Hot Springs Idaho: 19 Springs You’ve Got To Visit (Mapped!)

Believe it or not, Idaho has the most usable hot springs in the whole country. There are 340 hot springs found in Idaho, and of those, you can soak in 130 of them!

You’ll find that these hot springs are easy to access, most only requiring a short hike. You’ll be living large like a soaking Idaho potato in these Idaho hot springs.

Here are some of the best hot springs Idaho has to offer!

TRAIL CREEK HOT SPRINGS

Inside the Boise National Forest, you will find the Trail Creek Hot Springs. This natural spring is relatively easy to get to, though Idaho Hot Springs says the hike itself is fairly steep. Trail Creek is a popular hot spring hot spot, so expect other folks to be around when you visit.

Because it’s in the national park, there are also plenty of other things to see and do once you’re done soaking up that relaxation.

NEAREST LARGE CITY: Twin Falls (~2 hours)

HIKING DISTANCE: .02 miles

Read More: 20 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN TWIN FALLS, IDAHO

FRENCHMAN’S BEND HOT SPRINGS

Off of the aptly named Warm Springs Road, Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs also resides within a national greenspace. Found in Sawtooth National Forest, Frenchman’s Bend is another favorite warm water locale.

Also known as Warfield Hot Springs, the Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce says that certain maps will refer to the springs as one or the other. The chamber also warns that the parking lot can only hold half a dozen cars or so, and that there are no on-premises facilities. 

Frenchman’s Bend is one of six soakable hot springs in the Sun Valley area.

NEAREST LARGE CITY: Twin Falls (~2 hours)

HIKING DISTANCE: Short walk 

Read More: 20 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN TWIN FALLS, IDAHO

BURGDORF HOT SPRINGS

This hot water oasis, set in the mountains of Payette National Forest, is home not just to the Burgdorf Hot Springs, but also to the historic resort that bears the same name. Here, guests can use the hot springs at all hours of the day, while visitors can make reservations for two hours at a time. According to the resort, the springs are easily accessed in the warm months, but during the winter months, they are only accessible by snowmobile. 

There are two small pools and one large hot pool. There is an area specifically curated for use by children, as well as any guests with limited mobility. 

NEAREST LARGE CITY: McCall (~1 hour)

HOT SPRINGS RESORT: Burgdorf Hot Springs (resort)

PINE FLATS HOT SPRINGS

Another Boise National Forest spot, the Pine Flats Hot Springs is encompassed by the Pine Flats Campground. Because of the proximity to the Payette River, there are lots of other water activities to be found nearby when you’re ready to emerge from the hot water.

There are lots of wildlife and flowers to see around the forest, including deer, as well as elk, depending on the season. 

Ultimate Hot Springs Guide mentions that the hot springs include a geothermal waterfall, in addition to the three pools. Two dozen campsites are part of the campground, which is popular for visitors from far and wide. 

NEAREST LARGE CITY: Lowman (~10 minutes)

HIKING DISTANCE: .25 miles

BONNEVILLE HOT SPRINGS

Found near Warm Springs Creek, Bonneville Campground is located within the Boise National Forest, and it’s also home to the Bonneville Hot Springs.

In addition to the springs, the Forest Service says this is a popular area for trout fishing, with other area rivers that are good for rafting, kayaking and more fishing. Additionally, the Forest Service points out that this area is more lightly used, unlike some of the other spots in this list that are heavily used.

NEAREST LARGE CITY: Boise (~2 hours)

HIKING DISTANCE: .25 miles

Read More: 17 FANTASTIC THINGS TO DO IN BOISE, IDAHO

GOLDBUG HOT SPRINGS

A longer journey to this hot spring, Goldbug Hot Springs, also known as Elk Bend, is considered a “moderately challenging” hike, according to All Trails.

All Trails users also point out that this is a clothing optional springs and many visitors have encountered nude bathers when visiting Goldbug. Still, this rugged warm water oasis is a popular place to walk to. So much so, in fact, that it is now often very busy and crowded due to its internet popularity.

