Often called the gateway to the Pacific Northwest, Idaho is one of the most geothermal-rich states in the U.S. Thanks to its mountainous landscape and volcanic history, it boasts over 300 naturally heated hot springs.
This unique geology stems from an ancient meteorite impact nearly 17 million years ago, which triggered a chain of volcanic eruptions that continue to fuel the region’s geothermal energy to this day.
With around 58 hot springs open to the public, Idaho offers something for every kind of traveler — from hidden primitive pools to luxurious spa resorts. Here’s everything you need to know before your next soak.
Idaho Hot Springs Map
Idaho Hot Spring Regions
While hot springs can be found throughout the state, they tend to concentrate in areas with high geothermal activity, forming three distinct hot spring regions in Idaho.
Select a region below to explore the best soaking spots.
Hot Springs in Central Idaho
Central Idaho boasts the state’s greatest concentration of hot springs and features plenty of primitive, community, and resort pools for a diverse exploration of the region’s thermal facilities.
This region’s hot springs are scattered throughout the Boise National Forest and the Salmon-Challis National Forest and offer pristine settings for a soak.
| Hot Spring Name | Type | Location | Opening Hours | Cost & Permits | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double J&D Historic Hot Spring Ranch | Resort | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round; reservations required for hot spring access | Private 1.5 hour day soaks $40 for 2, $20 each additional, 4 person maximum; 18 & over, no smoking or pets. | Get all the essential information on Double J&D Historic Hot Spring Ranch. |
| Gold Fork Hot Springs | Resort | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Mon, Wed–Sun: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Closed Tuesdays | Adults: $10; Children (2–9): $5; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Gold Fork Hot Springs. |
| Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch | Resort | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Seasonal; typically open mid-June to mid-September | Rates vary; no permits required; minimum stay is 4 nights | Get all the essential information on Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. |
| Mountain Village Resort | Resort | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round; reservations required for hot spring access | Rates start at $50 for two people; additional guests are $5 each; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Mountain Village Resort. |
| Mundo Hot Springs | Resort | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Reservations required Wed–Sun; timed soaking slots | Adults: $10; Seniors, Military, Children (6–13): $8; Children (2–5): $5; under 2: Free; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Mundo Hot Springs. |
| Sawtooth Lodge | Resort | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Closed due to fire; expected reopening May 2025 | Accommodation rates vary; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Sawtooth Lodge. |
| Silver Creek Plunge Resort | Resort | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Fri–Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Mon–Thu | Adults (13–59): $15; Seniors (60+): $10; Children (2–12): $12; under 2: Free; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Silver Creek Plunge. |
| Terrace Lakes Resort | Resort | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Mon–Thu: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Fri–Sat: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sun: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Ages 0–2: Free, 3–11: $12, 12–59: $15, Seniors 60+: $10 | Get all the essential information on Terrace Lakes Resort. |
| Twin Springs Resort | Resort | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Year-round; reservations required | Accommodation rates vary; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Twin Springs Resort. |
| Warm Lake Lodge | Resort | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Seasonal; mid-May to mid-September | Accommodation rates vary; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Warm Lake Lodge & Resort. |
| Basin Creek | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Day use only | Free to access; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Basin Creek Hot Springs. |
| Bear Valley Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Accessible year-round; best April–October | Admission $10–$20; discounts for children/seniors; camping options; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Bear Valley Hot Springs. |
| Bonneville Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Year-round; campground late May–late September | Day-use: $5; camping: $15/night; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Bonneville Hot Springs. |
| Chattanooga Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round | Free to access; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Chattanooga Hot Springs. |
| Cove Creek Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Year-round; best late summer/fall | Free to access; no permits required; no camping allowed | Get all the essential information on Cove Creek Hot Springs. |
| Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round; weather-dependent access | Free to access; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs. |
| Goldbug Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round | Free to access; no permits required; camping is allowed | Get all the essential information on Goldbug Hot Springs. |
| Kirkham Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Day-use only; open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM | $5 per vehicle per day; camping is not allowed; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Kirkham Hot Springs. |
| Loftus Hot Spring | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round | Free to access; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Loftus Hot Springs. |
| Loon Creek Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Accessible year-round; best visited during summer and early fall | Free to access; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Loon Creek Hot Springs. |
| Pine Burl Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Accessible year-round; road access may be limited during winter due to snow | Free to access; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Pine Burl Hot Springs. |
| Pine Flat Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round | Free to access; additional guests are $5 each; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Pine Flats Hot Springs. |
| Rocky Canyon Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Accessible year-round; best visited during late summer and early fall when river levels are lower | Free to access; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Rocky Canyon Hot Springs. |
| Sacajawea Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round; best visited between June and October | Free to access; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Sacajawea Hot Springs. |
| Samuel’s Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round | Free to access; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Samuel's Hot Springs. |
| Sunbeam Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round | Free to access; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Sunbeam Hot Springs. |
| Sunflower Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Accessible year-round; best visited during rafting season (May–September) | Free to access; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Sunflower Hot Springs. |
| Vulcan Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Accessible year-round; best visited during summer and fall | Free to access; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Vulcan Hot Springs. |
| Roystone Hot Springs | Community | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round; daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM | Admission fees apply; prices starting from $20/session; reservations required | Get all the essential information on Roystone Hot Springs. |
| Starkey Hot Springs | Community | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Typically open year-round; daily from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Admission fees apply; Day pass $3 for all visitors aged 16 years and older | Get all the essential information on Starkey Hot Springs Pool. |
| Trinity Hot Springs | Community | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round; reservations available weekdays from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and weekends from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Admission fees apply; contact Trinity Hot Springs for current pricing | Get all the essential information on Trinity Hot Springs. |
| Zims Hot Springs | Community | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Wednesday–Friday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Closed Monday and Tuesday | Adults: $10; Seniors: $8; Children (3–17): $6; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Zims Hot Springs. |
Hot Springs in Northern Idaho
While hot springs are not as abundant in Idaho’s northern regions, a small selection of thermal pools can still be visited in the Nez Percé–Clearwater National Forest.
