Photo by: Big Dubya
• Vulcan Hot Springs used to be Idaho’s largest wild geothermal pool before forest fires
Vulcan Hot Springs in Idaho is a wild hot spring in the beautiful Boise National Forest, about 32 miles from Cascade. It once used to be the largest natural hot springs pool in Idaho. Nowadays, the big water pool is gone, and the hot spring site is full of dirt and debris because of forest fires.
Vulcan Hot Springs - Geothermal Water & Soaking
Natural mineral water pours out of the hillside at Vulcan Hot Springs at 190°F (88°C) at the source. As the water flows down and cools off.
Before, it used to be a giant pool 30 feet across. Nowadays, it is full of dirt and debris. Sometimes, some visitors dig up a small soaking pool, but water temperatures vary, and we can't recommend soaking there.
Beyond Hot Springs: Other Adventures
The area around Vulcan Hot Springs is packed with things to do. If you’re an outdoor lover like me, you’ll never be bored.
Wildlife Watching: I’ve seen deer, birds, and chipmunks near the pool.
Fishing & Hiking: The South Fork Salmon River is a great fishing spot. The Boise National Forest is full of hiking trails.
Camping: There’s an unofficial camping area right by the trailhead just a mile south of Stolle Meadows.
Winter Sports: If you visit in winter, bring snowshoes! The road can be covered in snow.
Vulcan Hot Springs Camping & Lodging
You’ll find an unmarked camping area at the trailhead, but it’s all primitive with no bathrooms, no trash cans, just wide-open space.
The closest Forest Service campground is Warm Lake Campground about seven miles away.
If you want more comfortable accommodations, you can stay in Cascade.
Vulcan Hot Springs Idaho | Facts
Location: Boise National Forest • 32 miles northeast of Cascade • Idaho • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Primitive
Clothing: Optional
Amenities & Services: None
Hiking distance: 0.75 mile one-way trail
Road access: Any vehicle, except during winter
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 5,600 ft (1,707 m)
Water T° (source): 190°F (88°C)
Water T° (pool): Varies
Chemical used: None
More Adventures
Directions to Vulcan Hot Springs
From Cascade,
- Take Warm Lake Road (NF-22) east for about 30 miles
- Turn left onto Stolle Meadows Road (NF-474) and drive 7 miles to the camping area
- At the west edge of the camping area cross the log footbridge built by the Corps of Engineers
- Follow the path across two more log bridges
- Hike about 3/4 mile to the dam and the hot springs.
GPS (Hot Springs): N 44°34.080' W 115°41.700' | 44.56800, -115.69500