Lowman, ID
Kirkham Hot Springs
Dozens of steaming rock pools and small waterfalls cascade down a forested hillside into the South Fork Payette River in the Boise National Forest. Temperatures span…
Central Idaho mountains · Salmon, ID
Goldbug Hot Springs
Check current ratesday-use admission
1soak styles
Salmonlocation
Central Idaho mountainsregion
About these waters
A chain of six waterfall-fed rock pools strung along Warm Spring Creek in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, reached by a steep two-mile hike gaining 1,350 feet. The upper pools run hottest near 113°F, cooling as creek water blends in lower down. Remote, scenic, and one of Idaho's most photographed wild soaks; free on BLM land with no reservations needed.
Amenities
✓hot springs pools
✓hiking trail
✓waterfall
Good to know
- Listing researched October 2026 — prices and hours change, always confirm with the spring before visiting.
- Hydrate between soaks and limit hot soaks to 15–20 minutes — mineral water dehydrates fast.
- Wild springs run on the honor system: pack out everything, leave the pool cleaner than you found it.
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Goldbug Hot Springs: FAQs
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Goldbug Hot Springs?
No reservations — wild springs are first-come, first-served. Some trailheads require a parking pass or day-use fee, so check the listing details and current land-manager rules before you go.
What should I bring to Goldbug Hot Springs?
Swimwear and a towel, drinking water, a trash bag (pack out everything, including food scraps), and a headlamp if you're staying for sunset. Never bring glass near a wild spring — broken glass in a pool ruins it for everyone.
Is the water temperature reliable at Goldbug Hot Springs?
Wild spring temperatures shift with seasons, rainfall, and river levels — a pool that's perfect in October can be scalding or flooded in May. Test the water with a hand before getting in, and check recent trip reports for current conditions.
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