Located about 50 miles northeast of Boise and 33 miles west of Atlanta, Loftus is one of many hot springs in the Boise National Forest. It’s a great spot to relax and soak in hot water while enjoying views of the river and the surrounding forest.

Loftus is open year-round. The road to the springs is graded but becomes narrow in places and can get washboarded; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. From May through September, the weather tends to be pleasant. In winter, road conditions can be unsafe.

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

Loftus Hot Springs Experience

The hot springs consist of two volunteer-built pools located on a hillside just above Middle Fork Boise River Road. The upper grotto pool receives water from a small hot waterfall. The temperature is about 110°F and can vary depending on weather conditions. The water from the top pool cascades down to the second pool, cooling to 104°F. The pools have sandy bottoms, lined with boulders and reinforced with mortar.

Because temperatures vary (especially in the upper pool), it' wise to test the water before fully immersing; some spots may be too hot.

Additionally, there is a pool located on the riverbank just below the road. However, the water temperature of about 75°F during summer doesn't provide the best option for soaking. There is also a pool on the riverbank just below the road, but during summer it tends to be too cool for comfortable soaking (about 75°F).

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

The Middle Fork Boise River is lined with several other natural hot springs worth exploring. Smith Cabin, Pete Creek, and Sheep Creek Bridge Hot Springs are scattered pools on both sides of the river, each offering soaking along the riverbank.

Closer to Atlanta, you’ll 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.

There are also plenty of dispersed camping spots along the Middle Fork Boise River, where you can pitch a tent or park a camper right by the water. These sites are rustic with no services, so plan to pack out everything you bring.

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

Lodging in Idaho City