The way we see it, there are two reasons to enjoy a hot spring. Either you love being outside but aren’t looking to break an activity-induced sweat during a 10-mile hike, or you love that type of outdoor fun and need a way to soothe your muscles afterwards. Either way, the Gem State has you covered. Home to more hot springs than any other state in the country, it’s an embarrassment of riches when it comes to hot springs in Idaho! We’ve rounded up some of our favorites; each and every one of these incredible hot springs in Idaho will soothe your body (and your soul!) with their mineral rich, warm, and therapeutic waters.
- Mile-16 Hot Spring
Ben Amstutz / Flickr Mile-16 is located just on the edge of the Boise National Forest (one of our favorite places to “get away from it all” in the Gem State!). In addition to being a consistent 107-ish degrees, the view can’t be beat. It’s located at the South fork of the Salmon River. You can camp all throughout the forest, but there’s nothing official near this public hot spring. Boise National Forest, Idaho 83637, USA
- Loftus Natural Hot Spring
Grant Kohler / Flickr Loftus Hot Springs has undergone some ups and downs over the years. After a restoration project brought it back from the brink following a wall collapse, the pool is now one of the best you’ll find. The area is made up of two pools, an upper and lower. They are fed by a waterfall and feature a luscious sandy bottom. Find it near the Middle Fork of the Boise River within the park’s boundaries. Boise National Forest, Idaho 83637, USA
- Burgdorf Hot Springs
Peter Prehn / Flickr It’s no secret we love Burgdorf Hot Springs, one of the most glorious in the state. It offers a large pool and with small hot pools at its inlet. You can pop by for a day visit or take a night or weekend retreat at this lovely destination! This property is definitely rustic; the cabins are comfortable, but sparse (you’ll need to bring your own bedding), and during the winter, this resort is only accessible via snowmobile. Burgdorf Hot Springs, 404 French Creek, McCall, ID 83638, USA
- Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Amy Ross / Flickr Jerry Johnson is one of the most popular hot springs in the state for good reason. Three pools make up the network of the area, with two available for use year-round. The other is submerged until late summer. Camping can be found throughout the forest area, but note that the springs are closed at night. You’re likely to find yourself surrounded by other soakers here, so be prepared to make friends. What a magical place! Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, Idaho 83539, USA
- Goldbug Hot Springs
Troy Smith/Flickr This secluded hot spring is a total hidden gem; Goldbug Hot Spring is the reward for braving a two-mile, rough-terrain hike. It gets pretty steep, so attempt this one only if you’re fully able. One you arrive, you’ll find a chain of about six pools, all waterfall-fed. The remoteness of this area means you’re likely to encounter a clothing-optional crowd. Goldbug Hot Springs, Idaho 83467, USA
- Sacajawea Hot Springs
Mitchell Friedman / Flickr While Sacajawea Hot Springs is easy to get to, you’re not always guaranteed the best soak. However, we think it’s worth a shot given the great view. It can get pretty hot, so you’ll want to try and mix up the colder river water in the area, which is also home to another amazing hot springs: Haven Hot Springs. Sacajawea Hot Springs, Idaho 83637, USA
- Trail Creek Hot Springs
Mitchell Friedman / Flickr Trail Creek Hot Springs is one of the more accessible on this list. It’s a fairly easy walk from the parking pull-out area. The area is comprised of two pools. The first is fed by hot water that flows down algae covered rocks into the pool from above. Cold water comes in from from Trail Creek. The second pool is just beyond the first and is slightly smaller. Payette National Forest, Idaho 83549, USA
- Moondipper Hot Springs
Mitchell Friedman / Flickr Another hot springs you’ll hike to, this modest hot spring is made up of one very hot pool. It’s accessible after a 4.9-mile loop trail along the Middle Fork of the Payette River. Camping can be round within the forest area. These springs get quite hot, so dip a toe before investing your whole body into the deal. Boise National Forest, Idaho 83637, USA
- Lava Hot Springs
fishermansdaughter / Flickr Rather than the individual springs listed in this article, Lava Hot Springs is actually an entire town! The springs can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, but perhaps the bets known is the olympic swimming complex. These springs are locally renowned for their healing abilities and the small resort town attracts visitors throughout the year who come from all over to take a dip in these magic waters. Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA
- Pine Burl Hot Springs
Mitchell Friedman / Flickr This simple pool is reinforced and located about a two-mile hike from the trailhead at Boiled Springs. This is a good pool to visit along with Moondipper, as you’ll pass it along the way, making this a totally delightful hot springs twofer! Pine Burl Hot Springs, Cascade, ID 83611, USA
This is just a taste of what the glorious hot springs in Idaho. Many are hidden away, waiting to be discovered by intrepid explorers. Use this list as a starting point and then go and find your own… the Gem State is positively brimming over with amazing and healing hot springs! We’re not sure about you, but we certainly feel more relaxed already.
