Idaho's Geothermal Eden: A Dip into the State's Hidden Hot Springs
Idaho, a state sculpted by volcanic forces, boasts a hidden treasure beneath its rugged surface – a network of natural hot springs, bubbling oases promising escape, rejuvenation, and a dip into the state's geological history. From sun-drenched pools nestled in rolling hills to secluded cascades hidden in ancient forests, Idaho's hot springs offer a diverse tapestry of geothermal wonder.
Idaho's hot springs have been revered for centuries. Native American tribes like the Shoshone and Nez Perce used them for healing rituals and spiritual ceremonies. European settlers, drawn by their therapeutic properties, established resorts and spas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, remnants like North Star Hot Springs and Lava Hot Springs offer glimpses into the golden age of Idahoan spa culture.
Top Tips
Venture beyond the beaten path: Escape popular spots like Sun Valley and explore hidden gems like Lava Hot Springs or Stanley Hot Springs.
Embrace the rustic charm: Many springs are off the grid. Be prepared for dirt roads, minimal amenities, and a chance encounter with wildlife like elk or moose.
Pack for adventure: Bring sturdy shoes for hikes, a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Some springs require specific attire like wool blankets for communal soaking.
Respect the locals and wildlife: Be mindful of noise levels and avoid disturbing the natural environment. Leave no trace and pack out all trash.
Be aware of regulations: Check local regulations and follow signage. Some springs have limitations on group size, alcohol consumption, and clothing.
Best Time to Visit
Each season offers its own unique charm at Idaho's hot springs:
Spring and fall: Enjoy mild temperatures and vibrant landscapes with fewer crowds.
Summer: Escape the heat and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of popular resorts. Be prepared for larger crowds, especially on weekends.
Winter: Experience the magic of soaking in steaming pools amidst snow-capped mountains at higher-altitude springs like Sierra Hot Springs.
Health Benefits
Idaho's hot springs are as diverse in their mineral content as they are in their settings. Here's a glimpse into the magic of their waters:
Sulfur: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, sulfur-rich springs like Indian Hot Springs and Lava Hot Springs can be beneficial for joint pain and skin conditions.
Magnesium: This "relaxation mineral" found in springs like Sun Valley Hot Springs and Stanley Hot Springs can ease muscle tension and promote stress relief.
Silica: The smooth, silky feeling of some springs like Miracle Hot Springs comes from silica, which is beneficial for skin health and hair growth.
Lithium: Trace amounts of lithium in springs like Pearl Lake Hot Springs can have mood-boosting and stress-reducing effects.
Beyond these main minerals, many springs contain trace amounts of calcium, iron, manganese, and other elements, each contributing to the unique properties and potential health benefits of the water.
For the Adventurous: Hike through the Sawtooth Mountains to reach Stanley Hot Springs or explore the hidden gem of Perry's Hot Springs, accessible by boat on the Salmon River.
For the History Buff: Immerse yourself in the rich history of North Star Hot Springs, a rustic resort established in the early 20th century, or visit Lava Hot Springs, a vibrant town known for its hot springs since the 1880s.
Stanley Hot Springs
Not much is better than waking up to the sun just hitting the Sawtooth Peaks, stepping out into the chilly mountain air, and slipping into a pool of natural hot water.
Stanley is situated over the Idaho Batholith, a granite formation fractured by faults. Through each fault, hot water from deep in the earth’s core rushes up, spilling out onto the surface, creating pools, mixing with streams, making steamy gathering places for the weary adventurer. There are more than 130 springs here so you can never get bored. Stanley, Idaho is a fairly remote town, located about 130 miles from Boise, Idaho and 380 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah.
Local custom treats some of the hot springs (like Pine Flats or Goldbug Hot Springs) as clothing optional. Some other hot springs, though (like Kirkham or Sunbeam) are frequently visited by large families (including little kids).
Those staying at the Mountain Village Lodge enjoy inclusive access to a semi-enclosed natural hot spring. The created pool features piped-in water and is perfect for up to eight guests. Reservations are required.
There are numerous hot springs in the Stanley area, including Basin Creek Campground, Basin Creek (Cove/Kem), Bear Valley, Bonus, Boundary Creek, Dagger Creek, Elkhorn (Boat Box), Mormon Bend, Sheepeater, Sitting Bull, Snake Pit, and Trail Flat.
Boat Box is certainly one of the most unique hot springs I’ve ever been to. Spring water flows from the geothermal source through a plastic pipe into what looks like an old mining cauldron, that comfortably fits one to two people, nestled along the river in a pine tree-strewn valley. There is no parking lot here and visitors must park along the shoulder of the highway, which only fits a handful of cars.
Going north of Stanley, Idaho, on highway 75 you’ll find more hot springs with odd names like Lunch break Warm Spring, Owen Cabin, Slate Creek (Hoodoo), Sunbeam, and Upper Loon.
Sunbeam Hot Springs (located here) is a great option, due to its proximity to Stanley and its large capacity. Water from a hot stream (really hot- 160° F!) is piped down to the Salmon River, where bathers can build their own small pools, using river rocks, to mix the hot water with the cool river water.
There are even a few hot springs west of Stanley, including Bonneville, Deadwood, Kirkham, Pine Flats, Sacajawea, and Tenmile.
