• Goldbug Hot Springs has a variety of pools and hot waterfalls
• You will have to hike 2 miles to get to the soaking pool
Goldbug Hot Springs, also called Elk Bend Hot Springs, is located south of the town of Salmon in the scenic Salmon National Forest.
This soaking spot has a variety of pools and hot waterfalls at the end of a challenging two-mile trail up a stunning canyon.
Goldbug is a fantastic location to enjoy a relaxing soak surrounded by the rugged mountain landscape with patches of greenery and a clear Central Idaho sky. You can even have an open view down the high desert canyon from some of the pools.
Goldbug Hot Springs Mineral Pools & Soaking
The geothermal mineral water flows from several sources at up to 130° F (55° C). The temperature drops as hot spring water flows down the canyon, mixing with cold creek water. It also changes with the season and the rate of cold-water runoff. High water flow keeps pools very clean.
Pools closer to the trail are the hottest; central pools are the coldest, and ones on the far side of the canyon range from warm to hot.
Water flow naturally created the soaking pools, but volunteers built rock-and-sand walls to deepen them.
The springs have no amenities other than a toilet and a picnic table at the trailhead near the parking lot. Remember that the parking lot is next to private property; don't trespass. The closest services are 1 mile away at Elk Bend.
Keep in mind that Goldbug Hot Springs requires a hike with steep sections and nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
Goldbug Hot Springs is open all year round. Clothing is optional but highly recommended since this is a popular area.
Things to Do At Goldbug Hot Springs: Other Adventures
The wider area between Salmon, Challis, and Stanley is well known for its natural soaks, winding scenic roads, and a wide range of outdoor activities.
Traveling along Highway 28 and nearby US‑93, you'll encounter:
Scenic drives and viewpoints – Follow the highway through the Lemhi Valley or trace the Salmon River corridor. You'll find pullouts for photos, short strolls, and wildlife watching, with expansive views of the Lemhi and Beaverhead mountain ranges.
Fishing and river access – Sections of both the Salmon River and Lemhi River nearby provide access pullouts, small picnic nooks, and short riverside walks. Anglers target trout and other cold‑water species; be sure to review current Idaho fishing regulations before casting a line.
Rockhounding and public land exploration – The broader Salmon–Challis region is a paradise for finding agate, jasper, opal, and other minerals on gravel bars and open hillsides.
Hiking, photography, and wildlife watching – The open sagebrush country, big skies, and long ridges are ideal for casual hiking and landscape photography. Keep an eye out for deer, elk, raptors, and seasonal songbirds, especially during the cooler early morning and evening hours.
Goldbug Hot Springs Camping and Lodging
No camping is allowed within 500 feet of the springs. You can camp on a nearby hillside or at the grassy area at the creek between the second and third bridges.
For more services and accommodations, go to Salmon or Challis.
Goldbug Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 24 miles south of Salmon • Central Idaho • USA
Best time: Year-round
Development: Wild
Clothing: Optional
Amenities: None
Hiking distance: 2 miles one way
Road access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Managed by: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Elevation: 5,200 ft (1,585 m)
Water T° (source): 130°F (55°C)
Water T° (pools): Vary
Odor: None
More Adventures
Directions to Goldbug Hot Springs
From Salmon
- Take US-93 S/S Challis Street South for 22.8 miles
- Turn left onto Warm Springs Road.
Park at the Goldbug Hot Springs Trailhead. Cross the footbridge over the creek and take the trail up the canyon. Hot springs sit past the fourth bridge.