Idaho hot springs are some of the best in the country. Thanks to the state's amazing geothermal water resources, Idaho has more hot springs than Washington, Oregon, or Nevada. This is because Idaho sits near the famous Yellowstone National Park, an area full of natural heat under the ground.
With over 200 natural hot springs spread across Idaho and more than one hundred that are easy to reach, you can always find a quiet, relaxing spot.
People have enjoyed hot mineral springs in Idaho for thousands of years. Native Americans thought these springs were special and used them to heal and meet. They left behind old carvings and tools that show how important hot springs were. Later, settlers and miners built bathhouses and small hot spring resorts to enjoy the warm water.
Today, Idaho uses its hot springs and geothermal water for many things, like heating homes and greenhouses, and for fun, too. Most of the best hot springs for soaking are in the middle and southern parts of the state, where the hot water is close to the surface.
Top Idaho's Hot Spring Resorts
Hot springs in Idaho come in many types. There are wild, natural pools, simple community baths, and even some fancy hot spring resorts. Some of the wildest springs can be hard to reach, needing long drives on dirt roads or hikes in the forest. But there are also many springs right by the road, so everyone can enjoy them.
For those who want to enjoy the relaxing, mineral-rich water and stay overnight, there are many great hot spring resorts in Idaho. Most are rustic, set deep in the woods, mountains, or by rivers. This keeps them small and peaceful.
Many places offer cabins or camping, letting you enjoy nature with little modern change. Old favorites like Burgdorf Hot Springs and Challis Hot Springs keep their historic look and feel, while some resorts like The Springs Hot Springs Retreat, Terrace Lakes Resort, Riverside Hot Springs Inn, and Home Hotel Lava Hot Springs Inn provide more modern comforts.
Below is a list of the best Idaho hot spring resorts, from remote, historic sites to modern, luxurious retreats. Each one is special and lets you relax, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of Idaho's natural hot springs.
Red River Hot Springs - Rustic Soaking Adventure in the Clearwater Wilderness
Red River Hot Springs is a hidden geothermal oasis deep in the Clearwater-Nez Perce National Forest, about 75 miles southeast of Grangeville. This remote, rustic retreat has a history stretching back to the early 1900s, when the Meinert family established it as a health getaway.
The geothermal mineral water emerges from the hillside at 135°F (57°C) and is piped into a swimming pool and several soaking tubs. The resort has 2 wooden soaking tubs with water at 100°F (38°C) and higher, plus a round ceramic pool that's usually cooler.
The main swimming pool is 32 by 28 feet, 4 to 9 feet deep, and is maintained at about 95°F (35°C). Water is never treated with chemicals due to a high flow rate, and the pools are open from dusk to 10 pm daily, year-round.
Red River Hot Springs: Soak in remote Idaho history and wilderness
Burgdorf Hot Springs - Ghost Town Getaway and Soaking Sanctuary in the Payette Forest
Burgdorf Hot Springs is a rustic and historic hot spring resort and ghost town in the Payette National Forest, 30 miles north of McCall.
The main Olympic-size pool (50 by 75 feet, 5 feet deep) is filled with mineral water that flows from the source at 113°F (45°C) and cools to 93–104°F (34–40°C). The covered "Hot Box" soaking tubs offer hotter options at 110–113°F (43–45°C), while the children's pool is cooler and two feet deep.
Cabins have wood stoves and oil lamps but no electricity or running water, so guests should come prepared. Access is by car in summer and by snowmobile in winter.
Burgdorf Hot Springs: Soak in Idaho's history and experience true rustic adventure
Challis Hot Springs - Riverside Geothermal Escape in Central Idaho
Challis Hot Springs is a scenic geothermal oasis set on the bank of the Salmon River at 5,000 feet elevation in Central Idaho. The site has 2 pools: a large swimming pool (100 by 30 feet) and a smaller hot pool (25 by 18 feet). Hot water at 127°F (53°C) bubbles up from underground springs and flows through the river-rock-covered pool bottoms.
The main pool is kept at 96°F (36°C) in summer and 98–100°F (37–38°C) in winter; the smaller pool is around 105°F (41°C) year-round, with temperatures controlled by adding cold artesian water. Both pools use a flow-through system, so the mineral-rich, odorless water is never chemically treated.
Challis Hot Springs: Experience riverside soaking in Idaho's heartland
Mountain Village Resort (Stanley) - Sawtooth Mountain Views and Cozy Cabin Soaks
Mountain Village Lodge in Stanley provides a classic Idaho escape, surrounded by mountain scenery and the banks of Valley Creek. Guests can soak in a wooden pool with a sandy bottom, fitting up to 8 people, inside a log cabin with mountain and creek views.
The geothermal mineral water temperature ranges from 98°F to 104°F (37–40°C), depending on the season. Benches and two changing rooms make for a comfortable experience.
Mountain Village Lodge has 61 rooms, tent sites, RV hookups, and even a private house for groups or families. Bathing suits are required, and soaking is by reservation only.
Mountain Village Resort: Enjoy your mountain soak and unwind in Stanley
Sawtooth Lodge - Classic Backcountry Retreat with Historic Charm
Sawtooth Lodge Hot Springs is a rustic getaway in the small town of Grandjean, deep in the Sawtooth Wilderness. The geothermal water comes from a 150°F (66°C) source and is mixed with cold well water for soaking.
The pool measures 21 by 13 feet (3–7 feet deep), kept at 100°F (38°C) during the day, but drops to 87–90°F (31–32°C) overnight when the generator is off, returning to 100°F (38°C) after daybreak. Geothermal water for the tubs flows in at 130–140°F (54–60°C) and must be mixed with cold water before use.
