SOAK IT UP IN THE MTNS
YOUR GUIDE TO IDAHO’S HOTTEST SPRINGS
Avg. Read Time: 3m 50s
Looking for a quick getaway before the summer hits? Well soak it up while you can – our guide to Boise's hot springs brings you to inside scoop on a gatekept tradition. Having been to every one of these spots, this is my personal (and coveted I might add) guide to hot springing around the treasure valley.
We all love Kirkham, but let’s be real—we have options. And we LOVE options! After all, Idaho sits on a geothermal jackpot with over 100 natural hot springs. So let us save you from endless Google searches and guide you straight to the best ones. Whether you’ve never been to a hot spring or you’re a seasoned vet, I dare you to put this list to the test, go on an adventure, and tell us what you think.
Pine Flats Hot Springs
Lowman, Idaho (~1hr 40min drive)
44.0624° N, 115.6862° W
Starting off very strong is Pine Flats, a personal favorite of mine. High accessibility, killer scenery, large pool sizes, and TWO COUNT EM TWO WATERFALLS put Pine Flats at the top spot on my list. About a 10-minute walk from where you park, with a short portion through the river, is the largest pool and the bigger waterfall. The second waterfall is up on the hillside, and definitely requires shoes with traction to reach.
Cons:
Moderately rough terrain to reach the pools.
Pros:
WATERFALLS. Plural.
Plenty of pools, no awkward silence between strangers.
Scenic drive through canyonland.
Lots of camping space at the grounds by the parking lot.
Loftus Hot Spring
Mountain Home, Idaho (~2hr 30min drive)
43.7243° N, 115.6046° W
Loftus is a beautiful and secluded, forest-wrapped spring with two sandy-bottom pools. The only downside of this spot is the long drive, but believe me when I say it’s worth it. Loftus has low foot traffic, and the upper pool has a quaint waterfall. Fair warning–winter access is questionable, and you probably won’t have cell service. (Would I drive my Hyundai Elantra here in January? Definitely not).
Cons:
Long drive.
Sketchy winter access.
Beware of poison ivy growing near the pools - “Leaves of three, let them be”
Pros:
Never crowded.
Very secluded.
Bonneville Hot Springs
Lowman, Idaho (~2hr 20min drive)
44.2523° N, 115.8912° W
Bonneville strikes the perfect balance of feeling ‘off-the-grid’ and staying accessible. A 10-15 minute walk (weather dependent) from the parking area will take you to multiple pools along Warm Springs Creek–spacious yet shallow, with soft sandy bottoms. The hardest part? Scoring a turn in the “soak shack”–a small structure that houses a bathtub IN THE WOODS. This cool feature is unique to Bonneville and easily justifies the longer drive (Only 20 minutes past the crowded Kirkham hot springs). PLUS, you’ll find that the hike in weeds out the casual hotspringer, meaning less crowds and more room in the water. If all that still doesn’t interest you, I don’t know what will.
Cons:
Winter access is iffy, depending on snowfall.
Limited parking.
Occasional wildfire-related closures.
Pros:
BATHTUB IN THE WOODS.
Less foot traffic.
Multiple pools to choose from.
Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
Cascade, Idaho (~1hr 30min drive)
44.2524° N, -115.8911° W
A comparable distance from Boise to Kirkham, this spring deserves some attention. Rocky Canyon boasts multiple pools with varying temps and plenty of space to stretch out. To get there, you’ll need to follow a dirt road and wade through a slow-moving river. A small price to pay for this lovely spot. Pack your Tevas, Chacos, or whatever keeps you from face-planting on slippery rocks (especially in the spring or early summer as the river rises). Heads up: clothing is optional, so if you’re into that, enjoy. If not, consider yourself warned.
Cons:
Requires crossing a river.
4WD recommended in winter.
Clothing optional (If you’re not into that).
Pros:
Varying pool temps.
Short drive.
Clothing optional (If you’re into that).
If you decide to explore any of these spots remember to leave it better than you found it, check the weather, and tell people where you are going. Safe travels, and happy springing!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Kirkham Hot Springs | Lowman, Idaho (~1hr 45min drive)
44.0724° N, 115.5456° W
This list wouldn’t be complete without the well-known and well-loved Kirkham Hot Springs. If you’ve only ever been to one spring in Idaho, chances are it was this one. Now don’t get me wrong- I love Kirkham as much as the next gal, but unfortunately this spot is notorious for litter and high foot traffic. That being said, this spring offers some serious beauty and great pools.There’s even a trailhead nearby, offering a great hike to pair with your hot springs experience. Around 80 miles from Boise, it takes about 1 hour 45 min to reach Kirkham and just a quick jaunt to make it to the springs. So if you’re looking for a hot pic of you under a waterfall, Kirkham has got you covered.
Cons:
Very popular and usually busy.
River can rise, covering spring.
Litter is a recurring issue.
Pros:
Waterfall.
Scenic drive and view from the spring.
Multiple pools.
DISHONORABLE MENTIONS
Snively Hot Springs | Malheur County, Oregon (~1hr 15min drive)
43.7299° N, 117.2041° W
Even though Snively is in Oregon, it resembles Idaho’s scenery in so many ways. This is the hot spring I visit most often, probably because it’s ridiculously easy to get to.
BE WARNED: This spot can be a hit or miss depending on how people have been treating the space.
Nestled in Owyhee Canyonlands just off the lower Owyhee River, Snively is about 65 miles from Boise. The roads are always clear, even in winter, and there’s plenty of parking. If you have a car and a swimsuit this spring is for you.
Cons:
Usually busy, especially on weekends.
Variation in pool temperature..
Litter and movement of pool structure is a recurring issue.
Pros:
Year round access.
Fairly large pool.
Easy parking.
FINAL WORDS OF HOT SPRING WISDOM
Whichever spot you choose, respect the land. Pack out your trash, check the weather, and let someone know where you’re going. Leave it better than you found it.
Leave Fido at home, be like Smokey and Keep It Green! (If you start a bonfire, douse it before you leave.)
Safe travels, and happy soaking!
Tag us in ur sexy hot spring pics @BNDRY.CLUB
Comments are on. Think we’re wrong? Let us know.