkey Hot Springs
126°FFREE
Natural hot springs near Salmon with easy road access. Rock-lined pools with good soaking temperatures.
Ninemeyer Hot Springs
169°FFREE
Very hot natural springs with multiple pools at varying temperatures. Easy roadside access near Middle Fork Road.
Springs by Region
Boise Area
8Kirkham, Bonneville, Pine Flats
Mostly drive-up
Salmon/Challis
12Goldbug, Sunbeam, Slate Creek
Mixed access
McCall/Cascade
6Burgdorf, Gold Fork, Warm Lake
Drive-up
Panhandle
4Jerry Johnson, Weir Creek
Short hikes
Southeast
5Lava Hot Springs, Maple Grove
Developed
Central
8Atlanta, Chattanooga, Grandjean
4x4 or hike
Hot Spring Safety
- • Check temperature before entering. Source water can exceed 180°F and cause severe burns.
- • Never submerge your head. Brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) can be present in warm freshwater.
- • Avoid if pregnant or with heart conditions. Extreme heat affects circulation.
- • Stay hydrated. Hot water causes dehydration. Avoid alcohol.
- • Respect the land. Pack out all trash. Follow Leave No Trace principles.
- • Be prepared. Remote springs may have no cell service. Tell someone your plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free hot springs in Idaho?
Yes! Most of Idaho's natural hot springs are completely free. These include popular spots like Kirkham, Goldbug, Jerry Johnson, and dozens of lesser-known springs on public land. Developed resorts like Lava Hot Springs and Burgdorf charge admission fees.
What is the best hot spring in Idaho?
It depends on what you're looking for. Goldbug Hot Springs is often rated #1 for its stunning pools and waterfall setting (2-mile hike required). For easy access, Kirkham Hot Springs offers multiple riverside pools. For solitude, backcountry springs like Skillern or Slate Creek offer true wilderness experiences.
Are Idaho hot springs clothing optional?
Most natural, primitive hot springs on public land are unofficially clothing-optional, though this varies by location and crowd. Developed resorts require swimwear. Always be respectful of others and be prepared to cover up if asked. Some springs have stronger nudity traditions than others.
Is it safe to soak in natural hot springs?
Generally yes, with precautions. Never submerge your head (risk of brain-eating amoeba in warm freshwater). Check temperature before entering—source water can exceed 150°F. Avoid if pregnant or have heart conditions. Be aware of your own health conditions and don't soak if you've been drinking alcohol.
When is the best time to visit Idaho hot springs?
Weekday mornings offer the most solitude. Winter provides magical snowy soaks but requires cold access hikes. Fall (September-October) offers a nice balance of cooler air temperatures and stunning foliage. Avoid summer weekends at popular springs unless you enjoy crowds.
How do I find hot springs in Idaho?
Use our interactive map for GPS coordinates and access information. Popular springs like Kirkham and Goldbug are well-marked. Backcountry springs often require research—look for steam rising in canyon bottoms or ask locals. Always verify land ownership and respect private property.
Resources
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