A riverside soak or a reserved pool with a place to change? These hot springs around southwest and central Idaho offer very different outings. Pick a spot below to see the location, cost and what to know before you go.
Last updated: October 2026. Prices, road access and river conditions can change. Check the linked visitor information before leaving Boise.
Kirkham Hot Springs
Near Lowman · Natural riverside pools
Cost: $5 per vehicle for day use.
Kirkham sits beside the South Fork Payette River, with a trail down to soaking pools and warm waterfalls. Expect uneven, slippery rocks near the water.
Plan your visit: Day use only, 7am-9pm. Overnight camping is not allowed. Vault toilets and changing rooms are available; bring your own drinking water.
Gold Fork Hot Springs
Near Donnelly · Developed hot spring pools
Cost: $15 per person, age 1 and older. Cash only.
Gold Fork has mineral pools at different temperatures, making it a developed-pool option for a mountain day trip.
Plan your visit: The official website lists a two-hour maximum soak and no reservations required. Check the current hours and age policies before you drive out.
Pine Flats Hot Springs
Near Lowman · Natural riverside pools
A quarter-mile nature trail from Pine Flats Campground leads to a natural soaking pool beside the South Fork Payette River. This is a rustic outdoor soak, rather than a heated resort pool.
October 2026 access: The Forest Service currently lists no campground fees, a locked water pump and no toilet servicing. The campground gate closes once snow is on the ground. Check the official page for seasonal fees and access before visiting.
Burgdorf Hot Springs
North of McCall · Historic hot spring pools
Cost: Adults 16+: $20; children under 16 and seniors 65+: $15, plus tax.
Burgdorf has one large log-sided pool and two smaller source pools. Rustic cabins are available for an overnight stay.
Plan your visit: Reserve a two-hour day soak in advance; walk-ins are turned away. Closed Wednesdays. In winter, access requires a snowmobile or tracked vehicle. Check seasonal road access before booking.
Boat Box Hot Springs
Near Stanley · Rustic roadside hot spring
Boat Box is a tiny riverside soaking spot along Highway 75 north of Stanley. It is a self-managed outdoor stop, rather than a maintained resort pool.
Plan your visit: Parking and soaking space are very limited. Water from the source can be scalding, and river levels can affect access. Confirm recent conditions and the tub’s availability before making it your main destination.
Trail Creek Hot Springs
Near Cascade · Natural hot spring pools
Trail Creek is along Warm Lake Road east of Cascade, not near Lowman. A short, steep path leads from the roadside turnout to pools above the creek.
Plan your visit: This is a rustic soak with no resort facilities. The approach can be slippery or icy. Check road and trail conditions before heading out.
The Springs at Idaho City
Idaho City · Developed pool, hot tub & private tubs
Cost: $30 adults; $27 children 12 and under for a 2½-hour general soak.
The Springs is a reservation-only option with a general pool and hot tub. Private tubs for adults 18+ are booked separately at $70 plus tax per hour for two, with $5 for each extra guest, up to four total.
Plan your visit: Open Thursday-Monday, 10:30am-10pm; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Monday, Thursday and Friday are adults only. Weekends welcome all ages until 7pm, with adults-only evening sessions. Check reservation times and Highway 21 roadwork before leaving Boise.
Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
North of Crouch · Natural hillside pools
Rocky Canyon’s tiered pools sit above the Middle Fork Payette River. The approach is along South Middle Fork Road north of Crouch.
Plan your visit: Reaching the pools requires a river crossing. High, fast or icy water can make access unsafe, so this is not a guaranteed year-round soak. Check conditions and skip the crossing when water levels are unsafe.
Mountain Village Resort
Stanley · Reserved hot spring tubs
Cost: Osprey is free for lodge guests only; $30 for the first two non-hotel guests. Private Bluebird and Sandhill Crane tubs are $50 for two, plus $5 per additional guest.
Mountain Village has three soaking options beside Valley Creek with Sawtooth views. Osprey is a shared, one-hour soak; Bluebird and Sandhill Crane are private, 90-minute bookings.
Plan your visit: Reservations are required. Check in at the lodge and walk about one-third mile to the tubs. You cannot drive to them. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Bonneville Hot Springs
East of Lowman · Natural hot spring pools
A quarter-mile trail from Bonneville Campground leads to a natural soaking pool near Warm Springs Creek.
October 2026 access: The Forest Service currently lists no campground fees, a locked water pump and no toilet servicing. The gate closes once snow arrives. During the serviced season, the listed day-use fee is $5 per vehicle for non-campers. Confirm current access before visiting.
Always practice Leave No Trace principles when visiting hot springs. Pack out all trash, avoid using soap or other chemicals, and respect wildlife and the natural environment. Help preserve these beautiful spaces for future visitors by leaving them better than you found them.