Lodging includes 11 historic cabins, two yurts, and camping or RV spaces. Electricity is shut off nightly from 10:30 pm to 6:30 am, so bring warm clothes for the cool mountain nights.
Silver Creek Plunge - Family-Friendly Geothermal Pool in the Boise Mountains
Silver Creek Plunge Hot Springs Resort, 25 miles north of Crouch, is a blend of natural beauty and historic charm. Once a silver mine, this spot now features a large 186,000-gallon swimming pool fed by geothermal water at 100–104°F (38–40°C), maintained around 100°F (38°C) year-round. The pool is 100 by 50 feet and is completely refreshed every six hours thanks to a high flow rate of 540 gallons per minute, requiring only minimal chlorination.
The resort is solar-powered, open year-round, and offers rustic cabins, tents, and RV camping. The original mine entrance can still be seen at the pool's edge.
Silver Creek Plunge: Swim and soak where Idaho's history flows
Twin Springs Resort - Private Riverside Cabins with Hot Tubs in the Heart of Idaho
Twin Springs Resort sits on the Middle Fork Boise River, a historic site with roots back to the gold rush days. Each cabin has a private outdoor soaking tub fed by sulfur-free mineral water that emerges from the cliff at 180°F (82°C). There is no day-use option; soaking is for overnight guests only. Guests also have access to a steam sauna.
Cabins are heated by hot spring water, and the resort generates electricity using a small hydro system. The area is remote, with no cell service and a narrow, sometimes rough, graded road.
Twin Springs Resort: Enjoy your private soak in Idaho's wild river country
Trinity Hot Springs - Idaho’s Premier Natural Health Water Destination
Trinity Hot Springs, formerly Paradise Hot Springs, is a rustic, developed resort near Featherville, about 100 miles from Boise. Water emerges from two miles underground at 135°F (57°C) and fills a large outdoor pool. The pool temperature varies from 95–108°F (35–42°C) in summer and 90–95°F (32–35°C) in winter.
The mineral water is exceptionally pure, certified "Natural Health Water" by the Institute Fresenius, and is safe for drinking.
The resort offers spa services, yoga, and meditation, plus a range of lodging and camping options. Membership is required for both overnight and day use.
Trinity Hot Springs: Soak in Idaho's purest, certified geothermal water
Green Canyon Hot Springs - A Relaxing Family Getaway in Teton Valley
Green Canyon Hot Springs is a rural resort in the hills of Canyon Creek, 30 miles from Driggs. Geothermal water emerges at 115°F (46°C) and is piped into three pools: a big pool kept at 96°F (36°C), a hydro jet soaking pool at 105°F (41°C), and a cold plunge at 55°F (13°C).
The resort has a huge campground and a rich history dating back to the 19th century.
You can visit for the day or stay overnight at the campground, and private pool bookings are available outside public hours.
Green Canyon Hot Springs: Dive into Idaho's history and swim in the green hills
Terrace Lakes Resort - Golf, Mountains, and Year-Round Mineral Pools
Terrace Lakes Resort is a private country club in the Boise National Forest near Garden Valley, with a geothermal pool supplied by 157°F (69°C) water. The main pool's depth ranges from 2 to 5 feet (0.6–1.5 m) and is divided into adult, swimming, and shallow children's areas. The pool is open year-round, clothing is mandatory, and the water is treated with chlorine.
The resort also has a golf course and is open to the public for a daily fee or overnight stay.
Terrace Lakes Resort: Enjoy mountain golf and a classic geothermal soak
The Springs (Idaho City) - Modern Spa Experience in the Historic Boise Basin
The Springs, near Idaho City, is a modern, spa-like retreat surrounded by the Boise National Forest. The main pool is 80 by 40 feet, with temperatures of 99°F (37°C) in winter and 85°F (29°C) in summer.
The public round soaking tub is 16 feet across at 105°F (41°C), and private soaking tubs are available by reservation. Water is pure, flows continuously, and is never treated with chemicals. Reservations are required; the resort is closed Tuesdays for cleaning.
Miracle Hot Springs - Hidden Mineral Pools and Dome Soaking on the Snake River Plain
Miracle Hot Springs offers a series of primitive pools along the Lower Kern River. Hot water at 120°F (49°C) gushes into several rock-lined pools, with water temperature varying by pool and river flow. Pools close to the river are cooler, and some are submerged during high water. The site is very popular and can be crowded, so visitors are asked to keep it clean.
A picnic area and campground are nearby.
Miracle Hot Springs: Soak by the river in Idaho's wild backcountry
Home Hotel Lava Hot Springs Inn - Historic Boutique Hotel with In-Room Hot Tubs
The historic Home Hotel at Lava Hot Springs has been welcoming visitors since 1918. Today, 24 of 27 rooms have private in-room hot tubs with adjustable temperature. Community soaking tubs are also available for guests. Geothermal water is famous for its "healing" properties, and it is known to the Shoshone-Bannock as the "Land of Healing Waters." Swimsuits are required in the common area tub.
Home Hotel Lava Hot Springs: Historic comfort and healing water in Idaho's soaking capital
Riverside Hot Springs Inn & Spa - Intimate Spa Hotel in Downtown Lava Hot Springs
Riverside Hot Springs Inn & Spa is a historic hotel in downtown Lava Hot Springs, operating year-round. The odor-free geothermal water comes from a 112°F (44°C) source and is piped into three private soaking pools, each kept between 102°F and 106°F (39–41°C). Each pool is in its own private room. Advance reservations are recommended for soaking and spa services.
Riverside Hot Springs Inn & Spa: Private soaking and classic hospitality in Lava Hot Springs
You May Also Like
