At 167°F, the source water at Barrons Hot Spring is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
Barrons Hot Spring reaches 167 degrees Fahrenheit in Camas County, making it one of Idaho's hottest thermal features. At 5,058 feet elevation near Fairfield, the spring runs a full 122 degrees above the average annual air temperature, an extraordinary thermal differential driven by deep-source geothermal energy. A short walk of 148 meters from the road reaches the source.
Steam billows from the spring year-round, visible from the road across the sagebrush flat. The surrounding terrain is high-desert steppe transitioning to mountain forest, with Big Smoky Creek cutting through the valley to the east. Annual snowfall averages over four feet, and winters are cold, with temperatures regularly dropping below zero. The water carries 337 milligrams per liter of dissolved solids, dominated by sodium at 110 parts per million, giving it a faintly alkaline, mineral taste.
History of Barrons Hot Spring
The extreme temperature reflects deep fault-controlled circulation through the Idaho Batholith, where groundwater descends several kilometers along fracture zones, absorbs geothermal heat, and returns to the surface along intersecting faults. The sodium-dominated, low-calcium chemistry is characteristic of prolonged granite contact. Camas County's thermal corridor hosts multiple high-temperature springs, all products of the same deep plumbing system active since the batholith cooled millions of years ago.
Water at 167 degrees Fahrenheit will cause severe burns instantly. Do not approach the source without extreme caution. The 148-meter walk from the road follows open terrain. Bowns Campground lies 35 miles away along Big Smoky Creek with 10 sites, no reservations. Fairfield offers basic services. Visit in summer or early fall when roads are clear and the short walk is manageable. This is a look-but-do-not-touch feature.
Is Barrons Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Barrons Hot Spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
21°Jan
25°Feb
33°Mar
41°Apr
52°May
62°Jun
73°Jul
71°Aug
60°Sep
45°Oct
32°Nov
20°Dec
Annual Precip: 16.3 inAnnual Snow: 52.6 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 20°F · Water 167°F · +147° contrast
JanuaryAir 21°F · Water 167°F · +146° contrast
FebruaryAir 25°F · Water 167°F · +142° contrast
December offers 53°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
156.2°F
(69.0°C)Measured May 03, 1989
Water ChemistrySampled 1989-05-03
The water at Barrons Hot Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 8.0) with 337 mg/L total dissolved solids.
Bowns Campground, located 25 miles east of Featherville and 18 miles north of Fairfield, is a developed campground composed of 10 units along Big Smoky Creek. Two of the camp sites are double family units. Camping, fishing, hiking, and picnicking are popular activities. Campground amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water (seasonally) and restrooms. Miller Creek Trail (#087) starts just south of the campground and is open to motorcycles.
What is the water temperature at Barrons Hot Spring?
Barrons Hot Spring has a water temperature of 167°F (75°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Barrons Hot Spring located?
Barrons Hot Spring is located in Camas County, Idaho at 5,058 feet elevation, near Fairfield. Coordinates: 43.2930°N, 114.9080°W.
How do I get to Barrons Hot Spring?
Barrons Hot Spring has Short Walk road access (486 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Barrons Hot Spring?
Yes, Bowns Campground is located nearby (21.7 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Barrons Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 8.0 (slightly alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 337 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Barrons Hot Spring?
The water at Barrons Hot Spring reaches 167°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Barrons Hot Spring crowded?
Barrons Hot Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Barrons Hot Spring?
Essentials for Barrons Hot Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.