Ben Amstutz / Flickr
Mile-16 is located just on the edge of the Boise National Forest (one of our favorite places to “get away from it all” in the Gem State!). In addition to being a consistent 107-ish degrees, the view can’t be beat. It’s located at the South fork of the Salmon River. You can camp all throughout the forest, but there’s nothing official near this public hot spring.
Boise National Forest, Idaho 83637, USA
Grant Kohler / Flickr
Loftus Hot Springs has undergone some ups and downs over the years. After a restoration project brought it back from the brink following a wall collapse, the pool is now one of the best you’ll find. The area is made up of two pools, an upper and lower. They are fed by a waterfall and feature a luscious sandy bottom. Find it near the Middle Fork of the Boise River within the park’s boundaries.
Peter Prehn / Flickr
It’s no secret we love Burgdorf Hot Springs, one of the most glorious in the state. It offers a large pool and with small hot pools at its inlet. You can pop by for a day visit or take a night or weekend retreat at this lovely destination! This property is definitely rustic; the cabins are comfortable, but sparse (you’ll need to bring your own bedding), and during the winter, this resort is only accessible via snowmobile.
Burgdorf Hot Springs, 404 French Creek, McCall, ID 83638, USA
Amy Ross / Flickr
Jerry Johnson is one of the most popular hot springs in the state for good reason. Three pools make up the network of the area, with two available for use year-round. The other is submerged until late summer. Camping can be found throughout the forest area, but note that the springs are closed at night. You’re likely to find yourself surrounded by other soakers here, so be prepared to make friends. What a magical place!
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, Idaho 83539, USA
Troy Smith/Flickr
This secluded hot spring is a total hidden gem; Goldbug Hot Spring is the reward for braving a two-mile, rough-terrain hike. It gets pretty steep, so attempt this one only if you’re fully able. One you arrive, you’ll find a chain of about six pools, all waterfall-fed. The remoteness of this area means you’re likely to encounter a clothing-optional crowd.
Goldbug Hot Springs, Idaho 83467, USA
Mitchell Friedman / Flickr
While Sacajawea Hot Springs is easy to get to, you’re not always guaranteed the best soak. However, we think it’s worth a shot given the great view. It can get pretty hot, so you’ll want to try and mix up the colder river water in the area, which is also home to another amazing hot springs: Haven Hot Springs.
Sacajawea Hot Springs, Idaho 83637, USA
Trail Creek Hot Springs is one of the more accessible on this list. It’s a fairly easy walk from the parking pull-out area. The area is comprised of two pools. The first is fed by hot water that flows down algae covered rocks into the pool from above. Cold water comes in from from Trail Creek. The second pool is just beyond the first and is slightly smaller.
Payette National Forest, Idaho 83549, USA
Another hot springs you’ll hike to, this modest hot spring is made up of one very hot pool. It’s accessible after a 4.9-mile loop trail along the Middle Fork of the Payette River. Camping can be round within the forest area. These springs get quite hot, so dip a toe before investing your whole body into the deal.
fishermansdaughter / Flickr
Rather than the individual springs listed in this article, Lava Hot Springs is actually an entire town! The springs can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, but perhaps the bets known is the olympic swimming complex. These springs are locally renowned for their healing abilities and the small resort town attracts visitors throughout the year who come from all over to take a dip in these magic waters.
Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA
Mitchell Friedman / Flickr
This simple pool is reinforced and located about a two-mile hike from the trailhead at Boiled Springs. This is a good pool to visit along with Moondipper, as you’ll pass it along the way, making this a totally delightful hot springs twofer!
