• Gold Fork Hot Springs is a scenic destination in a pine forest setting
• Six terraced pools flow from the hottest at 110°F to the coolest at 85°F
Gold Fork Hot Springs is a picturesque destination allowing you to escape from your day-to-day life and soak in natural hot mineral water, surrounded by the pine forests. Located in the small town of Donnelly, just 90 minutes from Boise, the facility is open year-round.
The springs were once owned by the wood products company Boise Cascade. During the 1980s, the company destroyed many hot springs on its land to avoid liability risks. Fortunately, Gold Fork was considered too large and dangerous to demolish, so it was instead sold.
Over the past several decades, the property changed hands multiple times. With each transition, the new owners remained committed to the same purpose: preserving the area's natural beauty while providing a comfortable experience for guests.
Gold Fork Hot Springs Experience
Geothermal mineral water cascades down six terraced pools, flowing from the hottest at 110°F to the coolest at 85°F, so you can choose the temperature that suits you best.
Due to a great flow rate and high alkalinity, no chemical treatment is required. The water in the pools is completely refreshed every four hours.
In winter, the wooden deck is geothermally heated and equipped with tables, chairs, and umbrellas. One pool features a sandy bottom and deck, creating the ambiance of a small geothermal beach. A cascading waterfall provides the added benefit of a hydro-massage.
Amenities include changing rooms, lockers, and handicapped-accessible parking and restrooms. There is no on-site food service, but guests are welcome to bring their own. Alcohol and tobacco are not permitted.
Gold Fork Hot Springs Lodging
While there are no on-site accommodations—such as camping or RV parking—numerous lodging options are available nearby. The closest towns are Donnelly (10 miles west), Cascade (19 miles southwest), and McCall (25 miles northwest). Each offers a variety of accommodations to suit different needs and budgets.
Gold Fork Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 24 miles southeast of McCall • Idaho • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Soaking pools, changing rooms, lockers
Clothing: Required
Amenities: None
Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes - cash and checks only
Elevation: 5,000 ft (1,524 m)
Water T° (source): 127°F (53°C)
Water T° (tubs): 110-85°F (43-29°C)
Water acidity level: Alkaline (pH=9)
Chemical used: None
More Adventures
Directions to Gold Fork Hot Springs
From McCall,
- Travel south on Highway ID-55 for 15 miles to Davis Creek Lane
- Turn left onto Davis Creek Lane and go 2.5 miles to Gold Fork Road
- Turn right onto Gold Fork Road and continue 2.3 miles
- Bear right onto Gold Fork Road/NF-498 and follow 1.7 miles to the destination.
goldforkhotsprings.com