At 185°F, the source water at Boiling Springs 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.
Boiling Springs erupts at 185 degrees Fahrenheit right next to a reservable Forest Service cabin in the Boise National Forest, making it one of Idaho's most accessible high-temperature thermal features. USGS measurements confirm the source at 85 degrees Celsius. Soaking pools downstream cool the water to bathable temperatures, drawing visitors who combine a cabin stay with a genuine hot spring experience.
The spring surfaces at 4,020 feet elevation along the Middle Fork of the Payette River drainage in Valley County. Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir shade the area, and the river corridor creates a lush, narrow valley. Annual snowfall exceeds 142 inches, but the cabin and springs draw visitors year-round. Steam drifts from the source pool in cold weather, and mineral deposits color the rocks around the outflow. The air smells faintly of sulfur where the water first emerges.
History of Boiling Springs
Boiling Springs sits within the Idaho Batholith, where deep faults channel water to extreme depths before it returns superheated to the surface. Water chemistry shows high sodium at 74 mg/L with almost no calcium or magnesium, indicating prolonged contact with granitic rock at depth. The alkaline pH of 8.9 and low total dissolved solids of 260 mg/L point to a clean, deep reservoir rather than shallow volcanic heating.
Boiling Springs Cabin is reservable through Recreation.gov and sits just 300 feet from the springs. The cabin provides basic shelter but guests must bring water and supplies. The source water is dangerously hot at 185 degrees, so use only the cooled downstream soaking areas. Access roads may close in winter. Check with the Boise National Forest for current conditions.
Is Boiling Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Easy day trips
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Boiling Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and easy day trips.
Monthly Climate
27°Jan
30°Feb
36°Mar
41°Apr
50°May
61°Jun
71°Jul
71°Aug
61°Sep
46°Oct
33°Nov
25°Dec
Annual Precip: 34.0 inAnnual Snow: 142.4 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 25°F · Water 185°F · +160° contrast
JanuaryAir 27°F · Water 185°F · +158° contrast
FebruaryAir 30°F · Water 185°F · +155° contrast
December offers 46°F more contrast than August
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
185.0°F
(85.0°C)Measured Oct 16, 1979
Water ChemistrySampled 1979-06-05
The water at Boiling Springs is alkaline (pH 8.9) with 260 mg/L total dissolved solids.
Overview
The cabin area is open to the general public.Boiling Springs Cabin is a popular destination for those who enjoy soaking in mineral hot springs that are adjacent to the cabin. Other hot springs are within the vicinity as well. Guests who stay here also have a variety of other recreational activities to enjoy, such as fishing, hiking, and off-road motor vehicle riding. The cabin offers many conveniences, but guests should bring some supplies like water and equipment to ensure a comfort...
Boiling Springs has a water temperature of 185°F (85°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Boiling Springs located?
Boiling Springs is located in Valley County, Idaho at 4,020 feet elevation, near Cascade. Coordinates: 44.3640°N, 115.8560°W.
How do I get to Boiling Springs?
Boiling Springs has Roadside road access (276 ft from the road).
Is Boiling Springs free to visit?
Boiling Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Boiling Springs?
Yes, Boiling Springs Cabin is located nearby (0.1 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Boiling Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 8.9 (alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 260 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Boiling Springs?
The water at Boiling Springs reaches 185°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. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Boiling Springs crowded?
Boiling Springs is accessible from a paved road, making it easy to reach. Weekends and holidays may be busier — consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience.
What should I bring to Boiling Springs?
Essentials for Boiling Springs: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, 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.
Temperature
185°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp185°F (85°C)
Avg Air Temp46°F
Above Ambient+139°F
Perfect soaking weatherMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessRoadside
Distance to Road276 ft
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyUS Forest Service
DesignationNational Forest
UnitBoise National Forest
ManagerUS Forest Service
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use