Discover the best hot springs in Idaho!
When the average person thinks of Idaho, the first thing that comes to mind is farms and, in particular, potatoes. But this state has more to offer than just agriculture.
Little do many of us know this state is home to a plethora of natural mineral hot springs hidden amongst the mountainous landscape. Whether you want a more primitive hot spring experience in nature or a luxury resort experience, Idaho will have the hot spring for you. There is even a whole town named Lava Hot Springs due to the many natural hot springs in the area.
In total, there are approximately 100 soakable springs out of the 300 geothermal hot springs in this Pacific North West state. Not all of these hot springs are named and mapped, primarily due to their remote locations.
Since Idaho also gets snow, this adds a whole new level to the hot springs experience. How wonderful to be able to come out of the snow into a comfortable hot spring resort or hike a snowy path and warm up in a stunning natural hot spring.
In this guide, we are going to dive deeper into five of our favorite hot springs in Idaho and provide you with a complete list of all the hot springs in Idaho.
5 of the Best Hot Springs in Idaho
We have compiled some of our favorite Idaho hot springs that are both primitive or part of a resort to give you a little taste of what Idaho has to offer.
However, in our opinion, the real standouts when it comes to Idaho hot springs are the primitive ones. The landscape and variety you can find hiding in nature are outstanding and worth the trip to get there.
Here are our top five Idaho hot springs:
Gold Fork Hot Springs
If you want an idyllic hot spring escape in a snowy setting, Gold Fork Hot Springs is the place for you.
Named one of the most popular hot springs in Idaho, Gold Fork Hot Springs is a rustic little spot with a series of six pools and simple amenities built around them in a little domed building. The pools are surrounded by 50-year-old wooden platforms that traverse between the series of pools.
These hot springs are open all year round, and their pools maintain temperatures between 85 and 110 F. However, our recommendation is to visit in the winter, as this is when the spot is at its most beautiful. What can be more beautiful than relaxing in a warm, mineral hot spring and taking in the snowy mountains around you?
There are no accommodations available at or near the hot springs.
Goldbug Hot Springs
The Goldbug Hot Springs in Salmon, Idaho, are nothing short of breathtaking.
With a spectacular view of a mountainous valley, the six pools that make up the Goldbug Hot Springs give you the best seat in the house to take in the natural beauty of Idaho. The pools are waterfall fed and cascade naturally down into the valley.
The pools maintain a temperature of 113 F and are open all year round to visit for free.
To get there, you need to take the Goldbug Trail, which, we should warn you, is quite a strenuous hike. This should only be attempted by people who are fit and used to hiking. You should also bring plenty of water.
The trailhead is located off a dirt road near mile marker 282 on the US-93. The first part of the hike is on private land until you reach the Salmon-Challis National Forest, about a quarter mile in. The last ½ mile of the trail is quite steep, but at the end of this tough trek, you are rewarded with the incredible beauty and relaxation that is the hot springs.
Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
If you are looking for hot springs that are relatively easy to access, especially with a family, then Rocky Canyon Hot Springs is worth a visit.
The series of pools that make up these natural mineral springs sit right in the middle of the Payette River along the river bank. In fact, the flowing hot springs discharge into the river after the final pool.
The natural rocky pools are waterfall fed, which is beautiful and keeps the water fresh and clean. This is the perfect spot to sit back and soak in the warm water and take in the stunning forest canyon view. If you get too hot, all you need to do is hop out of the pools and into the river to cool off.
To get to the hot springs, all you need to do is a short hike from the parking lot and cross a shallow river.
The hot springs are open all year round unless the roads are closed due to bad weather. It is also important to know that these hot springs are clothing optional.
Boat Box Hot Springs
Formerly known as Elkhart Hot Springs, Boat Box Hot Springs is a spot that we think is a must-visit in the winter.
Nestled in the Salmon National Forest on the riverbank of the Salmon River, these unique hot springs are pumped into a manmade wooden tub that fits up to three people. This was recently renovated, and the new tub is made from an old ocean buoy.
This spot is very snowy in the winter, with scenery that belongs on a holiday card. The freezing temperatures make using the soaking tub even more satisfying than in the warmer months.
The water sits at a toasty 110 F, but there is a bucket available so you can top up the spring with the cold river water to achieve the ideal temperature water for your soak. Once you are done, there is a valve where you can let out all the water, so it is fresh for the next occupant.
This spot is easily accessed on foot from a stop on the highway. While there are no accommodations next to the hot spring, the Salmon River campgrounds are available between May and September.
Bonneville Hot Springs
Just 20 miles from Lowman, the Bonneville Hot Springs are the epitome of stunning natural hot springs.
Running along the riverbank of Warm Springs Creek, they are made up of a series of steaming pools that run into the river after the last pool. The steaming river, at this point, looks like something out of Lord of the Rings as it makes its way down the mountainside!
The natural pools are rocky with pebbled bottoms surrounded by incredibly lush forests. However, if you want a pool for yourself, there is a soak shack built nearby with a bathtub that has hot spring water pumped into it.
Please note that this spot is very busy in the summer, and clothing is optional.
If you want to stay overnight, the Bonneville campground is just a ¼ mile from the hot springs in the Boise National Forest.
Full List of Idaho Hot Springs
There are so many hot springs in Idaho that you’re certainly spoiled for choice!
We have broken down every hot spring the state has to offer with their locations and status as developed or primitive so you can plan your travels and hot spring visits accordingly.