While home to only five hot springs, northern Idaho features a selection of primitive, community, and resort springs for a diverse sampling of the region’s natural watering holes.
| Hot Spring Name | Type | Location | Opening Hours | Cost & Permits | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burgdorf Hot Springs | Resort | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Day soaks 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (2h blocks, reservation only); cabin guests 24/7 | Adults: $20; Children/Seniors: $15; no permits | Get all the essential information on Burgdorf Hot Springs |
| Red River Hot Springs | Resort | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | May–Oct: Mon–Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 10 AM–8 PM; Nov–Apr: Mon–Sat 10 AM–8 PM, Sun 10 AM–6 PM |
Admission fees apply; contact for pricing | Get all the essential information on Red River Hot Springs |
| Jerry Johnson Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Day-use only; 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Free; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Jerry Johnson Hot Springs |
| Weir Creek Hot Springs | Primitive | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Day-use only; 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Free; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Weir Creek Hot Springs |
| Stanley Hot Springs | Community | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round; via 9.6-mile out-and-back trail | Free; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Stanley Hot Springs |
Hot Springs in Southern Idaho
Most of the hot springs south of Boise are within the state’s southeastern corner, including around the must-visit Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
The springs found in this region are primarily maintained pools, with several community and resort springs scattered throughout the state’s southern reaches.
| Hot Spring Name | Type | Location | Opening Hours | Cost & Permits | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roystone Hot Springs | Community | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round; daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM | Admission fees apply; prices starting from $20/session; reservations required | Get all the essential information on Roystone Hot Springs. |
| Starkey Hot Springs | Community | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Typically open year-round; daily from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Admission fees apply; Day pass $3 for all visitors aged 16 years and older | Get all the essential information on Starkey Hot Springs Pool. |
| Trinity Hot Springs | Community | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Open year-round; reservations available weekdays from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and weekends from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Admission fees apply; contact Trinity Hot Springs for current pricing | Get all the essential information on Trinity Hot Springs. |
| Zims Hot Springs | Community | Check Idaho Hot Springs Map | Wednesday–Friday: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Closed Monday and Tuesday | Adults: $10; Seniors: $8; Children (3–17): $6; no permits required | Get all the essential information on Zims Hot Springs. |
Types of Hot Springs in Idaho
While each of the state's many thermal pools offers a unique experience, Idaho's hot springs can be typically categorized as primitive, community, or resort springs.
Select a type below to learn more about what each category offers to visitors.
Natural Hot Springs in Idaho
natural hot springs are the most natural variety of thermal pools in Idaho, often hidden in the state’s most breathtaking, remote corners.
They’re free to access but unmaintained, and reaching them may require hiking or 4WD. Still, their wild beauty and tranquil settings offer some of the most rewarding soaking experiences in the country.
Expect serene landscapes, zero crowds, and a connection with nature that’s hard to match. Just be cautious — temperatures and water quality aren’t regulated.
Community Hot Springs in Idaho
Community hot springs offer a middle ground between wild nature and full-service luxury. They’re often family-owned or community-operated, with basic facilities and affordable admission.
You’ll often find these springs in small towns and rural communities, offering a cozy and authentic soaking experience, sometimes paired with campgrounds or local hiking trails.
Hot Spring Resorts in Idaho
For those seeking comfort and convenience, Idaho’s hot spring resorts deliver full-service spa experiences with everything from private tubs to onsite accommodation.
These destinations often include onsite dining, wellness treatments, and guided adventures, making them ideal for longer stays or romantic getaways. Expect higher entry prices, but a truly pampering experience in return.
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