16 Best Hot Springs in Idaho You Cannot Miss

Hot springs are abundant in Idaho’s central mountain ranges, making them one of the top reasons people love visiting Idaho. These are a great way to spend a day or two exploring the outdoors in the state.

Some of the best hot springs are in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest and Salmon-Challis. But the state is dotted with them, some of which you will need to hike to, and others that are easily accessible for anyone not able to make a strenuous hike. And they’re some of the best-kept!

The longevity of a hot spring depends on how well it is maintained. Follow the proper camping restrictions and stay on designated trails to ensure that the natural features remain clean and inviting.

1. Stanley Hot Springs

The trail that leads to Stanley Hot Springs enters the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness after about two miles. There are several tent sites near the hot springs, and the sites farther back offer privacy. The trail then continues past the springs to the Seven Lakes Basin.

The Stanley Hot Springs can be reached from a 5.5-mile uphill climb. The trail crosses Boulder Creek, which can be extremely dangerous during spring runoff. Stanley Hot Springs also offers a secluded retreat on Huckleberry Creek.

The Stanley Hot Springs is located in a canyon wall above a cold-water creek. The multiple rock pools near the springs collect the water from the stream for an enjoyable bath. Although two pools are big enough to accommodate a large group, the area has fewer people due to the six-mile trail.

How to get there

Stanley Hot Springs is a 2.5 hr drive from Lewiston, Idaho. Take US-12 East and drive until you reach forest road 1649-A. Park up at Wilderness Gateway and hike the 5.5 miles to the hot springs.

Where to stay near Stanley Hot Springs

Wilderness Gateway Campground – Located right at the trailhead to the Hot springs and is the closest place to stay if you want to spend a good amount of time in the area.
Lochsa Lodge – Offers a beautiful mountain cabin just an hour’s drive east of Stanley Hot Springs.
Best Western Lodge at River’s Edge – This is a great mid-range option located in Orofino, a little bit closer to the springs than Lewiston
RiverTree Inn & Suites – If you prefer to stay in Lewiston itself, ReiverTree Inn is a good choice to enjoy the convenience of the city while being able to take a day trip to the hot springs.

2. Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs

The Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs is a short walk away from a small parking lot. It features three pools, and one of them has a creek crossing.

Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs is a popular spot for soaking after a day of skiing at Sun Valley. Also known as Warfield Hot Spring, this area is located on Warm Creek and is about 10 miles from Ketchum’s main road.

The gravel road that leads to the springs is made up of snow collected during the winter so pay attention to the times you travel to the area.

How to get there

From Ketchum, Idaho, drive 30 mins west on Warm Springs Road until you reach the marked parking lot. From here it is just a short walk along a clear path to the springs.

Where to stay near Frenchman’s Bend

Sun Valley Resort – A beautiful 4-star hotel located in the Sun Valley mountain resort with a spa and wellness center as well as a gourmet restaurant on site.
Knob Hill Inn – Another great luxury option with an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and beautiful rooms.
Tamarack Lodge – This is a great mid-range choice for families in Ketchum. The clean and bright pet-friendly rooms are perfect for a group of people plus it has a indoor swimming pool and hot tub on site.
Best Western Plus Kentwood Lodge – Rustic meets modern lodge which will really give you the mountain town feel. Enjoy the indoor swimming pool and great location.

3. Rocky Canyon Hot Springs

It’s a 90-minute drive from Idaho’s capital city of Boise to the Rocky Canyon Hot Springs. This area, located near the Garden Valley and Crouch communities in southwest Idaho, is known for its beautiful hot springs.

Hikers need to follow the Wildlife Canyon Scenic byway to reach the falls, and they can also drive north to get to the roadside hot springs.

Note that visitors must cross the river to reach the pools, which is very dangerous during the spring because of the high snow melt.

How to get there

Drive north from Boise on the ID-55N until Banks Lowman Hwy. Follow this road until you reach Middleford Rd which will be on your left. Drive through Crouch and continue on until you reach the parking for Rocky Canyon Hot Springs.

You can visit the roadside springs or hike via the Wildlife Canyon Scenic byway to the hot springs by the waterfalls.

Where to stay near Rocky Canyon

Hardscrabble and Rattlesnake Campgrounds – Located on either side of the hot springs, these two campgrounds are the closest places you can stay.
Garden Valley Cabin – Crouch and Garden Valley have a handful of cabin rentals like this beautiful rustic meets modern home which you can rent.
The Grove Hotel – If you’re looking for a little more luxury, the Grove Hotel in Boise is the top choice with a huge indoor swimming pool sauna, elegant rooms, and many additional services.
Hampton Inn & Suites – Located in Boise, this is a great balance of comfort and price if you are looking to save a little money without giving up the comforts and convenience of a nice hotel.

4. Goldbug Hot Springs

One of the most popular hot springs in the state is Goldbug Hot Springs, located between Challis and Salmon in central Idaho. This area is mostly enjoyed by hikers who take a two-mile hike to get to the springs.

The Goldbug Hot Springs is located in a notch in the mountain. The trail leading to the springs begins at a high elevation and features numerous stairs but the warm pools at the top offer visitors some relief from the climb.

How to get there

Follow US-93 either south from Salmon or north from Challis until you reach Warm Springs Road. Park and take the 2-mile hike to the springs.

Where to stay near Goldbug Hot Springs

Twin Peaks Guest Ranch – Located just north of the hot springs, Twin Peaks Ranch is the closest accommodation you will find. Located in a beautiful mountain setting, this is a spot not to miss!
Red Rock Lodge – South of Goldbug in Challis you will find this affordable lodge with all the basic facilities you need within an easy drive from the hot springs
River’s Fork Lodge – This lodge is located just a little further north of downtown Salmon and offers river views and comfortable rooms for an affordable price.

5. Kirkham Hot Springs

The South Payette River’s burbling landscape can be seen from Highway 21’s Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway.

Kirkham is a popular location for soaking in the hot springs, and the numerous pools and the easy accessibility of the area make it an ideal summer destination.

Kirkham’s extensive and varied pools make it ideal for soaking in hot springs. The area’s campsites also have hidden pools behind them, which can accommodate additional visitors if the main pools are full.

How to get there

Drive North out of Boise on ID-55 N until you reach the town of Banks. Turn right onto County Hwy 17 / Banks Lowmany Rd. Turn left when you reach the T junction and park up after 4 miles.

Where to stay near Kirkham Hot Springs

Lowman Outdoor Retreat – Located within walking distance of the springs, you can’t stay any closer than here! This 1 bedroom holiday home has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Boise National Forest Campgrounds – There are a number of campgrounds within Boise National Forest that are pretty close to the hot springs if you wish to camp.
Southfork Lodge – Located in Lowman, this lodge has a beautiful setting right on the river and a fun rustic vibe your family will love.
The Grove Hotel – If you’re looking for a little more luxury, the Grove Hotel in Boise is the top choice with a huge indoor swimming pool sauna, elegant rooms, and many additional services.

6. Last Chance Hot Springs

This particular hot spring provides a tub that can accommodate five people. However, you can also pack a few more people into it. The tub is made with a few large boulders, and the water flows in a waterfall-like style through a tube.