Sawtooth Lodge Hot Springs | Central Idaho

Sawtooth Lodge Hot Springs is a rustic resort in the small town of Grandjean, hidden in scenic Idaho mountains of the Sawtooth Wilderness. Despite of the remoteness, this site has enough amenities to make your stay comfortable.

Geothermal Bathing

Geothermal mineral water at 150°F comes from a source near the lodge. Then, it is pumped to the bathing area and mixed with cold water from the well. You have an option to pick one of soaking tubs or enjoy floating in a pool. The size of the pool is 21 by 13 feet and depth varies from 3 to 7 feet.

The temperature in the swimming pool is maintained at 100°F during the day hours and drops to 87°F - 90°F to the early morning since the generator is turned off overnight. So, it doesn't pump hot water until daybreak. Once the generator is on, the pool temperature reaches about 100°F again. Pools are open 24 hours.

Geothermal water is coming into the tubs at 130°F - 140°F and should be mixed with cold water.

Accommodations and Amenities

You can stay in one of 11 historic cabins, 2 yurts, camp at the meadow, or rent an RV space.

Electricity on the premises comes from the generator, and it is off from 10.30 pm to 6.30 am, so there are no lights at the resort at nights. Because of the high altitude, the air temperature at night can dropped drastically. So that additional warm clothes are needed to stay warm.

Sawtooth Lodge café serves meals throughout the day (not included in the accommodation price).

There are no cell services.

Sawtooth Lodge Hot Springs is open from early June till early October.

If you like soaking in a more primitive setting, visit Sacajawea Hot Springs nearby. It sits 0.5 miles before the Sawtooth Lodge along the bank of the South Fork of the Payette River. Besides bathing in the geothermal water, the area offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.

Sawtooth Lodge Hot Springs and Grandjean have a rich history dating back to the end of the 19th century.

Danish immigrant and early pioneer Emile Grandjean established a homestead in the area in the 1870s, later becoming the town of Grandjean.

The mining industry was booming in the 1900s, making Grandjean a transportation and commerce hub. Prosperity and scenic surrounding brought tourists to the town.

In 1922, Harriet Hansen, also known as Cougar "Babe" Hansen, purchased the house from Emile Grandjean. Harriet got the nickname for the remarkable hunting skills she used to eliminate multiple cougars in the area. She established the lodge in 1927 and ran it until 1938.

Sawtooth Lodge was sold to the Roden Family, who operated it from 1938 to 1953.

During World War II, the lodge became a base for the Civilian Conservation Corps, and in the 1960s, it became part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

In 2017 the resort changed ownership again. New owners are improving and renovating the retreat to welcome more guests and provide more adventures.

Location: 27 miles northeast of Lowman • Central Idaho • USA
Open: From early June till early October
Development: Soaking tubs, swimming pool, cafe, and store
Clothing: Mandatory
Accommodations: Cabins, yurts, RV and tent campground

Hiking distance: Short
Road access: Any vehicle
Day-use: Yes with fees
Managed by: Privately owned

Elevation: 5,064 ft (1,544 m)

Water T° (source): 150° F (66° C)
Water T° (pools): 130° F - 140° F (54° C - 60° C) at tubs, adjustable. 100° F - 101° F (37° C - 38° C) at the swimming pool
Odor: None