The 10 best hot springs in Idaho

Why these made the list

1. Sunbeam Hot Springs

   A free roadside set of two metal tubs and rock river pools on the Salmon River, 12 to 13 miles from Stanley. You mix in river water to set the heat. Easy and social, but swimsuits are expected.

2. Lava Hot Springs

   The classic Idaho soak: several outdoor mineral pools at about 102 to 112°F in the middle of town, with changing rooms, showers and lockers. Good for families and anyone who wants no hiking.

3. Kirkham Hot Springs

   Rock pools and small hot waterfalls on the South Fork Payette near Lowman, with pools running about 95 to 110°F. Source water is hotter, so use the cooler side pools. Vault toilets, changing rooms and a $5 vehicle fee.

4. Goldbug Hot Springs

   A free climb of about 2 miles and 900 ft to rock pools fed by hot waterfalls above Warm Spring Creek, with the top pool the hottest. Popular and worth the sweat. Bring water shoes.

5. Atlanta Hot Springs

   A free, hand-built rock pool of about 97 to 110°F at the old mining town of Atlanta in the Boise National Forest. Remote on unpaved roads, so it feels like a real trip. Suits adventurous drivers.

6. Jerry Johnson Hot Springs

   North Idaho's favorite, a flat 1.4-mile walk up Warm Springs Creek to rock-walled pools in cedar forest along US 12. Free and day use only. Check for fire closures in summer.

7. Gold Fork Hot Springs

   Six terraced mineral pools from about 85 to 110°F near Donnelly, the easy choice for McCall-area trips, with a sandy pool for kids. Open Wednesday to Monday afternoons, but confirm it is open before driving.

8. Snake Pit Hot Springs

   A single shallow pool beside Valley Creek at the edge of Stanley, free and a short walk from a gravel lot, with Sawtooth views. Temperatures run 97 to 105°F and the bottom is muddy.

9. Miracle Hot Springs

   A south Idaho resort on US-30 near Buhl with four large public pools at about 96 to 106°F and 21 private baths. Closed Sundays, and swimsuits and a shower are required.

10. Loftus Hot Spring

    A free hot waterfall at about 129°F feeds two user-built pools cooling to 99 to 106°F, right above the Middle Fork Boise River Road. Popular and often clothing-optional. Test the water and watch for glass.