Power Plant Recreation Area Hot Springs is a remote destination in rural Idaho surrounded by the Boise National Forest. The hot springs area is just a mile and a half away from the historic mining town of Atlanta and attracts tourists to enjoy the hot geothermal water with picturesque views at the Sawtooth Wilderness Area.

The hot springs are open year-round, but because the area lies deep in the forest at a higher elevation, the ideal time to visit is from late June through September.

Middle Fork Boise Road, the main access route, isn’t plowed in winter and is typically closed or impassable from November through May due to heavy snow, ice, and avalanche risk. Once winter sets in (usually by late October), Atlanta can only be reached by snowmobile, snowcat, or on skis or snowshoes—recommended only for experienced backcountry travelers.

👉 Know Before You Go:

There are no gas stations nearby—fill up before heading in.
Cell service is limited around Atlanta.
Emergency services are not available.

Power Plant Hot Springs Experience

One of many hot springs emerging along the Middle Fork of the Boise River, Power Plant Hot Springs is a collection of small pools adjacent to the riverbank.

Hot mineral water comes out of the ground at 115°F near the river and flows to primitive pools lined with the river boulders and rocks. Pools are generally 4 to 6 feet wide and 1 foot deep.

The temperature ranges from 100 to 110°F (depending on the weather), which is almost perfect for comfortable bathing. You can always mix hot water with cold river water to lower the temperature.

The trail from the recreation area and campground descends to the river and hot springs. Be aware that the hot spring is visible from the campground, so bathing suits are recommended.

Atlanta Hot Springs and Chattanooga Hot Springs are located nearby.

Beyond soaking, the Power Plant area offers outdoor adventures, surrounded by rugged peaks, clear rivers, and alpine forests.

You can explore the old mining town of Atlanta with mining relics, historic cabins, and a 1860s schoolhouse.

Trails like Graylock Mountain, Buck Creek, and Powerplant lead through pine forests and along the Middle Fork of the Boise River, full of scenic views. The river and nearby creeks are great for trout and whitefish fishing. While you are here, you can see wildlife like elk, deer, and eagles in the hills.

Mountain bikers and photographers will find endless inspiration in the dramatic Sawtooth landscape. Winter time is a snowmobiling and cross-country skiing paradise.

Power Plant Campground (managed by Boise National Forest) has 24 sites with fire rings, grills, picnic tables, a horseshoe pit, and a vault restroom. The camp is open from May to September on a first-come, first-served basis.

Riverside Campground sits right along the Middle Fork of the Boise River, about 2 miles away, and offers scenic views, picnic tables, fire pits, and fishing access. You can make reservations through Recreation.gov during the open season from mid-June to the end of September. Otherwise, sites are first-come, first-served.

Neither campground has running water or electrical hookups, so visitors should bring their own supplies.

Additional lodging can be found in Lowman or Idaho City, both are about 60 miles away.

Lodging near Power Plant Recreation Area Hot Springs