State guide ·
2026 Hot Springs in Idaho
We’ve cataloged 10 hot springs in Idaho, from 4 free & primitive pools to 0 resort experiences across the Cascadia & Columbia Plateau.
Idaho is the wild-soak capital of the United States, with more free, undeveloped hot springs per capita than any other state. We've mapped 10 Idaho hot springs from Boise's drive-up Kirkham and Bonneville pools along the Payette River up to remote Goldbug, Weir, and Jerry Johnson reached by short hikes through national forest. Most springs are free, primitive, and clothing-optional outside peak summer weekends. Highway 21 and the Salmon River corridor (US-93) are the two highest-density hot springs road trips. Plan for shoulder-season trips — spring runoff can submerge riverside pools and winter access is easier than you'd expect.
On the US-12 corridor toward Montana, Jerry Johnson Hot Springs (Lochsa River) is the most-photographed roadside soak in the state — a short walk across the river to a string of riverside pools.
Spring runoff can bury riverside pools—late summer has the clearest water.
Editor’s picks
Editor's picks for Idaho's wild soaking corridor — every spring below is free unless noted:
- Jerry Johnson Hot Springs — the iconic three-pool wild soak on US-12, 1.5-mile hike across the Lochsa swinging bridge — closed Dec 1–May 1 for elk winter range.
- Kirkham Hot Springs — the drive-up Highway 21 favorite along the South Fork Payette — multiple terraced pools.
- Goldbug Hot Springs — the Salmon River corridor classic — 2-mile uphill hike to terraced creekside pools above US-93.
All Idaho springs
Spring type
Access
Cost
Deal-breakers
Burgdorf Hot Springs
McCall, ID
This 1870s mining-era resort keeps its hand-hewn bathhouse, two massive log-lined pools, and a handful of dry cabins tucked in the Payette National Forest. In winter the only way in is by snowmobile or fat bike, turning the soak into a full adventure.
Goldbug Hot Springs
Salmon, ID
A two-mile climb up BLM Trail #642 leads to cliffside tubs with sweeping views of the Salmon River Mountains. Backpackers spread out across primitive campsites tucked between the cascades and the main overlook pool.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Lowell, ID
A swinging bridge over Warm Springs Creek leads to terraced pools perched above the Lochsa River, framed by cedar forest and mist.
Kirkham Hot Springs
Lowman, ID
Dozens of thermal cascades pour over travertine ledges into the South Fork of the Payette River, creating adjustable rock tubs within a five-minute walk of the campground. Picnic tables and vault toilets make it one of Idaho's most accessible roadside springs.
Lava Hot Springs Foundation Pools
Lava Hot Springs, ID
A state-run complex channels 2.5 million gallons of odor-free mineral water through five terraced pools with heated sidewalks and changing rooms. The adjacent town packs in motels, float rentals, and summer tubing on the Portneuf River.
Miracle Hot Springs
Buhl, ID
Geodesic domes, glamping cabins, and palm trees ring multiple soaking options minutes from Thousand Springs State Park.
Sunbeam & Boat Box Hot Springs
Stanley, ID
A claw-foot tub and a few rock-walled pools borrow piping-hot water from the Sunbeam geothermal vents above the Salmon River. Locals ladle it into the tub and temper the soak with river water for quick roadside dips.
The Springs - Idaho City
Idaho City, ID
A modern mountain spa 45 minutes from Boise with a massive saline hot pool, cedar sauna, massage suites, and glamping yurts.
Trail Creek Hot Springs
Cascade, ID
Two cedar-planked tubs let you mix scalding vents with icy Trail Creek water a few miles off Highway 55—perfect after a Payette River paddle.
Zims Hot Springs
New Meadows, ID
Two outdoor pools managed by the Nez Perce Tribe offer sweeping Meadow Valley views plus a small RV park and snack shack.
Editor picks
See ranked list →Burgdorf Hot Springs
McCall, ID
This 1870s mining-era resort keeps its hand-hewn bathhouse, two massive log-lined pools, and a handful of dry cabins tucked in the Payette National Forest. In winter the only way in is by snowmobile or fat bike, turning the soak into a full adventure.
