Idaho is MUCH more than potatoes. With the Sawtooth Mountains and beautiful nature scenes, there’s no reason Idaho shouldn’t be on your bucket list. And when you go, you can explore some of the best Idaho hot springs! But with about 130 soakable springs, not all of Idaho’s natural hot springs are worth a visit… some really suck — just sayin’.
I’ve been to Idaho a couple of times and there are a handful of hot springs I find myself going to over and over again. So based on my experience, I’m going to tell you about the ones that are 100% worth your time, where to find them (map included), AND bonus springs you should check out if you have time.
We have a lot of soakable ground to cover, so let’s dive in! And this list has been updated for 2024 based on some critical info about some of the springs!
Let’s dive in!
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Idaho Natural Hot Springs Do’s & Dont’s
We want to keep Idaho’s hot springs steamy, right? So you must follow these guidelines when you visit.
Throw Trash Away — Okay, so this is gross, but when Scott (the BF) and I were exploring, we found other people’s underwear left at some… gross. Dumping trash can seriously harm the springs, and if garbage gets into a spring’s water source, it can lower its overall temperature—bye-bye warm water.
Save the Bath for Home — The best Idaho hot springs are hot spring, not your janky bathtub. The springs cannot tolerate soap or shampoo, even the all-natural kind.
Clothing is Optional — Learn to turn the other cheek if it bothers you. 90% of the time, there was more than one Idaho hot spring pool in a single area, so you can always go soak in the opposite direction of a nudist if you want space.
Be Respectful — Some people find Idaho hot springs meditative. Please respect this. If someone is sitting quietly in the spring, respect that silence and keep your volume low. And in general, some people just want to relax. Save the party for later.
Be Mindful of Capacity — Some springs are so small that they only fit one to two people inside! So if you see someone going into a tiny tub, be mindful that you may not be able to fit in as well. Wait your turn if you must!
Leave the Dogs at Home — The best Idaho hot springs (and other hot springs, for that matter) are not suitable for dogs. Their insides can’t handle the heat most times!
Best Natural Idaho Hot Springs
#1 Goldbug Hot Springs
- Location: Here
- Entrance Fee: Free with a suggested donation
- Features: Multiple pools with mountain views
- Water Temp: HOT (top pool); Medium (2nd pool from top)
- Parking: Limited parking in a small lot
Goldbug was the very first Idaho hot spring Scott, and I visited. It’ll blow you away! Upon arriving at the parking lot, you will see a box for a suggested donation.
You will then start your 4-mile hike up a fairly steep hill that goes through someone’s private property (be extra respectful and stay on the trail). Elevation gain is about 1,350 feet.
Make sure you have hiking sandals or sturdy hiking boots. After climbing up for a 0.25 mile, your hike to Goldbug will flatten out. Eventually, you’ll go through brush, reach a boulder field, and continue climbing alongside the hot creek that feeds the pools.
When you come to a bridge on the top of a hill, you’ll notice a pool below, indicating your arrival. The view will take your breath away!
Insider Tip: We found that the pool below the bridge (which is the hottest one) was a bit crowded. So, we chose to walk down a dirt path below and go to the second largest pool, which was probably a medium temperature.
#2 Kirkham Hot Springs (My Fave Idaho Hot Springs)
- Location: Here
- Entrance Fee: $5
- Features: A fairy-tale like hot spring experience with cascading waterfalls
- Water Temp: HOT
- Parking: Fairly large lot
Kirkham Hot Springs is likely the most popular spring on the list, and for a good reason! Kirkham literally belongs in a fairytale. Upon arriving, you’ll walk out the lot and down a small set of stairs to these beautiful falls.
From there, you can enjoy yourself in one of the many pools. The further back you go, the more secluded the pools get, by the way.
I loved going there in the morning because it was secluded, and there was so much steam coming from the pools—it looked like a fairytale! The hot water comes from above, so you can opt to take a “shower” in the hot spring.
Insider Tip: With a bit of walking, we found that the warmest pool was over a small rock ledge, while the cooler ones were closer to the entrance of Kirkham.
