• Sharkey Hot Springs sits in the middle of the sagebrush hill just 2 miles off of the highway
• Maintained hot springs ground features two concrete pools, sitting areas, restrooms, and a fire pit
Located on public land, Sharkey Hot Springs sits in the middle of the deserted hill just above Lemhi Valley, two miles off of Highway 28. The site is an exceptional destination to relax in mineral-rich water heated by geothermal activity while enjoying scenic surroundings with sagebrush and wildflowers with mountains on the background.
The concrete deck with built in two concrete tubs is fenced to keep out wild animals. Tubs can accommodate up to a dozen visitors. Hot mineral water flows out of the source beneath the ground at a temperature of about 112°F. Cooler water from another borehole is mixed with the hot and, finally, piped into the both tubs. The water in tubs stays around 103°F, making it perfect for enjoyable bathing.
Wildlife can often be spotted roaming around here including deer, elk, rabbits, bears, and even birds like bald eagles that spend their winters around these parts.
Managed by Bureau Land of Management (BLM), Sharkey offers some amenities including changing rooms vs vault restrooms, benches, picnic tables, a fire pit, and an interpretive kiosk. No camping is permitted at the site. Visitors can find plenty of nearby lodging and camping options along Highway 28. Also, there are no services on-site with the closest one 23 miles away. No dogs, glass, and soap are allowed.
A small fee for day-use or annual pass i required for visitors aged 16 and older. You van buy pass in the Salmon BLM office or buy is online through Recreation.gov.
Short History
Sharkey Hot Springs has been used as a source of healing by local native people Agaideka (Salmon Eaters) or the Lemhi Shoshone tribe who had lived here for over 16 thousand years.
The first European settlers arrived in 1867 and this site was once part of an old trading route used by early trappers. The hot springs was names after Frank Sharkey, a rancher who settled at the springs in the 1870s.
From the 1920s to the 1960s, the hot springs had been a popular bathing site with a swimming pool, changing rooms, and cabins. However, during some time, the site fell into disrepair and BLM got rid of all aging structures for safety reasons in 1973.
In 2002, Sharkey Hot Springs was rebuilt and open to the public.
Today, it serves as a popular destination for locals looking for a peaceful respite amidst nature's beauty just outside town limits while also drawing travelers who come here to seek out the healing properties of geothermal mineral water.
Sharkey Hot Spring | Facts
Location: 20 miles southeast of Salmon • Idaho • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Developed
Clothing: Required
Amenities: Hot tubs, vault toilets, benches, and a fire pit
Accommodations: No camping is permitted
Hiking distance: Short
Road access: High clearance 4WD vehicle is suggested, the dirt road can become impassible when wet
Day-use fees: Yes
Managed by: BLM
Elevation: 5,300 ft (1,615 m)
Water T° (source): 112° F (44° C)
Water T° (pools): 103ᵒ F (39ᵒ C)
Odor: Light salty (sodium chloride) odor
More Adventures
Directions to Sharkey Hot Spring
From Salmon,
- Follow ID-28 southeast for 15.7 miles to 17 Mile Road
- Turn left onto 17 Mile Road and follow it for 0.5 miles
- Turn right onto Back Road/Lemhi Road and drive 2 miles to Warm Springs Road
- Turn left onto NF-185/Warm Springs Road and after 1.1 miles bear left follow it for 0.8 miles
- On the fork keep straight for 300 feet to your destination.