• Molly's Hot Springs is a secluded spot for a refreshing dip on the river hillside
Molly's Hot Springs is a secluded soaking spot along the South Fork Salmon River in the scenic Boise National Forest. The springs sit on a steep, geothermal hillside overlooking the picturesque river valley 28 miles northeast of the town of Cascade.
Molly's Tub Hot Springs is nearby, yet it is an entirely different spring.
Locals named Molly's Hot Springs "the Duke" because it was the favorite soaking spot for actors John Wayne and Robert Mitchum.
Molly's is accessible year-round, though the dirt roads leading to it may be impassable in winter. Pathway to the springs is short but steep and might be complicated for some.
Molly's Hot Springs - Geothermal Water & Soaking
Natural mineral water of 120°F (49°C) flows out of several sources on the hillside at Molly's. The hot water collects in a few shallow, sandy-bottom pools that visitors have improved with logs and pipes over the years.
By diverting or combining flows from the various hot and cool water sources, you can control the temperature of the pools.
The clothing is optional at the springs.
Beyond Hot Springs: Other Adventures
The South Fork Salmon River is popular for steelhead and trout fishing.
The surrounding Boise National Forest is full of hiking and mountain biking trails and is a haven for wildlife watchers.
Warm Lake provides a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming during the summer.
In winter, you can enjoy snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the area.
This region is home to other hot springs, including the developed Gold Fork Hot Springs, as well as undeveloped Molly Tub's Hot Springs and Trail Creek Hot Springs.
Molly's Hot Springs Camping & Lodging
Shoreline Campground is the closest developed camping spot, 3 miles from Molly's Hot Springs. There are also multiple other campgrounds all over the Boise National Forest.
If you are looking for more comfortable accommodations, you can book a hotel in the town of Cascade.
Molly's Hot Springs | Facts
Location: Boise National Forest • 28 miles northeast of Cascade • Idaho • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Primitive
Clothing: Optional
Amenities & Services: None
Hiking distance: 0.4 mile one-way trail
Road access: Any vehicle, except during winter
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 5,260 ft (1,603 m)
Water T° (source): 120°F (49°C)
Water T° (soaking pools): Varies
Chemical used: None
More Adventures
Directions to Molly's Hot Springs
From Highway ID-55 in Cascade,
- Turn east onto NF-22/Warm Lake Road and follow it for 23.7 miles to FR 427/Stolle Meadow Road, located between mileposts 56 and 57 (approximately 4.3 miles past the Trail Creek Hot Springs pullout)
- Turn right onto Stolle Meadow Road and follow it for 3.2 miles to a fork
- At the fork, turn right onto NF-474 and continue for 1 miles to the end of the road, where you'll find the pullout for Molly's Hot Springs Trailhead.
The road leading west has been closed to vehicles - walk this road for about 300 yards, cross the bridge, and then look for an overgrown trail on the right just past the bridge. Follow this trail north along the river for 0.1 mile to reach the hot springs.
GPS (Trailhead): N 44°38.003' W 115°41.582' | 44.63361, -115.69303
GPS (Hot Spring): N 44°38.007' W 115°41.768' | 44.63357, -115.69612