Natural Springs
Primitive soaking pools on public land. Often free, some require hikes.
Goldbug Hot Springs
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.
Respect Private Property: The first 1/4 mile passes through an easement; dogs must be leashed here. The waterfall creates a mist that feels incredible in summer. Get there at sunrise to beat the crowds.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
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.
The 'glitter' in the water is suspended sulfur (great for skin!). Source 1 is best late summer. Hike is easy but can be icy in winter (bring traction). Clothing optional and very popular.
Weir Creek Hot Springs
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.
MP 142. The hike is short (0.7 mi) but has steep/slick sections. Main pool fits ~10 people. Please pack out all trash - heavy usage has led to trash issues. No glass!
Sunbeam Hot Springs
Roadside hot springs along the Salmon River. Features rock-lined pools and large tubs that you manually fill and mix.
Look for the hose and bucket! Use them to mix freezing river water with the scalding source water to get the perfect temp in the roadside tubs.
Stanley Hot Springs
Remote hot springs in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness accessible via a moderate 5-mile hike. Multiple natural pools in pristine wilderness setting.
Vulcan Hot Springs
VERY HOT natural springs - use extreme caution. Pristine wilderness setting with multiple pools. The source is scalding hot, cooler pools downstream.
Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
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.
Crossing the river is mandatory (cold/swift). Bring water shoes. Upper pools are hottest (~100°F). Do not attempt crossing during high water (Spring).
Atlanta Hot Springs
Hot springs in the remote historic mining town of Atlanta. Multiple pools with views of the surrounding mountains.
Boiling Springs
Very hot backcountry springs with multiple primitive pools. Source is extremely hot - be very careful. Remote wilderness setting.
Pine Flat Hot Springs
Natural hot springs near Lowman with rock-lined soaking pools. Easy access from the road.
Cliffside pools and a hot waterfall! Upper pools are hotter (source ~115°F), lower pools mix with the river. Middle pool is best.
Bonneville Hot Springs
Very hot natural springs. A source steaming at near-boiling (185°F) flows into a creekside soaking pool via a pipe.
Water is slightly alkaline (pH ~8.0). Source is SCALDING (185°F) - be careful mixing!
Sacajawea Hot Springs
Natural hot springs near Grandjean with views of the Sawtooth Mountains. Multiple pools along the creek.
pH ~8 (Slightly Alkaline). River rock pools often require rebuilding after spring runoff.
Council Mountain Hot Springs
Natural hot springs in western Idaho near Council. Rock-lined pools with nice mountain views.
Trail Creek Hot Springs
Natural hot springs in the Warm Lake area with primitive rock pools. Short hike from the trailhead.
You can control the temperature! There's a tube piping cold river water into the hot spring that you can adjust. Also features comfortable submerged rocks for seating.
Loftus Hot Springs
Clothing-optional natural springs with nice rock pools. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and mountain setting.
Russian John Hot Springs
Natural springs near Ketchum with a comfortable soaking temperature. Easy roadside access in the Sawtooth NRA.
Skillern Hot Springs
Backcountry hot springs with multiple pools in a scenic mountain setting. Moderate hike required.
Teapot Hot Springs
Remote backcountry hot springs requiring a moderate hike. Beautiful wilderness setting with natural pools.
Dash Creek Hot Springs
Natural backcountry springs in the Boise National Forest. Multiple pools in a remote setting.
Barth Hot Springs
Natural hot springs with rock pools along a creek. Moderate hike in a scenic mountain setting.
Ninemeyer Hot Springs
Very hot natural springs with multiple pools at varying temperatures. Easy roadside access near Middle Fork Road.
Smith Cabin Hot Springs
Natural springs with rock pools and nice views. Short walk from the road.
Sheep Creek Bridge Hot Springs
Natural hot springs near the road with good soaking pools. Popular with locals and travelers.
Dutch Frank Hot Springs
Natural hot springs with multiple pools in the Atlanta area. Moderate hike to reach the springs.