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…
Central Idaho mountains · Lowman, ID
Bonneville Hot Springs
Day pass from $5day-use admission
2soak styles
Lowmanlocation
Central Idaho mountainsregion
About these waters
Developed wild pools beside a river in Boise National Forest, about 19 miles southeast of Lowman off Highway 21. Multiple soaking pools of varying temperatures line the water, and a cast-iron tub sits inside a small shack for privacy. A $5 day-use fee applies in season; the adjacent hosted campground runs May through September and closes the gate in winter.
Amenities
✓hot springs pools
✓soaking tub in shack
✓campground
✓day-use parking
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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Bonneville Hot Springs: FAQs
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Bonneville 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 Bonneville 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 Bonneville 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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