Tucked away in the scenic Boise National Forest, just 25 miles north of Crouch, Silver Creek Plunge Hot Springs Resort blends natural beauty with historic charm.

Originally established as a silver mine in the 1890s, the site was transformed into a natural geothermal spring when miners struck a source of geothermal mineral water. The original mine entrance remains visible at the edge of the soaking pool, with rock walls encased in cement and tile — a quiet reminder of the resort’s unique origin story.

Silver Creek Hot Springs Resort Experience

Geothermal mineral water emerges from the ground at temperatures ranging from 100°F to 104°F, depending on the season. It flows directly into a large 186,000-gallon swimming pool, where the temperature is maintained around 100°F for year-round.

With a generous flow rate of 540 gallons per minute, the pool is completely refreshed every six hours. This high turnover allows for excellent circulation and requires only minimal chlorination to keep the water clean and clear. After circulating through the pool, the warm mineral water continues its journey downhill to feed the primitive Silver Creek Hot Springs near the creek.

Swimwear is required, and the pool is open year-round — no reservations needed for day use.

Silver Creek Plunge Resort can be a fantastic base camp to discover central Idaho with hiking, fishing, nature viewing, and other adventures! During winter, it can also be a snowmobile and skiing paradise!

The area is rich with natural hot springs. While staying at the resort, you can take short scenic drives to explore the geothermal field of Boiling Springs, the terraced hillside pools of Rocky Canyon Hot Springs, and many other soaking spots in the Crouch, Lowman, and Stanley areas.

Rockhounding is rewarding along Silver Creek and other rivers in Boise National Forest. You can find sparkling flakes of muscovite mica and quartz with muscovite inclusions.