Bonneville Hot Springs (located here) are a 47 minute drive to the west of downtown Stanley and remains one of the more under-the-radar hot springs in the area. Park at the Bonneville Campground and walk the easy 0.25 miles to the springs. At the top of the hillside, there’s also a small wooden “soak shack” with a cast iron bathtub that’s constantly being refilled by hot water being piped in. Visiting in the wintertime? Strap on some snowshoes, take this 2.6-mile trail to the springs, and you’ll have a good shot of having these springs all to yourself!
Kirkham Hot Springs (located here) are a little over an hour to the west of downtown Stanley (and just a bit past Bonneville). With dozens of natural pools, a waterfall that feels like Mother Nature is giving you a nice, cozy shower, and a gorgeous view of the Payette River and the surrounding rolling hills, it’s hard to imagine a better spot to soak in steamy water.
Pine Flats (found here), located an hour and 16 minutes west of downtown Stanley (and a bit west of Kirkham), are gorgeous natural hot springs along the Payette River, featuring a hot waterfall that pours into a pool along the riverbed, with several other pools to discover and explore. To access the springs, you’ll need to hike 0.3 miles (one way) from the trailhead, starting in the Pine Flats Campground.
Lava Hot Springs
Shoshone Mecca known to Western Native American tribes simply as “Poha-Ba” or Land of the Healing Waters? This is seen on the Rock featured in Lava’s Historical Museum. Today, that thermal wonder is known as Lava Hot Springs. Lava Hot Springs Idaho is located about 2 hours north of Salt Lake City, Utah and 3 hours south of Yellowstone Park. Stay in the town of Lava Hot Springs and escape children at the Riverside Hot Springs Inn & Spa or if you have a family, at the Lost Trail lodge.
Open Year Round! Bubbling out of natural underground springs, the hot water is laden with minerals, but has no sulfur odor. Over 2.5 million gallons a day flow through the hot springs and are diverted into the Portneuf River keeping the springs ever changing and clean. The spring's temperatures range from approximately 102˚ F to 112˚ F degrees. Hot pools have a snow melt system in the deck around them, a cold water deck shower and canopies to block the sun or rain.
As of March 1, 2022 Food or drinks will no longer be allowed into the Hot Springs facility. You are welcome to bring a EMPTY water bottle and utilize the new water fill station, sealed water bottle or purchase drinks or snacks from the Gift Shop.
Sun Valley’s Hot Springs
There are a number of Hot Springs in the area surrounding Sun Valley, Idaho. To enjoy them you can stay at the Best Western Plus Kentwood Lodge with indoor pool and hot tub.
Frenchman’s Bend
Frenchman's Bend sees a steady flow of late summer visitors until sunset every night. It's easy to see why once you've set yourself into one of the hot and clear pools. The scenery is great, people are usually pretty nice and it's only a short drive from Ketchum on a well-used, very bumpy dirt/gravel Forest Service.
Located 7 miles out Warm Springs Road located on the west side of the road. Public use from 4 am to 10pm, bathing suits required; no alcohol; no glass containers and parking is restricted to a designated parking zone.
Cost: Free
Russian John
Russian John is a great place to have a warm soak with a view. The area around the pool has a fire pit and bench. All in all, a very beautiful area and excellent warm soak for the hot summer months.
Located 8 miles north of Sawtooth National Recreation Area Headquarters 1000 yards west off Highway 75. Accessible all year. Pullout may be plowed in during winter months.
Nighttime closure is in effect.
Cost: Free
Elkhorn Hot Spring
Elkhorn Hot Spring is a small soaking box on the rock between the road and the Salmon River.
This hot spring can be found 5 miles east of Stanley on Highway 75, near mile marker 192.
Accessible year round.
Cost: Free
Kem Hot Springs
Water flows out of the springs into volunteer built rock and sand soaking pools at 110 Degrees.
Located 6 miles northeast of Stanley on Highway 75, located on the edge of the Salmon River.
Accessible year round.
Cost: Free
Miracle Hot Springs
Miracle Hot Springs is open year-round with 15 Private Hot Pools, 6 VIP Pools & 4 Outdoor Public Pools. Each pool is maintained separately at temperatures ranging from a soothing 96 to an invigorating 106 degrees Fahrenheit and continually filled with our mineral-rich geothermal spring water. VIP pools offer private changing rooms, temperature controls, and an inviting patio to cool off on. Reservations are required for all services at Miracle Hot Springs.
There is a 10-unit RV park w/electricity & water and tent spaces. Miracle also offers overnight camping domes for rent and a 1000-sq. ft. event dome can be reserved for group activities. There are also a number of homestays nearby.
Water is high in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, and zinc, which provide a variety of health benefits through absorption.
Enjoy unlimited visits to Miracle Hot Springs all summer long with the new Family Season Pass.
Enhance your visit to Miracle Hot Springs with the Cold Plunge experience, available in select rooms featuring private geothermal hot pools alongside your own cold plunge.
Pearl Lake Hot Springs
Pearl Lake is a pretty subalpine lake located in the Lick Creek Mountains, just north of McCall Idaho. It is reached via a scenic and easy hiking trail, making it a great destination for families with young kids.
Pearl Lake Hot Springs in Idaho is accessible via the Pearl Lake via Crestline Trail, a 4-mile out-and-back hike near McCall, Idaho. The trail is considered moderately challenging and takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes to complete.