#3 Boat Box Hot Springs
- Location: Here
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Features: Large cauldron on the Salmon River
- Temp: HOT
- Parking: Small Pullout
The Boat Box hot spring is a bit tricky to find. It sits below a small roadside pull-off, so it is easy to miss. Upon walking down a little dirt path, you’ll come face to face with small rock pools that make up what is now Boat Box as of 2023.
Yep: unfortunately the cauldron has been moved to Sunbeam hot springs. I was so sad to hear this! So if you plan on going here, know that Boat Box is just a couple of small rock pools and not a cauldron anymore.
Directly behind it is the source of this Idaho hot spring’s water, and it is HOT. As it trickles down to the rock pools, it cools off a bit.
Fun Fact: You might see bald eagles in this area!
#4 Sunbeam Hot Springs (The New Cauldron Location)
- Location: Here
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Features: Natural spring with a blue tub and small rock pools on river
- Water Temp: HOT (in the tubs); Medium (in the rock pools)
- Parking: Ample lot and pull out
Sunbeam Hot Springs is a natural Idaho hot spring and historic bathhouse on the Salmon River. This is where the Boat Box cauldron is now. If Boat Box and Cove Creek (which we discuss later) had a baby, Sunbeam would be it.
There are about four different hot spring structures to enjoy along the river. On the lefthand side of the area, you can enjoy either a Box Box looking cauldron, a blue bin tub, or a small rock pool (it looks just like Cove Creek).
On the righthand side of the area is a slightly larger rock tub. There typically aren’t super large crowds here. Plus, the three different springs make it easy to get privacy from other parties.
Insider Tip: Bring something like a Sony a6400 and 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for some pics!
#5 Pine Flats Hot Springs
- Location: Here
- Entrance Fee: $5
- Features: Secluded springs in a dreamy forest
- Water Temp: HOT
- Parking: Ample parking in campground
The easiest way to access Pine Flats Hot Springs is by parking in the Pine Flats campground. Once parked, you will be required to walk about half a mile until you reach the first set of hidden springs.
Most people don’t seem to know that when you reach the first “waterfall,” you can climb up to the top and find a secret hot spring pool! Unfortunately, it was not as warm as I would have liked, so we pressed on to the next hidden waterfall.
To get to waterfall number two, you have to walk through the creek — pending that the water level is low enough. Once we traversed the river, we were greeted by this secluded little soaking area you see in the pics below!
Insider Tip: Once around the bend, you’ll see about three pools! An Idaho hot spring waterfall feeds one and the others are fed by its runoff/ a ground source.
#6 Mountain Village Resort
- Location: Here
- Entrance Fee: $32 per hour for 2 people
- Features: Hot spring at a resort with private barn-style pools & views
- Water Temp: HOT
- Parking: At the hotel
Know for its barn-style exterior; this Idaho hot spring is in a resort. So you have a couple of options for soaking here.
Your first is to book a room at the Mountain Village Resort, which includes a soak at the springs. The second option is to visit the resort and reserve time to use the hot springs. Option number two will cost about $32 for two people per hour!
Fun Fact: On a clear day, you’ll be greeted with views of the Sawtooths, making this an excellent place to sit back and enjoy Idaho’s beauty!
#7 Cove Creek Hot Springs
- Location: Here
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Features: Small natural soaking rock pools on Salmon River
- Water Temp: Medium
- Parking: Small lot
Cove Creek Hot Springs is made up of two tiny little pools down by the Salmon River. The water comes up from below, making the bottom of the pools reasonably hot.
I found that this Idaho hot spring is more secluded than most others. And what’s nice is there is a restroom at the entrance—an amenity most natural springs don’t have.
Insider Tip: Make a stop here if you want to be alone for a bit as it doesn’t get very crowded!
Other Idaho Hot Springs You Should Consider
Below are some honorable mentions that didn’t make the besties list. Consider exploring these bonus Idaho hot springs if you have time!
- Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
- Chattanooga Hot Springs
- Bonneville Hot Springs
- Prince Albert Hot Springs
- Stanley Hot Springs
- Weir Creek
- Trail Creek Hot Springs
- Mile 16 Hot Springs
- Bugdorf Hot Springs
- Loftus Natural Hot Spring
- Council Mountain Hot Spring
- Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
In the next section, I give you a map on where to find these!