Goldbug Hot Springs
Salmon, ID
A two-mile climb up BLM Trail #642 leads to cliffside tubs with sweeping views of the Salmon River Mountains. Backpackers spread out across primitive campsites tucked between the cascades and the main overlook pool.
The Springs - Idaho City
Idaho City, ID
A modern mountain spa 45 minutes from Boise with a massive saline hot pool, cedar sauna, massage suites, and glamping yurts.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Lowell, ID
A swinging bridge over Warm Springs Creek leads to terraced pools perched above the Lochsa River, framed by cedar forest and mist.
Free & wild
Filter all free picks →Goldbug Hot Springs
Salmon, ID
A two-mile climb up BLM Trail #642 leads to cliffside tubs with sweeping views of the Salmon River Mountains. Backpackers spread out across primitive campsites tucked between the cascades and the main overlook pool.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Lowell, ID
A swinging bridge over Warm Springs Creek leads to terraced pools perched above the Lochsa River, framed by cedar forest and mist.
Kirkham Hot Springs
Lowman, ID
Dozens of thermal cascades pour over travertine ledges into the South Fork of the Payette River, creating adjustable rock tubs within a five-minute walk of the campground. Picnic tables and vault toilets make it one of Idaho's most accessible roadside springs.
Sunbeam & Boat Box Hot Springs
Stanley, ID
A claw-foot tub and a few rock-walled pools borrow piping-hot water from the Sunbeam geothermal vents above the Salmon River. Locals ladle it into the tub and temper the soak with river water for quick roadside dips.
Resorts & spa decks
View resort directory →Burgdorf Hot Springs
McCall, ID
This 1870s mining-era resort keeps its hand-hewn bathhouse, two massive log-lined pools, and a handful of dry cabins tucked in the Payette National Forest. In winter the only way in is by snowmobile or fat bike, turning the soak into a full adventure.
Goldbug Hot Springs
Salmon, ID
A two-mile climb up BLM Trail #642 leads to cliffside tubs with sweeping views of the Salmon River Mountains. Backpackers spread out across primitive campsites tucked between the cascades and the main overlook pool.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Lowell, ID
A swinging bridge over Warm Springs Creek leads to terraced pools perched above the Lochsa River, framed by cedar forest and mist.
Kirkham Hot Springs
Lowman, ID
Dozens of thermal cascades pour over travertine ledges into the South Fork of the Payette River, creating adjustable rock tubs within a five-minute walk of the campground. Picnic tables and vault toilets make it one of Idaho's most accessible roadside springs.
Explore another state
Alabama
1 hot spring
1 free
Alaska
2 hot springs
Arizona
3 hot springs
1 free
Arkansas
2 hot springs
California
13 hot springs
3 free
Colorado
16 hot springs
2 free
Connecticut
Coming soon
Delaware
Coming soon
Florida
1 hot spring
Georgia
1 hot spring
Hawaii
1 hot spring
1 free
Idaho
10 hot springs
4 free
Illinois
1 hot spring
Indiana
1 hot spring
Iowa
Coming soon
Kansas
Coming soon
Kentucky
Coming soon
Louisiana
Coming soon
Maine
Coming soon
Maryland
Coming soon
Massachusetts
1 hot spring
Michigan
Coming soon
Minnesota
Coming soon
Mississippi
Coming soon
Missouri
1 hot spring
Montana
6 hot springs
Nebraska
Coming soon
Nevada
6 hot springs
3 free
New Hampshire
Coming soon
New Jersey
Coming soon
New Mexico
5 hot springs
3 free
New York
1 hot spring
North Carolina
1 hot spring
North Dakota
Coming soon
Ohio
Coming soon
Oklahoma
1 hot spring
1 free
Oregon
5 hot springs
Pennsylvania
1 hot spring
Rhode Island
Coming soon
South Carolina
Coming soon
South Dakota
1 hot spring
Tennessee
1 hot spring
Texas
1 hot spring
Utah
5 hot springs
2 free
Vermont
1 hot spring
Virginia
1 hot spring
Washington
3 hot springs
West Virginia
1 hot spring
Wisconsin
Coming soon
Wyoming
5 hot springs
2 free