• Butterfly Hot Springs and Groundhog Hot Springs are 1 of the 3 sets of soaking pools near Boiling Springs
• To get to this spot, you must take a moderate 7-mile (11.3 km) out-and-back hike
Butterfly Hot Springs and Groundhog Hot Springs sit on the Middle Fork Payette River in the Boise National Forest.
These are 1 of the 3 sets of soaking pools within a hiking distance from Boiling Springs. To get to this spot, you must take a moderate 7-mile (11.3 km) out-and-back hike with a 450 ft elevation gain.
Butterfly Hot Springs and Groundhog Hot Springs are the last two springs on the trail after Little Dipper Hot Springs and Moondipper/Pine Burl Hot Springs.
The best times to visit this place are from May to October. The trail is more passable, and the river levels are low enough not to flood the pools.
Geothermal Water & Soaking
Geothermal mineral water comes from the source at 140° F (60° C) and flows 20 feet down the river bank into the Groundhog Hot Springs soaking pools. There are 1 or 2 pools, depending on the river level.
No one maintains these pools, so be prepared to move rocks out and plug the pool walls.
Butterfly Hot Springs sits upstream from Groundhog. The source temperature here is 130° F (55° C), with the water cascading down the cliff into the rock-lined pool on the river's edge. This pool is generally in much better condition.
You can bring a tarp to make the bottom more comfortable and prevent water from leaking through the walls.
Mix some river water in if the pool water is too hot for you.
Clothing is optional at both soaking pools.
Beyond Hot Springs: Other Adventures
Rockhounding is very productive on the Middle Fork Payette River, especially for quartz and agates.
Middle Fork of the Payette River is a fantastic fishing spot, particularly for trout.
You can also enjoy nature viewing, wildlife watching, camping at nearby campgrounds, and hiking at multiple trails of the Boise National Forest.
Camping & Lodging
Boiling Springs Campground sits at the trailhead to the springs, 0.25 miles away from the Boiling Springs.
You can rent the cabin through recreation.gov.
The town of Crouch, 23 miles southwest of the campground, has more hotels and other accommodations.
Affordable short and long-term rentals in Crouch
Lowman sits 48 miles from the hot springs, right off Highway 17, and has even more lodging and vacation rentals.
Affordable short and long-term rentals in Lowman
Sourdough Lodge in Lowman is a cozy, rustic motel where you can book a cabin, enjoy breakfast, stockpile your favorite snacks and tasty beer at the convenience store, and head out to explore hot springs!
Alternatively, you can stay in Idaho City, 50 miles south, and pick one of the hotels and resorts there.
Hotels and Resorts in Idaho City
If you want to visit as many hot springs in this area as possible, book a room at Mountain Village Resort in Stanley. The resort is not only located in the land of hot springs but also has its own private springs.
Butterfly and Groundhog Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 23 miles southwest • Central Idaho • USA
Open: Year-round, but the road is covered by snow during winter
Development: Undeveloped
Clothing: Optional
Amenities: None
Hiking distance: 3.5 miles
Road access: Any vehicle, except during winter
Day-use fees: No
Managed by: US Forest Service
Elevation: 4,200 ft (1,280 m)
Water T° (source): 140° F - 130° F (60° C - 55° C)
Water T° (pools): Varies
Odor None
More Adventures
Directions to Butterfly and Groundhog Hot Springs
From Crouch,
- Take S Middlefork Road for 3.2 miles
- Turn left onto Middlefork Road and follow it for 13.9 miles
- Turn left onto Forest Road 698/Middlefork Road and follow it for 5.4 miles.
Take a 3.5-mile one-way hike from the trailhead along the Middle Fork Payette River.
The path with steep and slippery sections follows the river's western edge. It is the safer option when the water level is high. During that hike, you will have to ford the river several times.
The Middle Fork Trail is more direct, but you must cross the river more often. During the dry season, the river is usually only ankle-deep.
This is the last set of springs on the hike, and the trail here gets far less foot traffic. So expect plenty of brushy areas on your way.
GPS (Trailhead): N 44°21.604' W 115°51.594' | 44.36018, -115.85986
GPS (Groundhog Hot Springs): N 44°23.538' W 115°50.046' | 44.3923, -115.8341
GPS (Butterfly Hot Springs): N 44°23.682' W 115°50.082' | 44.3947, -115.8347