• Moondipper and Pine Burl Hot Springs are 1 of the 3 sets of soaking pools near Boiling Springs
• To get to this spot, you must take a moderate 4.7-mile out-and-back hike
Moondipper Hot Springs and Pine Burl Hot Springs sit on the Dash Creek near Middle Fork Payette River in the Boise National Forest.
These are 1 of the 3 sets of soaking pools within a hiking distance from Boiling Springs. To get to this spot, you must take a moderate 4.7 mile (7.6 km) out-and-back hike with a 420 ft elevation gain.
Moondipper Hot Springs and Pine Burl Hot Springs are middle-of-the-road springs tucked away between Little Dipper Hot Springs and Butterfly/Groundhog Hot Springs.
The best times to visit this place are from May to October. The trail is more passable, and the creek levels are low enough not to flood the pools.
Geothermal Water & Soaking
Geothermal mineral water comes from the source at 136° F (58° C) and then flows down the cliff face into volunteer-built pools.
Moondipper and Pine Burl Hot Springs are separate pools just 80 yards apart.
Moondipper is a large, sandy-bottom pool with a nice canyon view, perfect for groups of adventurers. On the other hand, Pine Burl is a smaller rock-and-mortar pool, ideal for a secluded soak alone or a romantic dip for two.
Pool temperatures range from 106° F to 110° F (41° C - 43° C) depending on the season.
Pine Burl has two pipes with valves delivering hot geothermal and cool spring water to the pool, so you can easily mix both for the best temperature. Once you are done soaking, leave the cold water running to prevent algae buildup.
If the Moondipper water is too hot, bucket creek water to cool it down.
Clothing is optional at both soaking pools.
Beyond Hot Springs: Other Adventures
Rockhounding is very productive on the Middle Fork Payette River, especially for quartz and agates. You can also try your luck at Dash Creek and other nearby spots.
Middle Fork of the Payette River is a fantastic fishing spot, particularly for trout.
You can also enjoy nature viewing, wildlife watching, camping at nearby campgrounds, and hiking at multiple trails of Boise National Forest.
Camping & Lodging
Boiling Springs Campground sits at the trailhead to the springs, 0.25 miles away from the Boiling Springs.
You can rent the cabin through recreation.gov.
The town of Crouch, 23 miles southwest of the campground, has more hotels and other accommodations.
Affordable short and long-term rentals in Crouch
Lowman sits 48 miles from the hot springs, right off Highway 17, and has even more lodging and vacation rentals.
Affordable short and long-term rentals in Lowman
Sourdough Lodge in Lowman is a cozy, rustic motel where you can book a cabin, enjoy breakfast, stockpile your favorite snacks and tasty beer at the convenience store, and head out to explore hot springs!
Alternatively, you can stay in Idaho City, 50 miles south, and pick one of the hotels and resorts there.
Hotels and Resorts in Idaho City
If you want to visit as many hot springs in this area as possible, book a room at Mountain Village Resort in Stanley. The resort is not only located in the land of hot springs but also has its own private springs.
Moondipper and Pine Burl Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 23 miles southwest • Central Idaho • USA
Open: Year-round, but the road is covered by snow during winter
Development: Undeveloped
Clothing: Optional
Amenities: None
Hiking distance: 2.35 miles
Road access: Any vehicle, except during winter
Day-use fees: No
Managed by: US Forest Service
Elevation: 4,200 ft (1,280 m)
Water T° (source): 136° F (58° C)
Water T° (pools): 106° F - 110° F (41° C - 43° C)
Odor None
More Adventures
Directions to Boiling Springs
From Crouch,
- Take S Middlefork Road for 3.2 miles
- Turn left onto Middlefork Road and follow it for 13.9 miles
- Turn left onto Forest Road 698/Middlefork Road and follow it for 5.4 miles.
Take a 2.35-mile one-way hike from the trailhead along the Middle Fork Payette River.
The path with steep and slippery sections follows the river's western edge. It is the safer option when the water level is high.
The Middle Fork Trail is more direct, but you must cross the river several times on your way. During the dry season, the river is usually only ankle-deep.
GPS (Trailhead): N 44°21.604' W 115°51.594' | 44.36018, -115.85986
GPS (Moondipper Hot Spring): N 44°22.962' W 115°50.442' | 44.3827,-115.8407
GPS (Pine Burl Hot Spring): N 44°22.968' W 115°50.490' | 44.3828,-115.8415