Idaho, I promise you it’s more than just potatoes. From rustic backcountry pools to luxurious spa resorts, Idaho has a hot spring experience for every kind of adventurer. Here are four natural hot springs you don’t want to miss.
Trail Creek Hot Springs ♨️
Located near Cascade, Idaho in the Payette National Forest, Trail Creek Hot Springs is a popular natural hot spring worth visiting any time of year. To reach it, simply hike down 0.2 miles down a dirt path from the parking lot. This path cannot be seen from the highway, but it is located directly off it.
It is a favorite amongst the locals and offers a unique opportunity to soak, relax, and rejuvenate. The hot springs consist of two rock-walled pools with varying temperatures, fed by a natural spring with water reaching up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, towel, and plenty of water, as there are no amenities available at the springs.
Directions (from Google Maps): The hot springs are located off Warm Lake Road (NF-22), just east of the town of Cascade, Idaho. From Cascade, drive east for about 40 minutes on Highway 55 to reach your destination.
Kirkham Hot Springs ♨️
Kirkham Hot Springs is a popular spot for soaking in natural hot springs alongside the Payette River. It’s located near Lowman, Idaho, about an hour’s drive from Boise. To reach the hot spring, hike 0.2 miles from the trailhead. The best time to visit is April through October. Current hours of operation: 7AM-9PM. No overnight camping is allowed. More info.
What’s unique about this natural hot spring is that it is located right next to the Payette River- offering amazing views. There are no developed amenities at the hot springs, so be sure to pack everything you need, such as towels, water, and snacks. As well as packing out all of your trash.
Directions: From Boise, Idaho, travel north along State Highway 55 to Banks, Idaho approximately 38 miles. At Banks, turn right (east) onto State Highway 17 (Banks-Lowman Road) and travel 31 miles to Lowman, Idaho. At Lowman, turn left at the intersection of State Highway 17 and State Highway 21. Proceed east towards Stanley, Idaho along State Highway 21 The campground is located 5 miles further at milepost 77.
Pine Flats Hot Spring ♨️
If you’re visiting and truly only have time for one hot spring, let me tell you all about Pine Flats. Located near Bowman, Idaho in the Boise National Forest, Pine Flats hot spring is a true gem offering a uique soaking experience that shouldn’t be missed! The best time to visit is March through October. The hike is approximately 0.6 miles roundtrip.
What’s unique about this soaking experience is there are multiple rock pools, each with varying temperatures. The hottest ones can be found down near the South Payette River right under the cascading waterfall. That’s right. Have you ever soaked near a hot spring waterfall?!
Directions: Located 5.5 miles west of Lowman along the Banks-Lowman Highway.
Bonneville Hot Springs ♨️
Bonneville Hot Springs, nestled in the Boise National Forest near Lowman, Idaho, offers a charming and diverse hot spring experience for adventurers and casual soakers alike. The trail is 0.6 miles roundtrip, rated easy, and takes about 15 minutes to complete.
Similar to Pine Flats, Bonneville natural hot springs offers hot spring waterfalls cascading down the hillside into rock-walled pools. There is also a “soak shack” that consists of a porcelian bathtub with hot water piping from the natural creek outside.
Directions: Located 19 miles east of Lowman, off State Highway 21.