List of All The Best Idaho Hot Springs + Map
- Goldbug Hot Springs
- Boat Box Hot Springs
- Mountain Village Resort
- Cove Creek Hot Springs
- Sunbeam Hot Springs
- Pine Flats
- Trail Creek Hot Springs
- Mile 16 Hot Springs
- Bugdorf Hot Springs
- Kirkham Hot Springs
- Loftus Natural Hot Spring
- Council Mountain Hot Spring
- Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
- Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
- Chattanooga Hot Springs
- Bonneville Hot Springs
- Prince Albert Hot Springs
- Stanley Hot Springs
- Weir Creek
Below is a map of the springs.
Click here to see a live version of the map!
Where to Stay
When visiting Idaho, you’ll most likely stay in Boise or Stanley, ID. And lemme just say, the accommodations are cute AF.
Take a look…
Triangle C Cabins—Located in the heart of Stanley, ID, these adorable cabins have everything you need for a ridiculously cozy stay. You’ll feel like you’ve walked into a mountainside dream as soon as you step on property. Enjoy the nearby Boat Box hot springs and the fire-pit in the center of the cabins!
Modern Farmhouse Cottage—This 1 BR 1 Bath updated cottage is located minutes from downtown Boise, making it the perfect hub for your adventure. You’ll love how thoughtful it is and warming your toezies by the fireplace.
Pet-Friendly Boho Home—Boise is about to turn into your home away from home with the help of the luxuriously updated property! You and Fido will love the bohemian vibes. But you’ll love the quiet neighborhood even better.
Stylish Getaway with Sauna—Okay, once you see the interior and amenities in this home, you’ll never want to leave! As if the hot springs weren’t enough, when you book this Vrbo, you’ll come back to your own retreat complete with a sauna. Located near downtown Boise, ID.
Salmon River Home—Talk about a VIEW. If you’ve been dreaming of a countryside retreat that’ll put you near mountains, flowing riverbeds, and natural hot springs, look no further. This gorgeous home on the Salmon River will take your breath away. Spend your mornings and nights watching the sun set and rise over the Sawtooths in your own little gazebo.
What to Pack
Take it from me—you’ll WANT these items with you on your hot spring trip!
A Reusable Water Bottle — I recommend bringing a large Hydroflask with you on your trip. Idaho hot springs can be super hot, and you need to ensure you do not dehydrate!
Sturdy Sandals — I cannot emphasize enough how much you will love having a pair of Chaco hiking sandals with you. Many of the springs have a sandy, rocky bottom.
A Cute Swimsuit & Towel — Duh. A swimsuit is a must when you’re exploring hot springs—unless you’re going nude, of course LOL. Because most of the springs are in the middle of nowhere, you will want a towel. Bring sunscreen too!
Final Tips for Soaking
Take it from me! These final tips are based on my soaking experience so you can have the best time!
Test The Water—There were SEVERAL times when I went to jump in a hot spring, feet first, and found my toes burning away. So test the water before you soak.
Rent a Car—You’ll want to rent a car. Some of these hot springs are pretty far from one another! So the best way to get around will be to have your own vehicle.
Go in the Fall or Winter—I suggest planning your springs trip for the fall or early winter! I went in late September and had most of the springs to myself. It was quite a magical experience. Winter can be an excellent time to go too. However, going in winter requires extra planning. For example, there may be road closures!
Overall Thoughts on the Best Idaho Hot Springs
And that’s it! I hope this blog gave you insight into what to expect when you visit the best Idaho hot springs.
When it comes to picking a spring to visit, it ultimately comes down to where you’ll be spending your time and how to picture the rest of your Idaho trip going. For example, if you’ll be hiking the Sawtooths, going to an “easy” to reach spring like Boat Box would be the best move.
Make sure you bring your camera gear to take some pics! If you want to learn more about my favorite hot spring, Kirkham hot springs, make sure you check out my guide!
Read Next: Top Hot Springs in the USA.
