Salmon, ID
Goldbug Hot Springs
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…
North-central Idaho · Lowell, ID
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Check current ratesday-use admission
2soak styles
Lowelllocation
North-central Idahoregion
About these waters
Three natural pools sit along Warm Springs Creek in the Clearwater National Forest, a gentle 1.4-mile hike from the Warm Springs Park bridge trailhead on Highway 12. Fully recovered and reopened after the 2015 fires, this beloved day-use spot is free, open year-round, and patrolled after hours. Expect easy access but no facilities — pack out everything.
Amenities
✓hot springs pools
✓hiking trail
✓vault toilets
✓campground
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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Jerry Johnson Hot Springs: FAQs
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Jerry Johnson 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 Jerry Johnson 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 Jerry Johnson 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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