NEAREST LARGE CITY: Challis  (~40 minutes)

HIKING DISTANCE: 2 miles

SUNBEAM HOT SPRINGS

Sunbeam Hot Springs is so easily accessible by car, and is known as a “roadside hot spring.” It can be easy to miss right off of Highway 75, so keep an eye on your map and keep another eye out for steam! (But obviously also keep your eyes on the road!) 

Bears, elk, deer and eagles are frequently seen near the hot springs, so watch out for wild critter visitors! A visit here is definitely a great way to start or end a visit to the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

NEAREST LARGE CITY: Stanley (~25 minutes)

HIKING DISTANCE: a short walk

BOAT BOX HOT SPRINGS

Like Sunbeam Hot Springs, Boat Box Hot Springs is also easily found right off of Highway 75. Sometimes called Elkhart Hot Springs, Boat Box is located off of Salmon River in Sawtooth National Forest.

Its name is derived from the manmade history of the location, according to Outdoor Project: “It is called Boat Box Hot Spring because it historically consisted of a large wooden box and was a very popular stop for rafters going by. The wooden box was frequently dislodged by spring floods and eventually destroyed, but was replaced by a very serviceable tub made from an ocean buoy that was nicely sliced and welded together. Today’s tub is solidly cabled to rocks on the shore.”

NEAREST LARGE CITY: Stanley (~10 minutes)

HIKING DISTANCE: a short walk

KIRKHAM HOT SPRINGS

The Forest Service notes that Kirkham Hot Springs is only available for day use until further notice. Ordinarily this location is a popular camping spot, but that is not an option right now.

In part due to its proximity to the popular Kirkham Ridge Trail, Kirkham Hot Springs is a heavily visited tourist destination. Easily accessed via some stairs along the river, visitors can get to the springs with relative ease.

Though it is a few hours from Boise, Kirkham Hot Springs is fairly close to the town of Lowman.

NEAREST LARGE CITY: Boise (~2 hours)

HIKING DISTANCE: a short walk

Read More: 17 FANTASTIC THINGS TO DO IN BOISE, IDAHO

MOUNTAIN VILLAGE RESORT

Nestled amongst the Sawtooth Mountains, the Mountain Village Resort has made good use of its access to natural hot springs. They have harnessed their spring into a semi-indoor pool that seats roughly eight people in a small log ¾ enclosure. Resort guests have free access to the spring, but users must make reservations ahead of time because there is only one hot spring pool for use. 

The resort itself includes the lodge, an RV park and Stanley Outpost–a collection of cabins and suites. Found in Stanley, Idaho, the Mountain Village Resort also has food and entertainment amenities to offer, giving guests a full-service place to rest among the picturesque mountain landscape. 

NEAREST LARGE CITY: Stanley

HOT SPRINGS RESORT: Mountain Village Resort

LOFTUS HOT SPRING

Per Idaho Hot Springs users, what is found of the natural hot spring known as Loftus Hot Spring is not the same as its predecessor which was destroyed in 2011. Though restoration has made the springs a pool once again, don’t expect it to be the same if you are familiar with its former self.

Just off a service road, you’ll find this medium-sized hot spring. Depending on the time of year, you may even get it to yourself!

NEAREST LARGE CITY: Boise (~2 1/2 hours)

HIKING DISTANCE: a short walk

Read More: 17 FANTASTIC THINGS TO DO IN BOISE, IDAHO

GOLD FORK HOT SPRINGS

At Gold Fork Hot Springs, you’ll find six pools that have been formed by natural rock formations, ranging in temperature from 85-110 degrees. Unlike other entries in this list, Gold Fork requires admission for entry. It is not technically a resort — it’s a private swimming facility.

This location is great for both couples and families, since Gold Fork has a sandy swimming pool for children, and soaking pools for everyone.

