• 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 a beautiful river valley, about 28 miles northeast of the town of Cascade.
Locals named Molly's Hot Springs "the Duke" because it was a favorite soaking spot for actors John Wayne and Robert Mitchum.
The hot springs are situated on the opposite side of the river. You do not need to ford the river, as a bridge crosses the river nearby. The last part of the trail is steep and may be difficult for some visitors. Wearing sturdy shoes is recommended.
Molly's Hot Springs - Geothermal Water & Soaking
Hot mineral water of varying temperatures, up to 120°F (49°C), emerges from several spots on the hillside. The water flows downhill and is directed through pipes into seasonal pools.
The pools are shallow and have sandy bottoms. Over the years, visitors have improved the main pool using logs and pipes.
By diverting or combining water from hot and cool sources, visitors can control the pool temperatures. Clothing is optional at the springs.
Things to Do near Molly's Hot Springs
This region is home to other hot springs, including Molly's Tubs, located just 0.5 miles north. Another hot springs such as Trail Creek Hot Springs and Vulcan Hot Springs are also in the Warm Lake area.
Warm Lake provides a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming during the summer. The surrounding Boise National Forest is full of hiking and mountain biking trails and is a haven for wildlife watchers. The South Fork Salmon River is popular for steelhead and trout fishing.
In winter, you can enjoy snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the area.
Molly's Hot Springs Camping & Lodging
Shoreline Campground is the closest developed campground, located about 3 miles from Molly's Hot Springs. Many other campgrounds are spread throughout the Boise National Forest.
For more comfortable accommodations, hotels are available in the town of Cascade.
Molly's Hot Springs | Facts
Location: Boise National Forest • 28 miles northeast of Cascade • Idaho • USA
Best time: Late spring to early fall
Development: Primitive
Clothing: Optional
Amenities: None
Hiking distance: 0.4 mile one-way trail
Road access: Any vehicle, except during winter
Day-use fees: None
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service
Elevation: 5,260 ft (1,603 m)
Water T° (source): 120°F (49°C)
Water T° (soaking pool): Varies
Odor: Faint sulfur scent
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 - about 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 a pullout on the right side of the road and a trailhead on the left.
From the trailhead, follow a path to the river and hike about 300 yards to a bridge. Cross the bridge, then look for an overgrown trail on the right. Follow this trail along the river for approximately 0.1 mile to reach the hot springs.
GPS (Trailhead): N 44°38.003' W 115°41.582' | 44.6336, -115.693
GPS (Hot Spring): N 44°38.007' W 115°41.768' | 44.6336, -115.696