Here is a comprehensive list of the all the Idaho hot springs:
| Hot Spring | Location in Idaho | Developed or Primitive |
| 1000 Springs Resort | Hagerman | Developed |
| Banbury Hot Springs | Buhl | Developed |
| Baumgartner Hot Springs | Featherville | Developed |
| Bear Lake Hot Springs | St. Charles | Developed |
| Bear River (Riverdale Resort) Hot Springs | Preston | Developed |
| Bear Valley Hot Springs | Lowman | Primitive |
| Boat Box Hot Springs | Stanley | Primitive |
| Bonneville Hot Springs | Lowman | Primitive |
| Burgdorf Hot Springs | McCall | Developed |
| Challis Hot Springs | Central Idaho | Developed |
| Chattanooga Hot Springs | Atlanta | Primitive |
| Cove Creek (Basin Creek) Hot Springs | Stanley | Primitive |
| Double J&D Hot Spring Ranch | Garden Valley | Developed |
| Downata Hot Springs | Downey | Developed |
| Durfee Hot Springs | Alamo | Developed |
| Easley Hot Springs | Ketchum | Developed |
| Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs | Ketchum | Primitive |
| Givens Hot Springs | Melba, Owyhee County | Developed |
| Gold Fork Hot Springs | Donnelly | Developed |
| Goldbug Hot Springs | Salmon | Primitive |
| Granite Creek Hot Springs | Atlanta | Primitive |
| Green Canyon Hot springs Resort | Newdale | Developed |
| Haven Hot Springs Pool | Lowman | Developed |
| Heise Hot Springs | Ririe | Developed |
| Home Hotel | Lava Hot Springs | Developed |
| Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch | Stanley | Developed |
| Indian Springs Resort & RV | American Falls | Developed |
| Jerry Johnson Hot Springs | Kooskia | Primitive |
| Kirkham Hot Springs | Lowman | Primitive |
| Lava Hot Springs Inn | Lava Hot Springs | Developed |
| Lava Hot Springs | Lava Hot Springs | Developed |
| Loftus Hot Springs | Mountain Home | Primitive |
| Loon Creek Hot Springs | Challis | Primitive |
| Maple Grove Hot Springs and Retreat Center | Thatcher | Developed |
| Middle Fork Lodge | Cascades | Developed |
| Miracle Hot Springs | Buhl | Developed |
| Mountain Village Resort | Stanley | Developed |
| Mundo Hot Springs | Cambridge | Developed |
| Nat Soo Pah Hot Springs and Campground | Twin Falls | Developed |
| Pine Burl Hot Springs | Cascade | Primitive |
| Pine Flats Hot Springs | Garden Valley | Primitive |
| Red River Hot Springs and Lodge | Elk City | Developed |
| Riverside Hot Springs Inn | Lava Hot Springs | Developed |
| Rocky Canyon Hot Springs | Garden Valley | Primitive |
| Roystone Hot Springs | Sweet | Developed |
| Sacajawea Hot Springs | Lowman | Primitive |
| Sawtooth Lodge | Grandjean | Developed |
| Silver Creek Plunge Resort | Peace Valley | Developed |
| Skinny Dipper Hot Springs | Crouch | Primitive |
| Stanley Hot Springs | Lowell | Primitive |
| Starkey Hot Springs Pool | Fruitvale | Developed |
| Sunbeam Hot Springs | Stanley | Primitive |
| Sunflower Hot Springs | Salmon River | Primitive |
| Terrace Lakes Resort | Garden Valley | Developed |
| The Lava Hotel and Spa (Aura Soma) | Lava Hot Springs | Developed |
| The Springs | Idaho City | Developed |
| Trail Creek Hot Springs | Cascade | Primitive |
| Trinity Hot Springs | Mountain Home | Developed |
| Twin Springs Resort | Boise | Developed |
| Vulcan Hot Springs | Cascade | Primitive |
| Warm Lake Lodge | Cascade | Developed |
| Weir Creek Hot Springs | Kooskia | Primitive |
| Wild Rose (Milford) Hot Springs | Carey | Primitive |
| Zims Hot Springs | New Meadows | Developed |
Type of Hot Springs in Idaho
As with many locations, Idaho has two types of hot springs; primitive and developed.
This state has so many hot springs that, no matter what experience you are looking for, Idaho has a choice for you! But what exactly is the difference between a primitive and a developed hot spring? Let’s take a look.
Primitive Hot Springs
In our opinion, the best hot springs in Idaho are the primitive ones. There are so many available, and the scenery will not disappoint, no matter which one you visit.
Located in nature, these hot springs provide you with breathtaking forest views while you soak in the natural mineral water. The pools themselves may be natural or manmade from wood or concrete where the spring water is redirected.
The great thing about primitive hot springs is they are usually free to visit. However, as many of them require a hike to get to, they are not accessible to everyone.
If you are physically up to the challenge, the trek you undertake will be well worth it when you are rewarded with a stunning natural hot spring at the end.
It is important to note that many of the more remote hot springs are popular with naturalists and may be clothing optional. Skinny Dipper Hot Springs got their names for just this reason.
These hot springs usually have no amenities built around them, but some may offer a toilet block for visitors. If you wish to stay overnight, some of these hot springs have camping areas or even cabins nearby that you can rent out.
Developed Hot Springs
Idaho’s hot spring resorts are said to be some of the best in the United States.
The resorts range from rustic setups to more luxurious resorts and retreat centers. Some may have simple amenities built around them, while others will have a full set of accommodations so you can enjoy the hot springs over multiple days.
To access these hot springs, you will need to be staying at the resort or purchase a day pass. While spending money is not ideal, you will certainly get what you pay for, as these hot springs are regularly maintained and accessible to nearly everyone. Some hot springs, like the Lava Hot Springs Inn, have private hot spring tubs in every room for a secluded, peaceful soak.
One downside to resort hot springs is they are generally busier than their primitive counterparts.
Idaho is a state that is often underestimated, but if you are on a hot spring hunt, we highly recommend checking out Idaho hot springs; they’ll surprise you!