• 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 waters and stunning surrounding scenery.
Molly's Tubs are rarely visited due to their lesser-known status and remote location, far from the main road. Typically, GPS navigation doesn't provide accurate directions, so be sure to follow the instructions provided below.
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 140°F, flowing into the soaking tubs. A metal soaking tub receives water directly from the source. Since the water is extremely hot, be sure to check the temperature before dipping in, and if needed, add cold water from the river.
In the past, Molly had a row of tubs for soaking, but the Forest Service removed many of them. However, at the time of our visit, there were still two soaking tubs available.
Additionally, visitors often build small, primitive pools by the river. The number and size of these pools vary seasonally, as high water levels frequently wash them away. The South Fork Salmon River is also popular for steelhead and trout fishing.
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 undeveloped 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 & Services: None
Hiking distance: 200 feet steep one-way trail
Road access: Any vehicle, except during winter
Day-use fees: None
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
Chemical used: None
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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.