Idaho Hot Springs

A steep 2-mile hike rewards you with cascading hot pools tucked into a mountain canyon. Multiple pools at varying temperatures cascade down the rock face, and the stargazing from these remote Idaho pools is unmatched.

A backcountry gem requiring a moderate 5-mile hike along the trail into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in the Lower 48. Multiple primitive pools are terraced along a steep hillside among old-growth cedar trees, with each pool offering a slightly different temperature. The effort to reach Stanley Hot Springs is richly rewarded by solitude and pristine natural beauty.

A beautifully rustic hot springs hideaway deep in the Payette National Forest north of McCall. The large log-framed pool is fed by 112°F springs and surrounded by towering ponderosa pines. Historic cabins dating to the 1860s mining era offer overnight stays where the only sounds are birdsong and bubbling water.

A well-maintained series of six terraced rock pools cascading down a forested hillside near Donnelly, each pool a slightly different temperature for the perfect soak. The crystal-clear, odorless geothermal water is notably free of the sulfur smell common at other springs. Family-friendly and accessible year-round, Gold Fork is considered one of Idaho's best-kept soaking secrets.

Six terraced rock pools of varying temperatures line a forested hillside near Donnelly, each offering a different soaking experience from scalding to lukewarm. The family-owned facility keeps things simple—no frills, just exceptional mineral water in a gorgeous mountain setting. A favorite stop on the way to or from Tamarack Resort.

Deep in the Boise National Forest near the remote mining town of Atlanta, Sunflower Flat Hot Springs emerges at a scorching 120°F into a series of hand-stacked rock pools beside the Middle Fork of the Boise River. The journey to Atlanta on rough forest roads is half the adventure, rewarding intrepid soakers with sublime solitude.

A remote, historic hot spring resort tucked deep in the central Idaho wilderness north of McCall, featuring a large log-lined soaking pool fed by 112°F geothermal water. Originally built as a mining-era retreat in the 1860s, Burgdorf retains its rustic frontier character with hand-hewn log cabins and zero cell service. The mineral-rich waters are especially magical in winter when the surrounding forest is blanketed in snow.

A spectacular series of hot waterfalls and pools along the South Fork of the Payette River in the Boise National Forest. Steaming water cascades over a mineral-stained rock face into soakable pools right beside the cold river, letting bathers mix temperatures at will. The adjacent campground makes this an ideal basecamp soak.

A beautiful 1-mile forest trail leads to multiple pools along Warm Springs Creek in the Clearwater National Forest. The largest pool comfortably fits 8-10 people and sits beneath towering cedars in pristine Idaho wilderness.

A beloved Idaho institution, these world-famous hot pools are naturally heated and free of sulfur smell. The town itself is built around the springs, offering a quintessential small-town hot springs experience with Olympic-size swimming pool.

A historic mining-era hot spring in the remote backcountry north of McCall. The large log-framed pool stays warm year-round and is accessible only by dirt road, maintaining its rustic frontier character.

Private outdoor soaking tubs alongside the Snake River Canyon rim. Each tub is individually heated by natural geothermal water and offers stunning views of the canyon. A peaceful, private soaking experience.

Situated along the Salmon River between Stanley and Challis, Sunbeam features rock-walled pools built where hot water seeps directly from the canyon wall into the river. The stunning Sawtooth Valley scenery and easy highway access make this one of Idaho's most visited free soaks. Fall salmon runs occasionally bring spawning fish swimming past soakers in the adjacent river.

A family-friendly hot springs resort along the South Fork of the Snake River east of Idaho Falls. Heise features a large mineral pool, a thrilling 350-foot waterslide, and a natural warm creek for tubing. The full-service campground and pizza parlor make it a beloved multi-day destination for Idaho families.

A secluded riverside soak along the South Fork of the Boise River near the tiny hamlet of Featherville. Hot water seeps into rock-lined pools at the river's edge, allowing bathers to regulate temperature by adjusting the cold river flow. The pine-forested setting and lack of development create a true backcountry feel.

Hot water cascades down a rocky cliff face into pools along the South Fork of the Payette River. The natural hot waterfall is the main attraction, creating a perfect blend of hot spring water and cool river water.

A popular roadside hot spring along the South Fork of the Payette River, where volunteers have built rock-and-sand pools right at the river's edge. Soakers can regulate temperature by adjusting the river water mixing into the geothermal flow. The combination of warm mineral water and cold rushing river makes Pine Flats a quintessential Idaho backcountry soak.

A nostalgic family destination tucked into a volcanic canyon near the Idaho-Wyoming border. The large outdoor pool is fed by 118°F springs and maintained at a comfortable swimming temperature. The shaded picnic grounds, snack bar, and old-fashioned atmosphere evoke a simpler era of summer recreation.

A family-friendly hot springs south of Twin Falls featuring a large swimming pool, a hot soaking pool, and a kiddie pool, all naturally heated by geothermal water. The campground and picnic areas make it a popular summer destination for southern Idaho families.

Named for the old wooden boat hull that once served as its soaking vessel, Boat Box is a creekside primitive spring along the South Fork of the Payette River near Lowman. The current pool is a hand-dug rock basin where hot geothermal water mixes with cool creek water for a perfect 104°F soak. Its hidden location and small size keep crowds thin, rewarding those who seek it out.

A family-friendly hot springs along the Salmon River in central Idaho. Features a large outdoor pool and a smaller soaking pool, plus camping facilities. A popular stop for travelers heading to the Frank Church Wilderness.

A family-owned hot springs in southeastern Idaho that has been welcoming visitors since 1896. Features a large geothermally heated pool, waterslide, and camping. A beloved multigenerational gathering spot for Idaho and Utah families.

A family-oriented developed hot spring in eastern Idaho featuring a large geothermal swimming pool, a hot soaking pool, and a waterslide that draws visitors from across the region. The 118°F source water is cooled to comfortable temperatures in the main pool while the soaking pool stays toasty. Open seasonally, Green Canyon has been a beloved local gathering spot for decades.

A peaceful creekside soak in the Boise National Forest near Garden Valley, where geothermal water emerges at a gentle 102°F into a sandy-bottomed natural pool. The spring sits in a quiet meadow clearing surrounded by ponderosa pine, offering a serene escape without the crowds of nearby popular springs. Its moderate temperature makes it ideal for long, relaxed soaking sessions.

A lesser-known primitive hot spring along the South Fork of the Payette River, downstream from the more popular Kirkham Hot Springs. The warm water seeps into several rock pools at the water's edge, offering a mellower temperature and far fewer crowds than its famous neighbor. Best visited during lower water levels in late summer.

A geothermally heated resort pool complex in the Magic Valley of southern Idaho. Features a large swimming pool, soaking pools, waterslides, and event spaces. A community gathering place that blends water park fun with natural mineral soaking.

A family-friendly hot springs in the Snake River Canyon south of Twin Falls. Features a large pool, private indoor tubs, and outdoor soaking tubs along the canyon rim. The high-volume spring produces over 600 gallons per minute of crystal-clear mineral water.

A family-run resort near Lost Trail Pass on the Idaho-Montana border. The naturally heated pool and cabins sit in a forested mountain valley, offering a peaceful base for exploring the Bitterroot and Lemhi ranges.