Boat Box Hot Spring
Location: Stanley, ID
Want to feel like you’re soaking in a giant witch’s cauldron? That’s what this hot spring felt like – it was so cool! Pull off on the side of the road on ID-75 and park on the shoulder – you might see a couple other cars there. We went at 7 am and there were already two cars waiting in line. All of the other groups waiting were extremely respectful and gave us full privacy to enjoy the hot springs on our own. The groups before us each took about 15-20 minutes to soak, then gave us the area. We did the same, staying for about 15 minutes, then left it to the group after us.

This was the hottest spring we visited. There are two ways you can adjust the temperature:
1. There is a white pipe that brings the hot water into the tub. You can move it to the side of the tub to stop the flow of hot water. 
2. There is also a bucket. You can use the bucket to bring cool fresh water from the river into the cauldron to cool it down a bit.

While the main attraction is the cauldron, there’s another, more natural hot spring area next to the metal tub. A few feet down you’ll see a circular rocky outcropping. You can jump in the water here to experience the hot springs.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2024: We heard that the cauldron is no longer there, but you can still enjoy the natural hot spring pools.

Goldbug Hot Springs
Location: Salmon, ID – Requires a 1 hour hike to reach
If you’re looking for a stunning hike with an even more stunning reward, Goldbug Hot Springs is the one for you! Seriously, this trail felt so special and magical. This beautiful trail is about 3.5 miles out and back and will take you about an hour each way. There is a bit of elevation gain (roughly 900 feet) but it is so so so worth it. For the first part of this hike you’ll wind up some moderately steep switchbacks before the trail flattens out for a bit. When you’re almost at the end of the trail, you’ll hit another steep section, but this is good news – it means you’re at the hot springs! Soak in the hot springs while taking in the magnificent view of the valley you just hiked through.

This hot spring is one of the more popular ones in Idaho, so you most likely will have to share it with others. The good thing is that there are a few different tiers of hot springs so if you’re lucky you might be able to get one to yourself for a bit. 

Clothing is optional here! Up to you if you want to wear a bathing suit, and don’t be surprised if you see some nudity.

Kirkham Hot Springs
Location: Lowman, ID
Kirkham Hot Springs is breathtakingly beautiful. Nestled into the Boise National Forest in central Idaho, there are a couple different pools and a fun little waterfall at the Kirkham Hot Springs. The temperatures of the pools varied from warm (high 80s°F) to pleasantly hot – probably slightly over 100°F. 

The pool temperatures are created by the hot water emerging from the ground mixing with the cooler water from the Payette River. You can also jump into the Payette River to cool down in between hot spring soaks.

If you have water shoes, I’d suggest wearing them here since you will have to navigate over some rocks to get to and between the different pools.
This was the most crowded hot spring we visited and most visitors were families; however we didn’t feel overcrowded and were still able to find some personal space.

Parking costs $5 for the day, but you can try and snag a spot on the shoulder of the road and then walk a few minutes down to the parking lot. If you want to try and get one of the free parking spots on the shoulder, make sure you check the signs. We saw some ticketed cars right outside of the paid lot near No Parking signs. 

Frenchman Hot Springs
Location: Ketchum, ID
These hot springs are located only a few miles from Ketchum, but you’ll be on a dirt road for most of the drive. The road is a bit bumpy and muddy after rain so if you have a car with 4 wheel drive, it would make for a smoother ride.

This was the first hot spring we visited in Idaho and it set a high bar for the rest of the hot springs we visited. It was one of the bigger hot spring areas we went to and we were able to easily find a private spot. You’ll have to cross a small cold creek to get to the hot spring pools. There are three circular pools here which are framed by rocks. The water is pretty hot, so if you want to cool it down, you can move the rocks around to let some cooler water in. If you want to cool down completely, you can hop into the creek. We saw some people having full on barbecues – they even brought coolers packed with drinks and food. We were happy that the hot springs were still very clean.

Sunbeam Hot Springs
Location: Stanley, ID
Located just ten minutes down ID-75 from Boat Box Hot Springs you’ll find Sunbeam Hot Springs. 
There is an extended shoulder right next to the stairway to enter the hot springs, but you can also park on the side of the road. After you park, you’ll take a short walk past the toilets and down a stairway to the pools. There is a toilet/changing area here! You may want to bring your own toilet paper, just in case there isn’t any there. There are two different soaking options at Sunbeam Hot Springs – there are two small tubs that can fit one to two people each, as well as a few circular rocky pools. All of the pools here are made by volunteers. You can move the rocks around to make your own little pool. 

A note on courtesy at the hot springs: As the hot springs in Idaho grow in popularity, please be respectful of the people and locations. We feel that we’re providing information on hot springs that are already “discovered” or known.