Hot springs are one of the most amazing and beautiful natural wonders. Idaho offers several that you need to see and enjoy.
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1. Boat Box Hot Spring
Boat Box Hot Spring is a tub located on the side of the Salmon River in Stanley, Idaho.
From Lower Stanley, you’ll take State Highway 75 North for about 5 minutes. Boat Box Hot Spring is easy to miss, so keep an eye out for steam.
Parking is limited, as there’s space for a couple of cars. The tub is also small and can fit 3 people at a time.
If there’s a lot of people, be courteous and patient because it’s a popular spot.
The hot water comes from a pipe that’s stuck into the riverbank and hangs over the tub.
It can get extremely hot, that’s why there’s normally a bucket nearby so you can get cooler water from the river.
Boat Box Hot Spring is perfect for a cold day because you’ll have a beautiful view of the mountains, trees, and the Salmon River with steam rising from it.
2. Burgdorf Hot Springs
Address: 404 French Creek, McCall, ID 83638
Burgdorf Hot Springs is a resort tucked in the mountains north of McCall, Idaho.
It’s right off of Warren Wagon Road and is open year-round. However, during the winter, you’ll need a snow-approved vehicle, like a snowmobile, to access it.
It’s important to note that you’ll likely have no cell service, electricity, running water, or heat.
If you plan to stay overnight at one of the rustic cabins, you’ll need to make a fire for heat and bring your bedding.
Staying at Burgdorf Hot Springs is a great experience. It’s like you’re stepping back in time.
Two small pools flow into a larger one, and the water stays at about 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s open to the public from 10 AM to 8 PM, and if you rent a cabin, you can soak anytime.
3. Goldbug Hot Springs
Goldbug Hot Springs is located in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, which is 20 miles south of Salmon, Idaho.
The hot springs are beautiful, and the water is crystal clear.
There’s a hike that’ll take you directly to the hot springs, and it’s about 4 miles round-trip.
The trail is well-traveled and easy to follow. However, the hike itself can be strenuous.
When you reach the hot springs, you’ll realize that it was all worth it. You’ll get beautiful views as you relax in the hot pools.
If you plan to spend the night, you can camp there since there’s plenty of flat ground. However, you have to further than 500 feet from the hot springs.
4. Gold Fork Hot Springs
Address: 1026 Gold Fork Rd, Donnelly, ID 83615
The alkaline, mineral-rich waters at Gold Fork Hot Springs are incredible. It’s clean, well-maintained, and a great place to relax.
There’s an admission fee of $10 for adults and $5 for children between the ages of 2 and 9.
There are several pools at different temperatures, so you can go to the one that you’re the most comfortable with.
Overall, Gold Fork Hot Springs is an excellent place to retreat to, any time of the year.
The weekends are the busiest days, so go during the week if you want a peaceful and quiet experience.
5. Hot Spring at Mountain Village Resort
Address: 3 Eva Falls Ave, Stanley, ID 83278
Mountain Village Resort is a small log building that sits on the banks of the Salmon River.
It has beautiful views of the Sawtooth Mountains, which you can enjoy as you soak in the hot spring.
The hot water flows from a pipe and into a pool that can fit 8 people. You can access the hot pool by staying at Mountain Village Resort or by calling the front desk to inquire about openings to the public. It’s a popular location, so you can only access it by reserving the pool.
6. Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is one of the most popular hot springs in Idaho. It’s south of the Lochsa River and right off of Warm Springs Creek.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is in eastern Idaho and southwest of Lolo, Montana.
To get to the hot springs, you’ll get on the trail for a brief 2-mile hike. It’s best to go early in the morning because it can get crowded.
There are different pools that you can try out to see which one is the most comfortable for you.
Also, be aware that you might have to soak with strangers and some people go without clothing.
7. Kirkham Hot Springs
Kirkham Hot Springs is located east of Lowman and sits right off of the Payette River.
If you want to stay overnight, you can camp at Kirkham Campground, which also comes with access to the hot springs anytime.
If you’re staying for the day, bring cash because there’s a $5 fee to park your car.
Waiting for you at the end of a wooden staircase are several geothermal pools and waterfalls. It’s a charming location, and you’ll enjoy the beauty of nature.
It’s busiest during the summer. If you go during this time, be prepared to engage with other soakers.
8. Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
Rocky Canyon Hot Springs is located north of Crouch, Idaho, and sits above the Middle Fork Payette River.
The springs have three tiers, and you’ll have to cross the river to get to it. Make sure you wear water shoes because there are rocks as you cross.
The top pool is the hottest and the temperature will decrease as you go down to the pools closer to the river.
9. Sunbeam Hot Springs
Sunbeam Hot Springs is on Salmon River right beside State Highway 75. It also offers beautiful views of the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
The pools were formed by placing boulders and rocks at the edge of the river. They’re also shallow, so you may have to lay down to get your whole body under the water.
10. Trail Creek Hot Springs
Trail Creek Hot Springs is located near Cascade, Idaho. Getting to the springs requires a brief 0.1-mile walk.
It’s best to visit between April and September because the winters can be harsh and roads may be closed.
The pipes mix hot and cold water, which will give you the perfect temperature of water to soak in. The water is clean and clear, making it a great experience.
Due to the popularity and heavy foot traffic, be prepared to meet other soakers.
Although it’s right off of the main road, it’s not visible from it. This makes it feel like you’re deep into nature, surrounded by mountains and trees.
Conclusion
Idaho is known for having several hot springs that are great for relaxation. Kirkham Hot Springs is the most famous one. However, there are many other excellent ones that you must visit.
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Featured image courtesy of Unsplash.
About David Em
David Em is the founder of Nola & Luna Travel, the destination for travel advice and inspiration. He launched Nola & Luna Travel to share expert advice, useful tips, unbiased reviews, and inspiration about destinations across the globe.