• Molly's Tubs Hot Springs is a secluded oasis on the bank of the South Fork Salmon River
Molly's Tubs Hot Springs is a secluded site located within the Boise National Forest, along the bank of the South Fork Salmon River. The springs are situated 28 miles northeast of Cascade, within the Warm Lake recreation area. Warm Lake is a serene alpine lake known for its clear water and beautiful mountain scenery.
Molly's Tubs are rarely visited due to their remote location and lesser-known status, far from the main road. GPS navigation is often unreliable in this area, so it is best to follow written directions.
The path to the springs is a short but steep 200-foot hike down from a pullout along Forest Road 474.
Molly's Tubs - Geothermal Water & Soaking
Hot mineral water emerges from the source at about 140°F (60°C) and flows into the soaking tubs. A metal soaking tub receives water directly from the source. Because the water is extremely hot, always check the temperature before entering. Cold river water can be added if needed.
In the past, Molly’s Tubs had several soaking tubs, but many were removed by the Forest Service. At the time of our visit, two soaking tubs were still available.
Visitors also build small pools along the river. These pools change with the seasons, as high water levels often wash them away.
Beyond Hot Springs: Other Adventures
The South Fork Salmon River is popular for steelhead and trout fishing. The surrounding Boise National Forest offers plenty 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. It's a popular spot for hiking and camping, with trails winding through the lush forest and around the lake. In winter, activities like snowshoeing and snowmobiling are common in the area.
This region is home to other hot springs, including the developed Gold Fork Hot Springs, as well as primitive Molly Hot Springs, and Trail Creek Hot Springs.
Molly's Tubs Camping & Lodging
Shoreline Campground is the closest developed camping spot, 3.4 miles from Molly's Tubs. 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 Tubs Hot Springs | Facts
Location: Boise National Forest • 28 miles northeast of Cascade • Idaho • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Primitive
Clothing: Optional
Amenities: None
Hiking distance: 200 feet steep one-way trail
Road access: Any vehicle, except during winter
Day-use fees: None
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service
Elevation: 5,100 ft (1,555 m)
Water T° (source): 140°F (60°C)
Water T° (soaking pools and tubs): Varies
Odor: Slight sulfur odor
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Directions to Molly's Tubs 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 1.5 miles to the end of the road, where you'll find the pullout for Molly's Tub Trailhead.