• Rocky Canyon Hot Springs is a series of cascading pools
• You must ford the river to get to the hot springs
Rocky Canyon Hot Springs is a series of primitive geothermal soaking pools on the Middle Fork of the Payette River in Boise National Forest. This spot is open year round, but you must ford the river to get here. It can be done safely in late summer or early fall.
Hot mineral water comes out of a source at 115° F - 120° F (46° C - 49° C), depending on the season. It emerges atop the hill and then flows toward the river.
Volunteers built 3 cascading rock-and-sand pools on the hill and several pools on the bank. Water flows as a multi-tier waterfall cascading into the pools like a shower.
Hillside pools are the hottest, especially during summer. As the spring water flows to the river, it cools down. So, you can try water in every pool to see which one is the most comfortable for soaking.
In July, the lowest hill pool was 105° F (41° C), while the top pools' temperatures were hotter.
River pools are much cooler. You can always mix in the river water to cool those down even more.
Swimsuits are recommended since the pools can be visible from the road.
Caution: You must ford the river to get to Rocky Canyon Hot Springs.
This can be challenging even in the summer since the river current is pretty strong. The safest time to do it is late summer or early fall. Fording is especially dangerous for kids and pets.
There are no amenities at the Rocky Canyon Hot Springs. Hardscrabble Campground is 1.5 miles away, and all other services are in Crouch, 13 miles away.
Beyond Hot Springs: Other Adventures
Rockhounding is very productive on the river bank and in the river, especially for quartz and agates.
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
Hardscrabble Campground is the closest camping spot, just 1.5 miles from the hot spring.
The nearest vacation rentals are in the small town of Crouch, 13 miles away.
Affordable short and long-term rentals in Crouch
Lowman sits 38 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, 40 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.
Rocky Canyon Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 13 miles northeast of Crouch • Central Idaho • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Undeveloped
Clothing: Recommended
Amenities: None
Hiking distance: Short, but you must ford the river
Road access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: No
Managed by: US Forest Service
Elevation: 3,390 ft (1,033 m)
Water T° (source): 115° F - 120° F (46° C - 49° C)
Water T° (pools): Varies
Odor None
More Adventures
Directions to Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
From Crouch,
- Take S Middlefork Road for 3.2 miles
- Turn left onto Middlefork Road and follow it for 9.4 miles.
You must ford the river to get to the springs.
GPS (parking): N 44°15.142' W 115°53.458' | 44.25237, -115.89097