NEAREST LARGE CITY: Donnelly (~25 minutes)

HOT SPRINGS RESORT: (Not really a resort) Gold Fork Hot Springs

WEIR CREEK HOT SPRINGS

The hike to Weir Creek Hot Springs might not be long, but AllTrails classifies it as a “moderately challenging” hike — so be careful, especially in the winter.

Once you reach the hot springs here, you’ll find three pools to soak in before hiking back out. The views from these hot springs are spectacular.

HIKING DISTANCE: .7 miles

JERRY JOHNSON HOT SPRINGS

Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is located in Clearwater National Forest in Central Idaho. This free hot springs is a popular spot to visit along the Warms Spring Creek.

Here, you’ll find three hot springs sources, and the pools feature varying temperatures, depending on the season. These hot springs are popular with amazing mountain views, clothing is optional, and is for day use only.

HIKING DISTANCE: 2 miles

STANLEY HOT SPRINGS

For the most adventurous hot springs seekers, Stanley Hot Springs might be your best bet for a wilderness exploration.

AllTrails estimates this challenging hike out to the springs to be just shy of 10 miles, though users believe it’s closer to 12 because of the difficult route. In spite of the difficult nature of this hike, it is still quite popular.

HIKING DISTANCE: 10-12 miles roundtrip

ROCKY CANYON HOT SPRINGS

Yet another roadside hot spring inside the Boise National Forest, the Rocky Canyon Hot Springs is a favorite of bathers.

In the warmer months, you can make the short walk to the springs, but you do have to cross a cold river to get to them! In the winter, the area is only accessible by snowmobile.

NEAREST LARGE CITY: Boise (~1 1/2 hours)

HIKING DISTANCE: a short walk

Read More: 17 FANTASTIC THINGS TO DO IN BOISE, IDAHO

ZIMS HOT SPRINGS

A private hot spring operated by the people of the Nez Perce Tribe, Zims Hot Springs is said to share the tribe’s “significant spiritual, cultural and medicinal value [they] hold for the site and valley.”

The springs are open year round and there are two pools.

NEAREST LARGE CITY: New Meadows (~7 minutes)

HOT SPRINGS RESORT: (Not really a resort) Zims Hot Springs

THE SPRINGS MOUNTAIN RESORT

In addition to the larger public springs, The Springs Mountain Resort offers something a little more indulgent too — private spring tubs that can hold up to four adults. Both the larger spring and the smaller tubs are reservation only.

Guests also have the option to stay overnight at the Inn the Pines Lodge. There are also massage services offered at the resort, as well and food and beverage services. 

NEAREST LARGE CITY: Boise (~45 minutes)

HOT SPRINGS RESORT: Inn the Pines

Read More: 17 FANTASTIC THINGS TO DO IN BOISE, IDAHO

LAVA HOT SPRINGS 

What makes Lava Hot Springs particularly special is that it has been a part of Idaho history since 1902, when it was recognized as a place to “provide a health and recreation facility.” Available to visit year round, these hot springs give guests a place to relax.

Additionally, there is an Olympic swimming complex and indoor aquatic center here, with an area for kids to enjoy themselves too. There are even water slides!

There are several hotels around Lava Hot Springs that have mineral pools of their own as well, so the relaxation doesn’t have to stop when your visit to the water center is done. 

NEAREST LARGE CITY: Lava Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS RESORT: Lava Hot Springs Inn

HOT SPRINGS IDAHO

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO IDAHO

• BOISE: 17 Fantastic Things To Boise, Idaho
• IDAHO FALLS: 18 Things To Do In Idaho Falls Families Will Love
• TWIN FALLS: 20 Amazing Things To Do In Twin Falls, Idaho
• COEUR D’ALENE: 14 Things To Do In Coeur d’Alene Outdoor Enthusiasts Will Love
• STANELY: 15 Amazing Things To Do In Stanley, Idaho

WHERE TO STAY IN IDAHO