Johnson's Bridge Hot Springs is a series of primitive geothermal mineral pools located on the eastern bank of the South Fork Boise River along Forest Road 114, the road leading to Featherville. The site is also known as Elk Flat Hot Springs, named after Elk Flat Campground on the opposite side of the river.

The gravel riverbank is cut with numerous channels of steaming hot water. Rising steam is visible from the road, making the springs easy to find.

You’ll find several pools south of the bridge and a few more just north of the bridge abutment. Though completely undeveloped, this area lets you enjoy Idaho’s natural beauty while soaking in rejuvenating mineral water.

Wear a swimsuit, as the pools are visible from the campground, bridge, and nearby roads.

There are no services at the site; the nearest amenities are in Pine, about five miles away.

Johnson's Bridge Hot Springs Experience

Water emerges from the source at about 135°F, flowing through natural channels into several pools along the river. These soaking pools are lined with river rocks and have sandy, rock-and-sand bottoms.

Because water constantly flows in and out, pool temperatures can range from very cold to extremely hot. Since the pools sit right next to the river, winter and early-spring runoff can flood some of them with icy river water. When the water river level in the river is low, the temperature in the pools may be too high.

Always check the temperature before getting in, and mix in river water if needed.

Things to Do at Johnson's Bridge Hot Springs

A variety of hiking trails are nearby, including the 1.3-mile Bridge (Elk Flat) Hot Springs Trail, the 4.5-mile Green Creek Trail 270, and Cross Cut Trail 172. Green Creek Trail 270 and Cross Cut Trail 172 are also open to biking, horseback riding, and even off-road vehicles.

The South Fork Boise River offers rafting, swimming and fishing for rainbow trout.

Trinity Hot Springs Resort is located about 1 mile north, and Baumgartner Hot Springs is approximately 17 miles west.