Pine Burl Hot Springs, Cascade, ID 83611, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hot springs in Idaho December 15, 2021 Sarah What are some fun hot springs hikes in Idaho? We can’t think of a better reward for hitting the trails – especially during the coldest months of the year – than a soak in a naturally heated hot springs. Because although you can always drive to the nearest hot spring resort, there’s something extra special about going out of your way to soak in a natural hot spring. These natural springs are often less crowded and surrounded by pristine natural beauty, which makes for the perfect soaking conditions. One of our favorites, Trail Creek Springs, can be found by traversing a short and easy trail. It’s not that hard to find and you’ll be glad you made the extra effort to seek this place out. Are there any geothermal pools in Idaho? For a laid-back soak, head to Durfee Hot Springs, one of the best geothermal pools in Idaho. Whether it be for the health benefits or for simple relaxation, simply nothing beats soaking in a pool of geothermal water! This family-run hot springs resort has been in operation for four generations of the Durfee family. It began as a public pool back in the 1920s before it was remodeled and reopened in 2005. Today, Durfee Hot Springs consists of a natural warm spring with two hot tubs, a kiddie pool, and one large lap pool. The water bubbles up from a spring in the surrounding meadow and maintains a temperature of about 104 degrees. It’s a dreamy place to visit all year-round! What’s a hidden gem hot springs in Idaho only locals know about? We simply adore Johnson Hot Springs, one of the dreamiest hot springs we’ve discovered here in Idaho. You’ll literally travel over a river and through the woods to access this amazing little oasis, which is located along the Warm Springs Creek. The surrounding forest scenery is sublime, and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into your very own fairy tale while soaking in these hot springs in Idaho!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hot springs in Idaho
December 15, 2021
Sarah
What are some fun hot springs hikes in Idaho? We can’t think of a better reward for hitting the trails – especially during the coldest months of the year – than a soak in a naturally heated hot springs. Because although you can always drive to the nearest hot spring resort, there’s something extra special about going out of your way to soak in a natural hot spring. These natural springs are often less crowded and surrounded by pristine natural beauty, which makes for the perfect soaking conditions. One of our favorites, Trail Creek Springs, can be found by traversing a short and easy trail. It’s not that hard to find and you’ll be glad you made the extra effort to seek this place out. Are there any geothermal pools in Idaho? For a laid-back soak, head to Durfee Hot Springs, one of the best geothermal pools in Idaho. Whether it be for the health benefits or for simple relaxation, simply nothing beats soaking in a pool of geothermal water! This family-run hot springs resort has been in operation for four generations of the Durfee family. It began as a public pool back in the 1920s before it was remodeled and reopened in 2005. Today, Durfee Hot Springs consists of a natural warm spring with two hot tubs, a kiddie pool, and one large lap pool. The water bubbles up from a spring in the surrounding meadow and maintains a temperature of about 104 degrees. It’s a dreamy place to visit all year-round! What’s a hidden gem hot springs in Idaho only locals know about? We simply adore Johnson Hot Springs, one of the dreamiest hot springs we’ve discovered here in Idaho. You’ll literally travel over a river and through the woods to access this amazing little oasis, which is located along the Warm Springs Creek. The surrounding forest scenery is sublime, and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into your very own fairy tale while soaking in these hot springs in Idaho!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We can’t think of a better reward for hitting the trails – especially during the coldest months of the year – than a soak in a naturally heated hot springs. Because although you can always drive to the nearest hot spring resort, there’s something extra special about going out of your way to soak in a natural hot spring. These natural springs are often less crowded and surrounded by pristine natural beauty, which makes for the perfect soaking conditions. One of our favorites, Trail Creek Springs, can be found by traversing a short and easy trail. It’s not that hard to find and you’ll be glad you made the extra effort to seek this place out.
Are there any geothermal pools in Idaho?
For a laid-back soak, head to Durfee Hot Springs, one of the best geothermal pools in Idaho. Whether it be for the health benefits or for simple relaxation, simply nothing beats soaking in a pool of geothermal water! This family-run hot springs resort has been in operation for four generations of the Durfee family. It began as a public pool back in the 1920s before it was remodeled and reopened in 2005. Today, Durfee Hot Springs consists of a natural warm spring with two hot tubs, a kiddie pool, and one large lap pool. The water bubbles up from a spring in the surrounding meadow and maintains a temperature of about 104 degrees. It’s a dreamy place to visit all year-round!
What’s a hidden gem hot springs in Idaho only locals know about?
We simply adore Johnson Hot Springs, one of the dreamiest hot springs we’ve discovered here in Idaho. You’ll literally travel over a river and through the woods to access this amazing little oasis, which is located along the Warm Springs Creek. The surrounding forest scenery is sublime, and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into your very own fairy tale while soaking in these hot springs in Idaho!
