Idaho Hot Springs Hopping

Ready for some hot springs hopping? Idaho is the place!

From hike-in hot springs to luxurious spa-like settings, Idaho has countless hot springs to explore. Before picking your perfect hot springs, here are a few things to consider.

• Do you enjoy hiking and exploring remote areas with fewer crowds?
• Or do you prefer the amenities and luxury of an established location?
• Maybe something in between?

Read on for three unique hot springs experiences to see which one fits your Idaho hot springs style. And for a truly amazing and extensive guide to Idaho hot springs, we highly recommend the Idaho hot springs guide from one of our favorite travel blogger/photography couples, the Mandagies!

For the adventurous…

If you are the adventurous type and want to hike into a hot spring, Idaho has several options to suit you. One of our favorites for a first time hike-in experience is Trail Creek on your way to McCall, Idaho.

Trail Creek hot springs is located off of Warm Lake Road, about an hour southeast of McCall, or just over two hours from Boise, on the way to Warm Lake. You will see a fairly large parking lot that fills up quickly in the afternoons. This is a great year-round hot springs option. We like to enjoy it in the winter months. A short but steep hike takes you down to several pools along Trail Creek. The pools vary in size and temperature. 

While there are many more hike-in hot springs to explore, this is a great introduction to one that is fairly easy to find and access. 

When visiting natural hot springs, remember that we want to keep enjoying these for years to come. So, be sure to respect others and your natural surroundings by packing out anything you brought with you! 

Seeking a luxurious hot springs experience? 

On the other end of the extreme is the luxurious The Springs in Idaho City. A perfect mix of nature and comfort in a stunning location. Just a short drive (under an hour) from downtown Boise, The Springs is both accessible yet feels like a get away from the city. 

Surrounded by pine trees, The Springs features a large soaking pool, a smaller hot tub (with hotter temps) and several private soaking tubs, all available by reservation only. Our favorite part… poolside drink service with beer and wine. This place books up months in advance, so be sure to book your spot before making the drive.

Want to spend a full day or an overnight in Idaho City? Read our blog post on what to do and where to eat in this fun old western town, alive with Idaho history. 

Seeking adventure and want to avoid the crowds but not interested in a hike? 

Gold Fork Hot Springs near McCall, Idaho, provides the feeling of getting away with the conveniences of amenities at an established hot spring. Changing rooms, restrooms and an onsite host that sells snacks and beverages. Bring your own food for a picnic and spend the entire day relaxing.

This hot spring is great for families – with pools of varying temps, a sandy bottomed soaking area that feels like being at the beach, and a giant chess board to keep kids entertained. We love to visit this hot spring on the way to/from a trip to McCall. The bumpy, washboard dirt road helps keep crowds to a minimum to preserve the natural beauty of this place.

There are countless more hot springs to explore in Idaho. While this list isn’t meant to be exhaustive, it’s a great way to start your Idaho hot spring adventures.