Located about 50 miles northeast of Boise and 33 miles west of Atlanta, Loftus is among the many hot springs in the Boise National Forest. It’s an excellent destination for relaxing and soaking in hot water, with a view of the river and the surrounding forest.

Loftus is available year-round. The road to the springs is graded but may be narrow in places and occasionally get washboarded; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The road tends to be safer from May through September. During winter, the path may be dangerous to drive on.

Note: There is no cell phone service at the springs.

Loftus Hot Springs Experience

This hot springs location encompasses two volunteer-built pools on a hillside just above Middle Fork Boise River Road. The upper grotto pool receives water from a small hot waterfall. The temperature there fluctuates around 110°F (43°C) depending on weather conditions. The water from the top pool then cascades down to the second pool, cooling to around 104°F (40°C). The pools have sandy bottoms, lined with boulders and reinforced with mortar.

Because temperatures vary (especially in the upper pool), it is wise to test the water before fully getting into it - some spots may be too hot.

There is one more pool located on the riverbank just below the road. Its water temperature, however, is about 75°F (24°C) during summer, which may be too cool for a proper hot springs soaking experience.

Caution. Watch out for poison oak along the riverbank and around the hot springs.

The Middle Fork Boise River is lined with other natural hot springs worth exploring, among which are Smith Cabin, Pete Creek, and Sheep Creek Bridge Hot Springs.

Closer to Atlanta, you will come across Atlanta Hot Springs, Chattanooga Hot Springs, and the Power Plant Recreation Area. These undeveloped sites offer rugged soaking opportunities amid the wild scenery of the Boise National Forest.

Beyond soaking, the Middle Fork Boise River is renowned for its fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck catching rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish. Numerous hiking trails also crisscross the forest, leading to alpine lakes, scenic viewpoints, and wildlife-rich meadows.

The hot springs are 1.5 miles east of Troutdale Campground and 4 miles west of Ninemeyer Campground. Both campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis and offer basic amenities like picnic tables and vault toilets.

Many other camping spots can be found along the Middle Fork Boise River. You can pitch a tent or park a camper by the water. These sites are rustic and have no services, so plan to pack out everything you need on a daily basis.

If you prefer more comfort, Twin Springs Resort is about 10 miles downriver and has rustic cabins with private soaking tubs. Idaho City is your best choice for full lodging options nearby, including motels and vacation rentals.

Lodging in Idaho City